Villa Aesthesis: Santorini for the Senses

Greece Is | March 28th, 2016

The spectacular of Santorini's caldera unfolds for guests of Villa Aesthesis to savor.

© Julia Klimi

With views of the volcano and the blue Aegean, Villa Aesthesis awakens the senses of guests

When the architect Alexandros Kapsimalis designed Villa Aesthesis his intention was to awaken the senses, as the name of the establishment suggests.

He brought his vision to fruition by harnessing the sun rays that bathe the building and the sea that sides it, and by using more implicit means, such as light, or lack of, sound and texture.

“Besides the sun and sea, the senses are also awakened by light. A transition plays out from the subdued light conditions prevailing in the below-surface lower level to the fuller light of the first floor,”Kapsimalis says, who is also the owner of the traditional style building in Santorini in the heart of the Kato (Lower) Fira area.

The rooms have been designed to give guests the best possible view as if set in a picture frame.

© Julia Klimi

The villa employs tones of white with natural blue reflections to create a sense of harmony.

© Julia Klimi

Guests can fall asleep to the tranquil sounds of the private pool's water.

© Julia Klimi

The gentle sounds produced by the blue pool amid a cave-like setting, which are not released to the exterior, but, instead, contained indoors, combined with the smooth texture of the entire place – a result of the trowelled screed surfaces applied throughout the interior – function in a complementary fashion, offering guests a unique accommodation experience.

“This villa is cubist in form, colored white, and extends over two levels. We utilized the below-surface-level aspect characterizing the caldera settlements,” notes Kapsimalis. It offers double access, reminiscent of the old houses in the area, and may be accessed from separate cobbled paths (kalderimia).

“We have framed the view. Villa Aesthesis has a view of the sea, the volcano, a part of Fira, Oia, Akrotiri, and Thirassia.”

As the name suggests, the architect's intention was to awaken the senses of the guests.

© Julia Klimi

Besides its traditional aspects, the building also features modern elements, which, as the architect explained, are designed in proportion with its openings. “We have framed the view. Villa Aesthesis has a view of the sea, the volcano, a part of Fira, Oia, Akrotiri, and Thirassia.”

This centrally located white building, situated close to shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife spots, is designed to accommodate five persons. It features a terrace with a jacuzzi, an indoor pool, vaulted ceilings, smooth curves as well as distinct, yet discreet, corners, without excess, or too much sharpness.