Dezeen Magazine

Wellness centre opens at Santorini cliffside hotel

The Katikies Kirini resort, which overlooks the Greek island of Santorini's dramatic volcanic caldera, has opened a wellness centre as part of its on-site spa.

Stepping down the steep cliffs in the town of Oia, the whitewashed structures of Katikies Kirini were designed by Greek architect Savvas Psathas and are typical of the vernacular architecture found across the Cycladic Islands.

Exterior of A.SPA at Katikies Kirini
The new wellness centre is housed within Katikies Kirini's spa facility

The new Zoe wellness centre – Greece's first, according to the operators – was designed by Yula Vourli

Zoe, which is Greek for "life", is a bio-regenerative clinic that offers treatments and therapies informed by Swiss biological medicine, and was developed in collaboration with the European Wellness Group and Athens Beverly Hills Medical Group.

Cave-like white interior with pebble floors and pools
The spa's cave-like interior includes organically shaped walls and smooth pebble floors

"Guests can experience a unique synergy of cutting-edge biotechnologies, world-class expertise, and breathtaking surroundings in a powerful journey for body and soul," said the Katikies group.

The clinic forms an extension to the hotel's spa, which features a sauna, steam room, jet showers, and a variety of jetted and heated pools.

Woman floating in pool framed by white walls
A variety of jetted and heated pools within the spa are available to guests

Organically shaped walls frame these subterranean pools, while natural materials like bamboo and rattan are used as accents in lounge areas, and smooth pebble floors run throughout.

State-of-the-art treatment rooms are minimally designed and softly lit to promote tranquility in the clinical environments.

Restaurant overlooking infinity pool and caldera
The hotel's Therasia restaurant overlooks an infinity pool and out to the Aegean sea

Zoe is the latest addition to the ever-evolving Katikies Kirini, which last year introduced its signature restaurant Therasia – named after the small island that can be seen from the outdoor dining terrace.

Serving a contemporary take on traditional Greek cuisine developed by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini, the restaurant sources the majority of its ingredients and wines locally.

Seating is available indoors, within a cave-like space featuring metallic bubbles on the ceiling, as well as around the infinity pool that faces the Aegean sea.

The hotel's guest rooms are staggered down the cliffside, all with verandas and some boasting private plunge pools depending on the suite type. Their interiors are starkly white to match the architecture, though feature wooden flooring and furniture to add warmth.

Plunge pool with plants and caldera view
Several of the guest suites have private plunge pools with caldera views

Katikies Kirini first began welcoming guests in the late 2000s, and is one of several properties operated by the Katikies group on the island.

The most recent to open is Katikies Garden Santorini, which is housed within an ancient Catholic monastery in Fira, while the original Katikies Villa and Katikies hotel are a short walk towards Oia town centre from Kirini.

White buildings and swimming pool stepping down cliffs
The hotel's whitewashed buildings step down the island's steep cliffs

Santorini is one of the most visited Greek islands for its dramatic terrain, unique architecture and famed sunsets, which all make for photogenic vistas.

The wealth of accommodation options available includes several properties designed by Kapsimalis Architects, which has completed private villas, hotels and traditional cave house renovations across the island.

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