With ‘isolation vacations’ booming, holidaymakers can now rent the luxurious Istoria hotel in Santorini and have it all to themselves. Rose Dykins reports
As travellers get used to social distanced holidays, the popular Greek island of Santorini presents a challenge. Its maze of white-walled boutique hotels – each with a handful of rooms – makes it difficult to find somewhere secluded to stay. So, to meet travellers’ demands for more privacy after Covid-19, the five-star Istoria hotel can now be hired exclusively.
For the sum of €80,000 per week, a single group can rent the entire 12-suite hotel and have the former stately home all to themselves.
Set along the black sands of Perivolos beach – to the south of Santorini – Istoria’s name comes from the Greek word for “story.” A member of Design Hotels, Istoria first opened in 2018, when it was repurposed out of the ruins of an abandoned mansion, including its five horse stables.
Rustic terracotta, wood and concrete textures are juxtaposed with fresh, modern furnishings. The building’s traditional Cycladic design – with white-washed walls and smooth-edge corners – creates a minimalist aesthetic that feels current yet historical.
Seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and freshly caught seafood are served to guests al fresco, with canopies billowing above the wooden tables, and black sand underfoot.
Mar del Cabo has 46 one- and two-bedroom suites and two penthouses with in-suite kitchenettes, terraces with sitting area and separate living areas with sofas.
At the same time, in the Himalays, Shakti 360 Leti (available from October to April each year) can be taken exclusively (based on eight people) for seven nights from US$76,216.
This includes private accommodation in four private guest pavilions on a fully inclusive basis all activities, accompanying English speaking guide, private chef, support guide and porters, a car and taxes, as well as return transfers between Kathgodam station/Pantnagar airport, village houses and Leti.
The Six Senses Zil Pasyon hotel on Felicité Island in the Seychelles can be booked exclusively for a week via Turquoise Holidays from €330,000 for up to 20 guests.
This includes espoke full-board dining, total privacy, full access to the island and resort facilities, and a host of experiences available once per week such as blue water fishing, guided snorkelling, sustainable marine educational evenings, and a sunset tasting of Billecarte Salmon champagne and Provence Rosé with the team.