12 years ago, Stefanos Tsipas (Greek) and Michele Kavanaugh (Australian) stood on the summit of the tallest hill in Santorini, surrounded by the raw beauty of Pyrgos' Natura 2000 protected area.
"It was January 2014. We drove up very high to the top of the mountain," Michele recalls. "There was this piece of land sitting in front of it with a magnificent view that took our breath away."
"As soon as I saw it with Stefanos I looked at him and said, 'this is it'."
That moment sparked the birth of 'Santorini Heights', a luxury eco-retreat perched on the island’s highest point at 550 meters. Over the past nine years, this haven has had consistent perfect scores on Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Google.
An ecological vision beyond the norm
Back in 2014, tourism on Santorini was largely concentrated around the iconic Caldera with villas painted in quintessential blue and white.
“We went against the flow and decided to do something against the norm,” Stefanos explains. The couple's decision to build 'Santorini Heights' in Pyrgos, a serene, less-traveled village, meant they could create something of historical and environmental value.
As an environmental ecologist with an MBA in Waste Minimisation and International Business, Stefanos infused his deep respect for nature into every aspect of the design.
“We built almost all of Santorini Heights with the same stones we excavated,” Stefanos says. “And we planted indigenous plants that survive solely on natural rainfall.”
The retreat also runs on solar energy, uses solar pumps, and reflects the Cycladic landscape with unassuming exteriors. “The luxury is on the inside,” Stefanos adds. “On the outside, it's a Cycladic island.”
Each suite, accommodating up to three guests (four in the Summit Villa), is thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan. Guests enjoy private heated pools, sea view balconies, and fully equipped kitchens. The amenities are extensive, featuring king-size & emperor-size beds, unique pillow menus, luxurious toiletries, and smart TVs. The focus on comfort and luxury is evident in every detail, from bathrobes to beach towels, ensuring a home-away-from-home experience.
In-house chef Vangelis tailors breakfast. “We have local wines, fine dining, and anything you want prepared fresh in your suite or on your verandah,” Stefanos explains. “Massages, yoga, pilates. All facilities are in-house even though we’re only five villas.”
“It’s very private, and I think that’s why people prefer coming to us,” Michele adds.
Aside from the nearby monastery, which is protected under heritage legislation, the site itself is of historical and ecological value.
Stefanos and Michele continue the wine traditions of Santorini. In the last two years, 'Santorini Heights'' vineyard produces 200 Assyrtiko bottles a year, an iconic Santorini grape variety, on the property, gifted to guests as tokens of gratitude.
“Santorini is known for its wine and vineyards, so we wanted to contribute to that tradition,” Stefanos says.
A union of two cultures
Michele, who grew up in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, says she fell in love with Greece at first sight. “The Mediterranean aesthetic is built into me naturally,” she laughs.
Stefanos, Greek in his background and education, brought the cultural sensibility.
“We’ve been a union of two cultures,” Michele affirms. “Stefanos brings the Greek identity, and I bring the eye for aesthetics and the fine details.”
Despite the accolades and guest praise, the couple remains grounded.
“We wish we could do more in terms of the environment,” Michele reflects. “But we represent a lot of Greeks who are looking forward to sustainability.”
A Soulful Sanctuary
Standing atop the hill, guests can gaze across Santorini, past the shimmering sea, all the way to Crete. The sunsets are transcendent.
"Every year it's the same; guests always tell us that the reality is much better than the photographs," Michele says.
"It really is one of the spots that just hits the soul and hits the button to unwind."
"'Santorini Heights' is a piece of magic that enriches our lives".
Explore the dream of 'Santorini Heights' on their website or follow them on Instagram at @santoriniheights.
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