Istoria Hotel, Santorini, Greece, Mediterranean

Travel has long been an inspiring source of storytelling, with holidays providing a memory bank of anecdotes. The Istoria Hotel (which is Greek for story) on the volcanic island of Santorini has its own fascinating tale to tell. It began life as a mansion and stables for legendary Greek socialite Christina Tassou, whose father was a horsekeeper for Greek royalty. A night at a palace ball led to Christina catching the eye of the King of Jordan and her disapproving father's drastic response was to send her to live in Istanbul. The king travelled across Europe in pursuit of her affection to no avail and it was here, in Santorini, where Christina finally settled.

She later moved to Italy and the Istoria mansion was left vacant for a number of years, before husband-and-wife hoteliers Antonis and Kalia Eliopoulos stepped in. Drawn in by Christina's colourful life, they were also wowed by an unseen corner of Santorini. Overlooking the charcoal-black Perivolos Beach on the south-eastern coast, Istoria is about as far away as you can get (both in location and appearance) from the classic whitewashed villages Santorini is known for – but it's no less magical. Instead, Cycladic minimalism runs gloriously throughout the resort, its design careful not to detract from the glittering Aegean Sea views and soot-hued sands inherited from the island's volcanic nature. Elements of black can be found throughout the resort in its pillows, umbrellas and the stone used to construct the main swimming pool – the largest one in Santorini.

Christina's spirit has also survived in the equine references littered around the resort, from the leather bridles and stone water troughs to the vaulted ceilings of the former stables. You can even follow in her hoof-steps with horse rides on the beach, an experience complemented by a plethora of thrilling water sports. Away from the limelight of postcard villages like Oia and Fira, Istoria is nestled in one of the island's quietest corners – no wonder Christina loved it here so much. But that is just one reason why it's such an exciting chapter in Santorini's story. Now, you can write your own.