Santo Collection has begun to welcomes guests to the beauty of the Greek Islands with the seasonal openings of its properties on Santorini: Santo Pure and The Villas by Santo Collection on Sunday, April 20th, and Santo Mine on Thursday, May 1st. This season, Santo Collection also brings a new Executive Chef to elevate dining across each property – with a new menu at Ālme and Alios Ilios, the signature restaurants of Santo Mine and Santo Pure, respectively, as well as new private culinary experiences for guests to enjoy in the comfort of their villas.
Located just a 5-minute walk to Santorini’s popular village of Oia, each luxurious Santo Collection property invites guests to relax and enjoy the local culture and culinary inspirations of Santorini at their own pace and preference.
Santo Collection proudly welcomes Executive Chef Giorgos Kostis, a culinary virtuoso whose distinguished career spans some of Europe’s finest kitchens. Most notably, he earned a Michelin Star in 2014 as Head Chef of the acclaimed restaurant ‘5’ in Stuttgart, Germany, a testament to his remarkable talent for crafting unforgettable flavors. Now back in Greece, where his hospitality journey first began, Kostis draws inspiration from the country’s rich culinary traditions and diverse regional ingredients to craft unforgettable dining experiences.
The Chef’s new menu at Ālme is true to his vision of refinement and mission to create “a fine Greek-inspired culinary experience.” Named for the Greek word for “brine,” Ālme captures the soul of Santorini by offering an immersive journey with dishes that unfold like a carefully told story. The new menu features exquisite meat and seafood for mains including The Rooster Patido with garden herbs, truffle and salsify; Cretan Lamb loin with gruyere cheese and coffee; and Red Mullet Savoro with rosemary, garlic, and aged vinegar. There is also a choice of two nine-course Tasting Menus – one protein-driven, and the other vegetarian with dishes such as Tomato with elderflower, tartar assortments, and “chlorotiri” cheese; and Our Garden’s Vegetable Tart with tomato and “xigalo” cheese sorbet. Breads and starters further celebrate the spirit of Greece, as do sweet finishes from Apricot and Bergamot with vanilla and wild fennel, to Cycladic Thyme Honey with choco parfait, tahini, and florentine.
At Santo Pure, Chef Giorgos Kostis embraces the essence of the Mediterranean at Alios Ilios, curating a vibrant tapestry of flavors rooted in the region’s rich culinary heritage. His new menu is a harmonious blend of locally sourced ingredients, modern techniques, and elegant presentation – offering guests an elevated yet approachable dining experience. Highlights include To Share selections such as Street Food with Style pork croquettes infused with “gyros” spices, paired with paprika-herb sauce and pickled onion salad. From the Pasta & Risotti offerings, the Summer Fregola stands out, featuring seasonal vegetables, fresh garden herbs, Northern Greek chili, and “goniani” cheese. For the Main Courses, notable dishes include the refined “Bourdeto of Sole,” poached Dover sole served with a rich tomato and paprika butter sauce, smocked shallot cream, garlic-and-almond cream, and confit potatoes. Additionally, the menu features indulgent desserts such as the Argos Orange Pie, complemented by a silky “Mastiha” cream sourced from the island of Chios and a scoop of “kaimaki” ice cream.
Chef Kostis’ debut season on Santorini brings a variety of immersive culinary experiences beyond the restaurant. At all three Santo Collection properties, guests can begin their day with an indulgent floating breakfast served in the privacy of their suite’s pool or jacuzzi. At Santo Mine, a “Private Tasting in the Wine Cellar” invites guests to explore Santorini’s volcanic terroir through a curated selection of five wines, either from Santorini or other regions of Greece, paired with Greek cheeses or iconic mezedes. Santorini’s crisp, mineral-driven wines are true expressions of the island’s volcanic terroir, their vibrant acidity adding a refreshing edge that perfectly balances their complex character. At The Villas, guests can pre-order groceries from local suppliers to cook at their leisure or enjoy a private dining experience with a personal chef, complete with candlelight, native flowers, champagne, and dedicated service, in the villa’s elegant dining room, or alfresco beside the private pool. Wine lovers can opt for an in-villa tasting led by a sommelier, while cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy the talents of expert mixologists for personalized private events.
With a refreshed culinary vision, immersive new experiences, and the natural beauty of Santorini as its ever-stunning backdrop, Santo Collection’s 2025 season invites travelers to discover an escape defined by taste, relaxation, and refined Greek hospitality.
