Istoria Hotel, Santorini

Istoria comprises just 12 suites, with each one named after the word for 'story' in several languages – Tarina (Finnish) and Recit (French) are just a couple. Six have been converted from Christina Tassou's former stables.

Inside, every suite's layout is distinctively different but each one has elegant curved archways and ceilings, while the walls are coated in blush-coloured plaster that really embodies the resort's island location. The furnishings and linens are similarly muted, adding splashes of chocolate-brown, clay and beige to your room, while the bathrooms are stocked with toiletries by Greek brand Korres. Every suite is also accompanied by an outside space; depending on which room type you pick, you'll have a balcony or courtyard, some which also feature a plunge pool or hot-tub. Some rooms also have beautiful sea views.

Istoria's one restaurant, Mr. E, is led by celebrated Greek chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. The restaurant itself is named after owner Antonis Eliopoulos and like the resort's overall modern outlook, Alexandros Tsiotinis' inventiveness shines through in a menu filled with reimagined Greek gastronomy – think traditional taverna food with a contemporary twist.

Breakfast is a fresh mix of salads, yoghurts, porridge and eggs, washed down with coffee, smoothies and fresh fruit juices. Afternoon snacks you can get poolside or on the beach include mouth-watering soft-shell crab souvlaki and duck gyros, while bar snacks come in the form of halloumi croquettes, smoked aubergine salad and more. For dinner, several Greek classics are taken to a new level, such as seabass fillet, froutalia (Greek omelette) and Santorinian salad. Nearly all the dishes feature fruit, vegetables and herbs from Santorini or a nearby Greek island, like chloro cheese, avocados from Crete and artichokes from Tinos.

You won't be able to resist the black slate beauty of Istoria's stunning infinity pool – at 30m long, it's Santorini's largest pool. Beyond, the resort has direct access to the black sands of Perivolos Beach. There, you can relax on a lounger with a good book, go for a stroll or channel your inner Christina Tassou and saddle up for a charming horse ride along the coast. If the azure waters of the Aegean Sea are tempting you, Istoria's comprehensive water sports centre will have you covered with everything from windsurfing to water-skiing and canoeing. The nearby Mediterranean Dive Club in Perissa means you can explore underwater caves, lava formations and drop-offs in the waters surrounding Santorini.

Santorini really is an island that begs to be explored, however. There's a wealth of hiking trails which web its volcanic landscape and encapsulate some of its tiny remote villages, chapels, churches and ancient ruins. Some walks take you to clifftop villages like Imerovigli, Skara and Pyrgos – the sunsets from these are utterly spectacular. Santorini's picturesque villages are easily explored without needing to lace up your walking boots, too. The island's capital, Fira, is a beguiling warren of shops, restaurants and cafés and ancient Thera marks the ruins of a city first settled by the Dorians in the 9th century. You'll probably recognise the sugar-cube buildings of pretty Oia from the likes of Instagram and its stylish whitewashed streets are dreamier in real life than what you've seen on social media. The option of professional photography tours mean you can capture the island like an expert.

Istoria also offers you the chance to wander further than Santorini's shores. A catamaran cruise can take you to the hot springs of Palea Kameni, or hop on your own private yacht to explore the Cycladic islands of Ios and Koufonisia. For something truly special, see Santorini's iconic sunset and epic caldera views from up high in a helicopter.

Tucked away from the rest of the resort, Elios Spa is an intimate cocoon featuring just two treatment rooms. Elios means 'sun' in Greek and the spa's philosophy channels the sun-kissed nature of the Cycladic islands, with its menu of wraps, facials, massages and other treatments revolving around an organic array of herbs and ingredients from the Greek islands and wider Mediterranean.

Yoga sessions also take place twice a week at sunrise, looking out over the cerulean waters over the Aegean Sea.