There are hotels one simply visits, and others one never wishes to leave. Calilo belongs to the latter category. Tucked away in a wild cove on the island of Ios, nestled between Santorini and Mykonos, this Greek five-star property feels like a waking dream, living up to its motto, « Create a life you can fall in love with ».
Heart-shaped pools carved into the rock, swings suspended above the water, surreal mosaics and colourful sculptures: Calilo cultivates a unique aesthetic, somewhere between Gaudí and land art. La Revue des Hôtels takes you to one of the most spectacular destinations in the Mediterranean.
A Wild Haven on Papas Beach
Calilo is nestled on Papas Beach, a pristine cove of golden sand bordered by sandstone cliffs and impossibly turquoise water. The hotel is surrounded by nearly a thousand hectares of protected land, ensuring complete privacy, far from the hustle and bustle of its more publicised neighbours. Perched on a hillside, the establishment blends seamlessly with the landscape, embracing its contours without ever spoiling them.
Surreal Architecture, Between Gaudí and Land Art
This is the venue’s defining signature. The entire Calilo property was built using stone quarried on site, planted with thousands of trees, and dotted with artworks that play on colour, material, and words. White floor mosaics, organic sculptures, floral swings above the pools: every nook feels like an installation, designed to evoke emotion as much as visual delight. One strolls not so much through a hotel, but through a habitable work of art.
36 Suites and Pools Like Nowhere Else
Calilo boasts just thirty-six suites, ranging from one to three bedrooms, all distinct, adorned with marble, and opening out onto the Aegean Sea. Many feature their own private pool, a swim-up bar, and direct beach access. For communal swimming, the hotel makes a striking statement: a fifty-metre infinity pool facing the open sea, and, notably, spectacular rock-hewn basins, including two heart-shaped pools, suspended above the bay. A truly unique aquatic playground.
Wellness and the Mediterranean Art of Living
At Calilo, luxury harmonises with rejuvenation. The spa offers signature rituals, from sunrise treatments to couples’ massages on full moon evenings. It also features a gym, a padel court, sea-facing yoga classes, and a range of tailor-made experiences: private boat excursions, wine tastings, hikes along the island’s trails, or helicopter arrivals for those in a hurry.
A Culinary Journey Towards the Mediterranean
Calilo’s cuisine draws from the finest of the Mediterranean diet, with a strong belief that a healthy body nourishes a healthy mind. A significant portion of the produce comes from the property’s organic kitchen garden, from herbs to sun-drenched vegetables, complemented by an excellent Greek wine list. Diners enjoy meals with their feet almost in the water, within spaces designed like cinematic sets.
How to Stay at Calilo
The island of Ios can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Santorini, or Mykonos, or directly by helicopter. The best period extends from May to October, when the Cyclades reveal their most beautiful light. Prices start from around one thousand euros per night, a rate that quickly rises for the larger suites with private pools. A rare address, to be booked well in advance, confirming Greece’s emergence as one of luxury’s most creative destinations, mirroring the finest restaurants and hotels we feature in our world hotel news.
Book your stay: rates and availability are listed directly on the official Calilo website.
Calilo · useful information
- Address: Calilo, Papas Beach, Ios 840 01, Cyclades, Greece
- Phone: +30 22864 40740
- Official website: calilo.com
- Suites: 36, from one to three bedrooms
- Season: May to October
- Rates: from around €1,000 per night
- Getting there: ferry from Piraeus, Santorini or Mykonos, or helicopter
