The traditional luxury houses ‘Vima Santorini’ are run by Martine and Sebastian, a Greek-German-Dutch couple who live between Amsterdam and Santorini.
Inspired by nature, the sea and the sun, they remodelled three 500-year-old houses and have been letting guests participate in village life and everyday life ever since. Sebastian grew up in the area around Vima and appreciates the fact that the village in the south of the island is not yet so crowded and that visitors and locals live well together.
With minimalist design and warm natural tones, the house has created a unique combination of Nordic clarity and the atmosphere of Santorini. An overnight stay in the organically shaped rooms is a soothing experience. Away from rectangular rooms, the soft, round shapes and the simple, calming interior create a harmonious balance with the surroundings. Instead of the traditional white and blue colour scheme, the island's colour palette has been adopted here: soft shades of pink, orange and blue reflect the light and moods of the Aegean.
One of the houses has a special history - the village's ‘delalis’ used to inform the residents from the terrace about news such as the arrival of the ferry or the fresh catch of the day. This history shapes Vima's vision: travellers should immerse themselves in a different way of life, gain new perspectives and be embedded in the timeless architecture.
Rooms + Rates
| Ganzes Haus | from295 € |
Sustainable
ArchitectureThe architecturally curved ceilings not only add an aesthetic touch to the interiors, but are also structurally extremely stable and provide additional space for insulating the roof. The use of local volcanic rock (tephra) as a light, dense and environmentally friendly insulation material contributes to the energy efficiency of the buildings and is readily available on the island. During the renovation process, great emphasis was placed on the expertise of local artisans. Their knowledge and techniques were integrated into the construction method. Most of the raw materials come from the island itself. Local carpenters were hired to make windows, while marble sculptures were made by local artists. The skills of regional artisans were also used for the leather details and ceramic tableware.
FoodThere is no food in Vima itself, but Sebastian's father has a small tavern specializing in vegetarian dishes and local fish. Greek hospitality reigns supreme here and you can choose your own fish in the kitchen.
Vima employs local staff who are closely connected to the village community. The housekeeper is given maximum flexibility in arranging her working hours so that she can take her children to and from school. This not only promotes work-life balance, but also strengthens the bond with the community. The employee's family is also welcome to use the hotel's facilities when there are no guests, creating a sense of belonging and sharing. In addition, the building and construction team was also recruited from the region, promoting local jobs and supporting traditional craftsmanship. This close collaboration with the village community helps to create an authentic and welcoming ambience in the houses.
EnvironmentSince 2024, the Vima has generated around 75% of its own electricity requirements, including air conditioning and pool heating. Intelligent systems with window and temperature sensors minimise the use of electrical appliances such as air conditioning and heating. Guests are encouraged to participate in the local recycling programme, and from 2025, each house will provide a small desalination plant to provide drinking water without plastic bottles. No strong chemicals are used for cleaning.
The estate comprises around 7,000 square metres of agricultural land, which is farmed without chemical fertilisers or machinery. Four bee colonies contribute to biodiversity, primarily by serving as pollinators. Guests are welcome to experience beekeeping or the cultivation of vegetables on volcanic soil.
The accommodation is not located on the estate - this is a separate project, but can be visited by guests!
Characteristics
- 500-year-old traditional houses at the highest point of the village
- In Emporio, a village on the beautiful island of Santorini, a little away from mass tourism
- Great views over the island and out to sea
- Organic shapes without corners and edges
- Minimalist, high-quality design
- Local food in the host's father's taverna nearby
Features
- 3 houses for up to 4 people each
- All houses have a separate entrance, patio and 2 bedrooms each
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Beautifully landscaped courtyard
- Vima Suites: Indoor pool built into the rocks
- Vima Villa: Heated jacuzzi with sea view
- Vima Home: Spacious patio with bougainvillea and sea view
- Roof terrace
Rooms + Rates
| Ganzes Haus | from295 € |
Location + Directions
By car
From the port on Santorini it is about a 20-minute drive to the accommodation (8 km). From the airport it is also about a 20-minute drive (11 km). The exact address can be found on the website.
By public transport
There is a bus stop just 5 minutes from the house. Public transport on the island is good, relatively cheap and it is possible to explore the island with it.
Meet the family
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