Revel in the contrast between warmth and cool, sunlight and shadow at Villa Aura. Newly built just below the peak of the caldera in the village of Firostefani, the villa begins on the cliff and extends into the hillside, boasting both incredible views of the sea and cozy, intimate rooms cut into the rock. The outdoor living spaces are large enough to host a wedding or other special occasion, while three bedrooms are just the right size for a trip with friends or romantic getaway. Each day at Villa Aura, you’ll be visited by a breakfast cook and housekeeper. The rest of the time, you’ll be left alone to stretch out on the lounge chairs on the terrace, cool off in the pool, sip refreshments at the sunny outdoor sitting area, and prepare local seafood on the barbecue to eat at the al-fresco dining area. In the evenings, slip into the hot tub, then rinse off in the outdoor shower before heading inside. If you’d like to spread out, a yard just below the terrace offers even more room to lounge in the sunshine. And just because the villa is built as a cave doesn’t mean you have to live like a caveman; it has a TV, iPod dock and Wi-Fi. Villa Aura is laid out as three pods, which connect to each other but also open to the pool terrace. Simple white walls, pale gray floors and plenty of light from the windows at the front keep the spaces fresh and bright. In the great room, the fully equipped kitchen lies just inside the front door and has a corner bar that makes it easy to grab a quick cocktail, an island for prep work and open shelving for a modern look. The dining table seats six in beachy slipcovered chairs around a rustic wooden table, and the sitting area has a built-in freeform sectional with white cushions and neutral-toned pillows for a serene look. Each of the villa’s three bedrooms has a king bed, en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. Two of the bedrooms open to the pool terrace and have their own sitting areas and ocean views. The third bedroom is tucked away behind the great room as a quiet, private hideaway. Like the great room, the bedrooms have white walls and clean-lined furnishings so they feel bright and modern. Villa Aura makes it easy to explore Santorini. Stop at a cafe, dine with the locals or enjoy a nightcap at a bar, all just a 2-minute walk away, or explore the town of Fira, a 3-minute drive from the villa. You can’t travel to the Greek islands without spending a day on the beach, and luckily, you’ll find one 1.5 miles away. Whether you’re flying to another island or back to the mainland, plan on a 5-mile trip to Santorini (Thira) National Airport at the end of your stay. Copyright © 2015 Luxury Retreats. All rights reserved.