Vora Villas

A sharp channel of grey volcanic rock leads you down from the entrance, angling you from wall to wall as the caldera opens below. Villas Alpha, Omikron and Ro, each carved into or built against the cliff, each angled differently to the sunset. The palette is deliberate: black volcanic rock and charred wood against white lime-washed curves; gunmetal and burned finishes against pale linen and light stone. A freestanding black Vasaltis marble bathtub sits beside the bed in each villa. The vaulted cave ceilings pull you deeper into the cool darkness at the back while the terrace edge pushes you out into the full heat and light of the Aegean. Both feel necessary. Both feel right.

Each villa has its own outdoor heated infinity spa tub jutting from the cliff above the caldera. Sophia and Eva run the place with the kind of quiet attentiveness that registers before you can name it. The on-call chef cooks from fresh island produce and brings it to your terrace. You will not hear the other guests.

Our Take: Run with the precision of a hotel and the soul of something far more personal. Vora is one of the most considered pieces of architecture on the island.