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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.