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Calilo, Ios
Calilo on Ios is an art-infused, barefoot-luxury retreat set on a 1,000-acre private estate with its own golden-sand beach. Each of its 30 uniquely designed suites offers private pools, grotto-style bars, and whimsical mosaics. With organic farm-to-table dining, bespoke wellness, and an on-site helipad for direct arrivals, Calilo delivers an imaginative, ultra-secluded escape in the Cyclades.
Design & Atmosphere
Hidden away on the lesser-known Cycladic island of Ios, Calilo is a one-of-a-kind luxury resort that feels like a fantasy realized in stone, art, and nature. Envisioned as part of a 1,000-acre conservation project, Calilo’s design is jaw-dropping and utterly unique – it’s often described as a “livable art installation” set amid six miles of private golden beaches. The resort’s architecture is whimsical and opulent: hand-crafted mosaics line the walls and floors, flowing into scalloped ceramic tiles and marble wave patterns that echo the Aegean Sea outside. Many structures seem carved from the earth itself, with organic forms and curved lines creating a harmonious yet surreal aesthetic. Suites are like grottos of luxury – almost all feature private plunge pools or even multiple pools and water features such as waterfalls and ponds, integrated seamlessly into their design. Inside, you’ll find bespoke driftwood furniture, swinging chairs, and ceilings adorned with artistic stonework. Every corner of Calilo is Instagram-worthy: from the famed “heart-shaped” pool to sunken seating areas surrounded by lagoons, the environment invites awe and relaxation in equal measure. Despite the resort’s grandeur, the atmosphere is deeply tranquil and tied to nature. Calilo (whose name cleverly stands for “Create A Life you Can Fall In Love With”) is built in a valley leading to the isolated Papas Beach, so the backdrop is rugged hills dotted with olive trees and the foreground is the crystalline sea. There’s a sense of total escape – no other developments are in sight. Guests often comment that being at Calilo feels like being on a private island, where art, architecture, and nature meld into an otherworldly paradise. This is a place where you can wander through gardens of over half a million planted trees and shrubs, stumble upon sculptures, or find a secluded cove just for yourself. The vibe is luxurious yet laid-back, with a hint of bohemian spirit. It attracts those in the know: honeymooners, artists, and even celebrities drawn to its combination of lavish comfort and utter seclusion. In essence, Calilo’s design and atmosphere rewrite the script for Greek island resorts – it’s an eco-chic utopia that stimulates the senses and soothes the soul all at once.
Popular helicopter tours from Santorini for sightseeing
Amenities & Services
Though intimate in its number of suites, Calilo offers amenities befitting a large luxury resort, all delivered with a personal touch. The resort’s private Papas Beach is one of the largest unspoiled beachfronts in the Aegean, exclusively accessible to guests. Powdery sand and thatched umbrellas await, with attentive beach service providing fresh fruit, cocktails, and cold towels. For a resort of its size, Calilo boasts an impressive array of pools – beyond the private suite pools, there’s a central beachfront pool with submerged daybeds and artful rock formations, and several lagoons and lazy rivers weaving through the property. Dining at Calilo is a farm-to-table experience. The resort maintains an extensive organic garden and olive groves on site. The main restaurant, adorned with eclectic art, serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine crafted from the garden’s produce, local seafood, and ingredients sourced via their sustainable network. Expect vibrant salads with the resort’s own olives and olive oil, honey from Calilo’s beehives, and fresh fish grilled to perfection. There’s also a chic beach bar for light bites, smoothies, and sunset cocktails, plus special dining experiences like picnics on the sand or private dinners under the stars can be arranged. Wellness is integral to Calilo’s ethos of reconnection. The spa offers in-room or outdoor treatments – imagine a massage in a shaded gazebo by the gentle lapping waves. Yoga sessions are offered at sunrise and sunset, often on a platform overlooking the sea or in a tranquil olive grove. Guests can partake in unique activities: hiking trails crisscross the 1,000-acre estate leading to hilltop panoramic viewpoints or hidden coves; an on-site art gallery showcases local and international artists; and there’s even an open-air cinema where classic films are screened under the night sky. For adventure, the resort provides kayaks and snorkeling gear to explore the clear bay and its rocky islets, or you can trek to neighboring secluded beaches within the estate (Calilo’s land includes several bays only reachable by foot or boat). Despite Ios’s party reputation elsewhere, this corner is all about peace – there are no nightclubs or loud venues on property, but occasional live music nights feature soft acoustic or traditional Greek music to enhance the ambiance. Service is highly bespoke – as a family-owned resort (run by the visionary family who spearheaded Ios’s conservation efforts), Calilo prides itself on creating heartfelt connections with guests. Staff will quickly learn your name and preferences, whether it’s how you take your coffee or which pillow you prefer. From arranging helicopter excursions to Santorini or a champagne toast at the resort’s cliffside “Sunset Lounge”, they handle requests with enthusiasm. Every amenity at Calilo, from its curated boutique (selling designer beachwear and local crafts) to its Instagram concierge (yes, someone to help you capture the perfect photo), is designed to ensure guests are both pampered and immersed in the Calilo ethos of joyful, creative luxury.
