At Andronis, we believe that true luxury is hand-crafted. It is woven into the texture of local stories, passed through the hands of creators, and expressed in the thoughtful details that shape every guest experience. On the islands of Santorini and Paros, artistry runs deep; from culinary traditions and vineyard legacies to the designers, potters, and visionaries who continue to honour the islands’ creative soul.
This month, we shine a light on some of the cycladic artisans behind the Andronis experience. The growers, makers, curators, and dreamers who give shape to something greater than superficial beauty – they bring palpable authenticity to the everyday.
Cycladic Artisans in Santorini:
From Volcanic Soil to Gourmet Table
The Andronis culinary philosophy begins with respect for the land. Across our properties, the connection between chef and farmer is integral. In Santorini, this relationship thrives in the volcanic soil, where ingredients grow with uncommon intensity and character.
Through the wide-randing culinary experiences at Andronis, guests might taste white aubergines, fava beans, sweet baby and sun-dried tomatoes, kastsouni cucumbers, capers, or Santorini pistachios, many of which are sourced from trusted partners with generations-worth of knowledge on nurturing the bounty from volcanic soil.
Specifically, at Andronis Arcadia, olives are more than a staple; they’re a symbol of shared care. Members of the Andronis team actively take part in the olive harvest each year, maintaining a living connection to the land. Meanwhile, at Andronis Concept, chefs gather spices and wild herbs from the slopes of Santorini, like throubi, a fragrant native used for centuries in cooking, winemaking, and healing. So intrinsic is its role, it even lends its name to the hotel’s restaurant.
Ventures of the Vine for the Pleasures of Wine
The language of wine is spoken fluently at Andronis, thanks to Sotiris Kandylis, Head of Wine and a master of his craft. Under his stewardship, our cellars have grown into a remarkable collection of 1,285 wine labels and counting; a curated library that honours Santorini’s ancient viticulture while embracing the best of global winemaking.
One thing that is certain is that every bottle tells a story. Some echo the mineral-rich earth of Assyrtiko vines, others transport guests to distant vineyards from around the world. But always, the experience is deeply personal, guided with care and expertise for pairing experiences that transcend the ordinary.
Where Elevated Style Meets Island Spirit
Fashion at Andronis is more than a statement, it’s a curated celebration of craftsmanship. At Andronis Major, our signature boutique, guests can discover pieces by both iconic designers and rising Greek talent.
From Stella McCartney to Mary Katrantzou, Camilla, Zeus + Dione, and Paolita, every garment, accessory, and pair of sandals elevates your personal sense of summer elegance through global design that meets Greek soul.
Cycladic Artisans of Clay, Kilns & Timeless Tradition
Ceramics hold a special place in Santorini’s cultural identity. At the heart of this tradition is award-winning Andreas Makaris, a local potter based in Megalochori, whose studio keeps alive the island’s ceramic heritage with contemporary artistry.
One celebration of ceramics heritage was the Biennale of Contemporary Ceramics event over the course of a couple of months in 2024 that brought renewed attention to Greece’s rich ceramic legacy across the centuries while also spotlighting potters like Andreas and the enduring power of clay to tell stories throughout the ages.
A Glimpse into Paros’ Cycladic Artisans
While Santorini continues to inspire creators across disciplines, the island of Paros offers its own soulful rhythm; quieter, but no less compelling. At Andronis Minois, the spirit of craftsmanship is felt in the details: the intricate details that draw inspiration from a few places around the Mediterranean, in the food at Olvo Restaurant that is curated by chef Tsantilas and his talented team, the seamless flow of the property, and the energy of a place designed to bring people closer to themselves and to the natural world.
Beyond the table, Paros reveals another face of artistry; its ceramics. Just a short drive from Minois, Atelier Noé Ceramics quietly thrives in Aspro Chorio. Founded in 2000 by artisan potters Bridget and Petros Wolff, the studio produces handcrafted, functional earthenware and decorative pieces using lead‑free glazes and sustainable solar firing. Their work, simple in form yet rich in colour, is a prime example of a sophisticated local craft that has deep roots.
To meet the cycladic artisans of Andronis is to glimpse the soul of the islands. Through their hands, passion becomes form; whether on a plate, an object, a thread of silk, or a hand-shaped bowl.
Here, artistry is not reserved for galleries or grand stages. It lives in the quiet moments, in the things made with care, and in the stories we are honoured to share.
