Page 62 - EMPIRIA 2025

THE ART OF ELEVATED HOSPITALITY I SANTORINI

Geometry of light and shadow.

Cycladic architecture at its finest.

THE SKY OVER Santorini stretches wide and endless, spans a generous 120 square meters, with a spacious living
a deep Cycladic blue that swallows the sun whole and area and an interconnecting option for larger groups. The
scatters its light in warm, shifting patterns over the land. Grecian Villa offers three bedrooms across 130 square
At Vedema, the world moves at a different rhythm—one meters, blending authentic charm with modern comforts.
dictated by the vibrant embrace of bougainvillea in the The resort itself unfolds like a village within a village.
sun, the echo of footsteps on worn stone paths, and the Two central pools invite moments of relaxation under
slow, deliberate pour of a glass of wine from a vineyard the sun, while an open-air jacuzzi offers a space to let
that has seen centuries come and go. time slip away. Guests can indulge in an array of fresh
Nestled within the medieval village of Megalochori, Vedema beverages and snacks poolside, or find solace within
is more than a retreat—it is a passage through time. The the resort’s lush courtyards and shaded terraces. And
village whispers stories of merchant ships and pirates, just beyond, a world of immersive experiences awaits.
of cellars stacked with aging barrels and hands stained Families can embark on horseback rides through the
with the ink of the local grape. Whitewashed walls curve charming paths of Megalochori, explore the village’s
against the sun, blue domes rise like brushstrokes against winding alleyways, or take part in a hands-on cooking
the sky, and the vines—woven into low, circular wreaths to lesson with the resort’s chef, mastering traditional Greek
shield them from the island’s winds in the age-old kouloura recipes passed down through generations. Here, every
style—dot the landscape in quiet reverence to tradition. moment is an opportunity to connect, discover, and create
It began as a vision—a 400-year-old winery, lovingly lasting memories together. The sun descends, casting
reimagined. Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, has its amber light over the traditional village of Megalochori,
evolved into an authentic village retreat, a testament illuminating whitewashed walls and the iconic blue dome
to Empiria Group’s dream of elevating the Santorini that stands gracefully against the evening sky. Time
experience without stripping it of its soul. Every stone, slows, and the island’s quiet beauty takes center stage.
every archway, every courtyard carries the weight of A sip of a Greek aperitivo, a plate of something fresh, and
that intention. the scent of salt and stone linger in the air. Here, time
Here, hospitality is an art of subtlety. The spacious suites isn’t measured by the clock, but by the shifting light, the
and villas, carved into the fabric of the island itself, laughter echoing from a nearby terrace, and the unhurried
embody the warmth and sophistication befitting the pace of traditional island living.
Framed by sunlit island of Santorini—spaces meant to be lived in, not just Some places are built to impress; others to endure. Vedema
doors, a tranquil
retreat unfolds— admired. Soft linen drapes lazily over sun-warmed beds, belongs to the latter. It does not demand attention but
warm wood, soft hand-crafted furnishings nod to the island’s heritage, and earns it. It does not chase trends but honors what has
shadows, and private pools shimmer, overlooking the emerald vineyards always been. And for those who come seeking more
the rustic charm
of Santorini’s that stretch toward the horizon. than just another destination, it offers something rare:
countryside. The newly unveiled Corinthian and Grecian villas stretch a place where the global traveler embarks on a journey
Across the way, further into this vision—offering more space, more quiet, into history, traditions and customs of the islanders and
a hidden chapel
nestles into the more of Santorini’s unspoken magic. The Corinthian Villa discovers the unspoiled side of Santorini. •
carved cliffs, a
quiet testament
to the island’s
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