Privacy & Suitability
Calilo is an exclusive haven perfect for couples, especially those on honeymoon or seeking a romantic escape. The privacy afforded by each suite is exceptional – many suites, like the famed “Blue & You” suite or “Afterglow” suite, are secluded by design, featuring high walls or natural rock partitions, private gardens, and pools that cannot be seen from any other room. This means you can truly relax in your own world. Couples will enjoy the in-suite amenities like oversized outdoor tubs, double loungers in shallow water pools, and even swings or hammocks suspended over pools for two. The resort can arrange incredibly romantic gestures: a path strewn with rose petals leading to a dinner on your terrace, or a private cinema night on the beach just for two with a bonfire and champagne. Celebrities and VIPs have also taken note of Calilo – its off-grid location (accessible mainly by the resort’s own helipad or a long private road) and expansive private land make it a paparazzi-proof retreat. In fact, the resort has a helipad on-site for discrete arrivals. High-profile guests can book the grand three-bedroom villa “Sea of Smiles,” which includes its own section of beach and multiple pools, ensuring total seclusion. The staff is adept at providing security and meeting unique demands (from closing off the spa for a private session to organizing high-end photoshoots on the grounds). While Calilo is very much adult-oriented in spirit, families are not left out – the sheer size of suites (some are multi-bedroom) and the water-centric fun can appeal to kids as well. The resort can customize activities for children, like supervised sandcastle-building competitions on the empty beach, nature scavenger hunts on the estate, or art projects inspired by the resort’s mosaics. That said, there is no formal kids club, and the tranquil atmosphere is more suited to older kids or those who are content with beach play and pool time rather than noisy entertainment. Hence, families who visit tend to be those who want bonding time away from crowds, and they find Calilo ideal for reconnecting in nature. Another category Calilo suits well is friends or small group getaways for those who rent out a collection of suites or the large villa – they essentially get a private resort experience within a resort, enjoying communal spaces together while still each having their lavish personal quarters. Ultimately, Calilo’s overarching appeal is seclusion and uniqueness. It’s best suited for travelers who value something out of the ordinary – whether that’s a couple celebrating a milestone, an artist seeking inspiration, or a privacy-seeking VIP. The resort deliberately limits its occupancy and day visitors, so every guest feels like they have this vast paradise almost to themselves. In a world of cookie-cutter hotels, Calilo stands out as a personal sanctuary where your privacy is paramount and your experience is truly one of a kind.
Helicopter Access
Calilo’s remote luxury is made readily accessible by its private helipad, allowing guests to bypass the long ferry rides typically needed to reach Ios. The resort actively encourages helicopter transfers as a primary way to get there, and indeed many guests arrive via a thrilling flight directly from Athens or neighboring islands. A helicopter from Athens to Calilo takes roughly 35–45 minutes, compared to 4-5 hours by ferry (with transfers), illustrating the convenience factor. The helipad is located on Calilo’s estate, just a short drive from the suites, and the resort provides complimentary transfers between the helipad and the main property. Guests are greeted right upon landing – often by a member of the owning family or management – setting the tone of a warm welcome. The connectivity via helicopter is impressive: Ios has no airport, so Calilo’s helipad essentially acts as the island’s private airstrip for its guests. One can hop over from Santorini in about 10–15 minutes (Santorini’s airport or helipad), making it feasible to combine Calilo with Santorini’s more touristy sights effortlessly. Mykonos is about a 20-minute flight, and the resort has partnerships with helicopter charter companies to ensure smooth transfers from these popular islands. Helicopters of various sizes (typically up to 5-6 passengers, sometimes larger) can be accommodated. The resort’s website even proudly notes the helipad availability and the option for direct helicopter flight from Athens as a key advantage. Beyond arrival and departure, Calilo leverages its helipad for unique guest experiences as well. They can arrange a “Cyclades by air” tour, where a helicopter takes guests on a day trip to see the caldera of Santorini from above, land for lunch in Mykonos or Paros, then return to Ios by evening – all hassle-free. For those who might be concerned about environmental impact, Calilo balances this modern access with their conservation efforts (acknowledging that while helicopter travel isn’t low-carbon, the resort’s overall sustainable practices and the fact that they preserve 99% of their land offset some footprint). The helipad is discrete and does not intrude on the natural beauty – it’s tucked away so that noise is minimal and doesn’t disturb the peaceful resort ambiance (arrivals are staggered and limited, given the exclusivity). In summary, Calilo’s helipad turns what could be a challenging-to-reach locale into one that’s effortlessly reachable in luxury, aligning with the resort’s ethos that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy a hidden paradise.
