Noūs Santorini: A Holistic Approach to Hospitality and Heritage

YES! Hotels Group has been making waves on Greece’s hospitality scene for years with its dedication to boundary-pushing art and design. The group’s reputation was cemented with its debut property Semiramis, a playful retro-pop-infused property envisioned by Karim Rashid, which was followed by the NEW Hotel, a gesamtkunstwerk by the Campana brothers, and Periscope, a bold foray with contemporary Greek art at its heart. The group has now grown beyond its Athenian home with the unveiling of its newest property, and the first on an island: Noūs Santorini, nestled in the stunning region of Messaria.

At Noūs Santorini, an emphasis is placed on casual elegance, with defining features including a plenitude of space, perfectly balanced light, and an overwhelming sense of rejuvenation. Lush gardens, designed by Doxiadis, give way to nested bungalows that mimic the slope of the landscape and reflect the staggered structures that abound in traditional Cycladic architecture. Overseen by Divercity Architects in collaboration with MplusM Architects, the buildings feature simple, geometric lines, with both interiors and exteriors blending into the surrounding landscape. Window shutters are clad in willow, referencing the island’s many wineries, while the claustra in corridors find inspiration in the porosity of the land. And certain lighting fixtures are fashioned from volcanic stone, a direct nod to Santorini’s caldera and the isle of New Kameni—also known as the Santorini volcano. Moreover, the property’s defining color palette—saturated with natural red and grey earth tones—has been extracted from Vlychada, Ammoudi, and Kamari, three of Santorini’s most famous beaches. These hues and natural materials are accented by design pieces from modern icons, including Dosh & Levien, Konstantin Grcic, and Faye Toogood, as well as artworks by 15 young contemporary Greek artists and collectives curated by Nadia Argyropoulou.

An invitation to move away from speed and towards slowness extends into the property’s 121 guest rooms, suites, and bungalows. Many accommodations include private pools, terraces, and gardens, encouraging guests to linger longer, while all room categories embody the overarching ethos of spaciousness. Luxe materials like marble and soft wood are used in bathrooms alongside mosaic tiles, custom flooring, and bespoke vanities, while “burnt” timber accents and volcanic-stone wall sconces reconnect guests to the surrounding landscape. Traditional kouloura—a sui generis way of braiding vines that’s typical of the island—served as inspiration for a selection of rooms, all of which feature organic, locally produced bath amenities.

Surrounding outdoor common areas and the property’s main pool is an area known as The Oasis, which features a Nerium grove, palms, and local and exotic plantings—a landscape design that finds its inspiration in the ancient wall paintings of the nearby village of Akrotiri. These prehistoric frescoes depict rivers and subtropical landscapes, and in addition to The Oasis, such scenes are also brought to life in an array of xeric grasses and an herb garden. Also next to the pool is an all-day restaurant and bar serving casual fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests may additionally dine at Noūs Santorini’s signature restaurant and bar, where high-quality, organic, locally sourced ingredients are used to craft a menu focused on contemporary Greek cuisine and grilled fish. Unique wine tastings are held in the Oenous area of the restaurant and present an array of primarily local wineries. A Vitamin Bar located near the spa also offers healthy snacks and drinks.

The sprawling Noūs Spa is rooted in the principles Ef Zin—the Greek concept of well-being—and is defined by a holistic approach to self-care. Guests are invited to renew the balance between themselves and nature during organic Korres Spa Treatments and when relaxing in the indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, steam bath, cold tank, and lounge area. These features are complemented by an outdoor Jacuzzi, meditative fire pit, and yoga area, as well as an indoor beauty salon and fitness room. Tennis courts are also found onsite, as is a concept store featuring the best of Greek and international design and art.

Location
Noūs Santorini is situated in the center of the island, close to the airport, the sea, and numerous outdoor activities. The property itself rests on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by white-washed Cycladic architecture, typical of the Greek islands, while the Monolithos beach is less than a 10-minute drive away. Worthwhile day trips include visits to the Santorini caldera (a cauldron-like volcanic crater), the isle of Nea Kameni (better known as the Santorini volcano itself), and the naturally occurring hot springs in the bay of Agio Nikolaos, surrounding Nea Kameni and the even-smaller, uninhabited isle of Palea Kameni. The Santorini Airport is only a six-minute drive from the property.