Meet Kalia Konstantinidou, Owner of Istoria and Parīlio, Greece

You and Antonis had had previous careers before entering the world of hospitality. How did you both meet and how did the first project come about? 

We first met with my husband at a shipping event. Antonis was in the family shipping business at the time and I was working in PR for a think tank. On one of my husband’s countless trips to Santorini, he decided to buy a rustic vineyard as his family’s summer estate. He then had the bold idea of turning it into the first 5-star hotel of the island, the now renowned Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort.

How are the islands of Santorini and Paros different from each other? 

Santorini is our first and eternal love, while Paros is the island we used to spend our family vacation. Both islands boast exquisite natural beauty, rich culture, and gastronomy, and yet they are very unique and with a completely different vibe from each other. The volcanic landscape of Santorini on the one side is a major attraction because of its energy and mystery. A massive explosion that happened thousands of years ago at the Aegean sea, created the biggest Caldera in the world, now offering an amazingly beautiful scenery with breathtaking views – mostly famous for the sun-bleached houses hanging from the cliff, blue-domed churches, and legendary sunsets. On the other side, Paros is a place where unspoiled natural beauty and the slowed rhythms of Cycladic life prevail, the island embodies an authentic and organic Greek experience. The younger crowds come looking for a laidback holiday among its pristine sandy beaches and lively nightlife. Surfers come for its inviting waves, while families enjoy its many shallow, sheltered bays. Couples relish the picturesque villages and bougainvillea-lined alleyways. And nature lovers come to explore the island’s wildlife and stunning geological formations.

What is your approach to hospitality? 

Through our properties we aspire to offer our guests the Greek essence of distinctive hospitality, wishing them to fully disconnect and create their own story, while embracing the authentic Cycladic lifestyle and carefree state of mind. We hope that they will carry home with them cherished memories and stories they can share with the people they love.

What are you most proud of at the hotels? 

It is the calming ambiance we have been able to create so far in our hotels. We have been able to design an accommodation experience that seems to decelerate time. Every corner is imbued with a sense of intimacy, relaxation, and comfort, for a prevailing atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. As soon as one steps in, they can immediately enter a world of solace and serenity.

What is the most important element for you when thinking about a hotel? 

The islands’ singular aura, abundant nature, traditional architecture, indigenous culture, and the deep blue of the sea that meets a clear blue sky; all of these elements together inspire us and try to always incorporate them in our hotels.

Do you have an object from either Istoria or Parilo that has a special place in your heart? 

It is a replica of ‘The Fat Lady of Saliagos’ that is exposed at the lobby of Parīlio. The actual historical relic held in Paros’ archaeological museum is the oldest ever found in the area and is at the heart of our hotel’s symbolism. The ancient marble figurine has served as inspiration to the creation of our logo and identity. Symbolizing female beauty and power, and paying homage to the Aegean light and sea, the unassuming model personifies the key components that interlace to create Parīlio’s unique brand of Cycladic simplicity.

Who would be your dream guest? 

My dream guest would fully unwind, immerse into our collection of the most curated experiences and embrace the true essence of the Cycladic way of life.

How do you think this crisis will impact the way we travel? 

I believe we will travel more mindfully in the future, seeking for a true meaning in our voyage, wishing that in a way, it will play a transformative role in our existence. We will definitely spend more time in each destination, to fully immerse ourselves, while sustainability and the connection with the local communities will also play an important role to our travel choices.

What is your favourite hotel, restaurant and design address in the world? 

Le Sirenuse in Positano, Maido in Lima and Bocci in Berlin.