Advantages of Helicopter Arrival
Arriving at Calilo by helicopter elevates the whole travel experience to match the resort’s exceptional character. The time saved and ease cannot be overstated: you avoid the need to first ferry to Ios’s port (which in high season can be crowded and subject to delays) and then a bumpy 30-40 minute island drive to the remote south where Calilo is located. Instead, you can literally land on Calilo’s doorstep in a fraction of the time, with a smooth, comfortable ride. This means if you’re flying into Greece, you could go from Athens Airport to Calilo’s beach in under an hour – an incredible convenience that maximizes your relaxation time. Given that Ios lacks an airport, the helicopter is essentially your private air connection. Scenic splendor is another reason: from the air, the Cyclades appear in all their glory – the mosaic of islands dotting the Aegean, the white villages of Ios and Santorini visible from afar, and the brilliant blues of countless secret coves. The approach to Calilo itself is breathtaking; you’ll see the resort’s emerald oasis and its extensive private coastline from above, truly appreciating how isolated and special it is. Such a dramatic entrance is memorable and sets an adventurous, luxurious tone for your stay. Privacy and exclusivity, as always with private air travel, are a given. You’ll likely be the only people arriving at that time – no ferry queues, no jostling with other tourists. This is particularly beneficial for Calilo’s typical guest profile: honeymooners (who relish the intimate arrival) and celebrities (who absolutely require discretion). The helicopter can be arranged to suit your schedule exactly, meaning you don’t have to fit into commercial travel timetables. Even if you were island-hopping, a helicopter allows you to leave when you want and hop directly between islands that aren’t well connected by ferry (Ios to other small islands, for example). Another advantage is comfort and safety: Helicopter charters used by Calilo are top-tier, with experienced pilots who often act as informal tour guides pointing out sights during the flight. The resort ensures your luggage is handled door-to-door, removing the stress of transfers. In times where health considerations are important, traveling by a private helicopter also means you’re in a controlled environment, adding peace of mind. Finally, there’s a philosophical alignment with Calilo’s ethos – by turning a potentially arduous journey into something pleasurable, you’re already beginning to “Create A Life you can fall in love with,” per the resort’s name. The helicopter ride can be seen as the first chapter of your Calilo story: exhilarating, extraordinary, and far removed from everyday life. It’s the epitome of arriving in style, something this imaginative resort and its guests certainly appreciate.
Awards, Affiliations & Sustainability
Calilo is a relatively new player in the luxury resort scene (opened in 2019), but it has rapidly gained recognition for its distinctive approach. It’s been featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s and Travel + Leisure’s lists of best new hotels in the world, applauded for its design and ambition. At the Greek Hospitality Awards, Calilo took home titles such as Best Coastal Resort and Hotel with the Best Swimming Pool in 2021, nods to its stunning beachfront and imaginative pools. The resort isn’t part of a large chain, which is a selling point for many – it’s proudly independent and family-owned under the LuxurIOS brand (the owners’ company dedicated to sustainable development in Ios). Sustainability is where Calilo truly shines and differentiates itself. The resort is essentially the centerpiece of the “Ios Project,” an initiative to preserve the island by developing only 1% of their vast land and leaving 99% untouched. This is practically unheard of in the hospitality industry and sets a benchmark for conservation. The resort was constructed with a philosophy of minimal environmental impact: structures were built on previously disturbed land when possible, and great care was taken to maintain ancient olive trees and integrate natural rock formations. In fact, more than 60,000 indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted to rewild the area, part of an ongoing effort to restore the landscape. Calilo uses solar panels for much of its energy needs, organic waste is composted for the gardens, and water is conserved through a combination of rainwater collection and a state-of-the-art desalination and filtration system for resort use. Single-use plastics are virtually eliminated on property. The resort’s commitment extends to community and culture: it employs local craftsmen and celebrates Cycladic art – the mosaics and artworks in Calilo were often made by local artisans over years of meticulous work. This not only beautified the resort, but provided sustained employment during its creation. The owners also run the “Ios Foundation,” which funds local education, heritage preservation, and environmental awareness campaigns on the island. In the hospitality world, these efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – Calilo is a member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, recognized for its sense of place and sustainability (a prestigious affiliation for eco-conscious luxury properties). It has also been praised in publications like Forbes and Robb Report for setting a new standard in “sustainable luxury.” While still accumulating awards due to its youth, Calilo’s revolutionary approach is often cited as a case study in sustainable tourism development – protecting an island’s ecosystem while offering a high-end experience. The resort is living proof that luxury and sustainability can not only coexist, but enhance one another, and it’s poised to win many more accolades as more people discover this gem. Guests who stay at Calilo often leave with a sense that they’ve participated in something meaningful – supporting a project that preserves the natural and cultural heritage of Ios. This blend of indulgence and integrity is Calilo’s legacy in the making.
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