Santorini's Perivolas Hotel by Costis Psychas

[all photos via archilovers]

Living halfway around the world leaves me feeling nostalgic for quintessential New England summers: lobster rolls, lighthouses, Nantucket red. Hummus and high-rises don't quite measure up, but I am discovering the upsides to a Mediterranean summer. For one, my toes no longer go numb when I step into the ocean, and destinations like Santorini are almost as easy to reach as Martha's Vineyard.

Greece has always been high on my list of dream vacations, and now that the economic hullabaloo seems to have quieted down, I'm hoping to spend a few days in Santorini with the hubs come September. Not that I'm lacking for fabulous sea views in Tel Aviv, but there's a serenity that only a vacation can provide, and Santorini's Perivolas Hotel by architect Costis Psychas has it in spades.

Built in the island's signature Cycladic style of organic forms and smooth white surfaces, the Perivolas' clifftop location overlooks the Aegean Sea and is a short walk from the village of Oia. Originally designed as a family home, each house on the property is different. Interiors were designed by Irene and Nadia Psychas, who made use of sculpted stone walls to naturally cool the breezy rooms. Vaulted ceilings are pierced by skylights, and niches, archways and alcoves for beds are scooped out of the whitewashed walls.

I haven't checked the room rates yet, but why ruin the dream? You can do so yourself, if you like, here.