Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is arguably one of the world’s most idyllic islands and ranks among my favorite destinations on earth. Perched high above the deep blue Aegean Sea, Santorini’s whitewashed villages are clustered atop dramatic cliffs, with black sand beaches resting at the bottom. The island was shaped some 3,600 years ago by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which left a giant water-filled crater measuring about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4 mi) and surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high cliffs on all sides. Steeped in history and culture, Santorini is a place of ultimate romance and tranquil serenity that tempts you to unwind and revive in its warm embrace. The popular island is also known for its unique and ultraluxe hotels, where rooms and suites are often carved into the rocks. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels on Santorini.
There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Santorini in the comments section, or take my poll below.
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10. ADRONIS LUXURY SUITES
A charming flight of stone steps is all that stands between you and your dream holiday at the luxurious Andronis Boutique Hotel. Carved into the dramatic crescent cliff of Santorini, the property offers breathtaking views to the infinite blue of the Aegean from every suite. The hotel’s multi-level suites capture the hypnotic vistas out over the caldera and the picturesque white-washed houses of Oia. 27 award-winning suites and villas are built in traditional style within the picturesque jigsaw of houses in Oia. Private infinity pools, cave pools and heated Jacuzzis are the perfect places to relax and enjoy the deep blue Aegean and the volcanic caldera that frames the spectacular view. Guests can relax and rejuvenate in the Mare Sanus Spa with its exclusive therapies before dinner in Andronis Luxury Suites’ Lycabettus, one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in the world.
- Website: Adronis Luxury Suites
- Other accolades: Adronis Luxury Suites features in my top 10 list of restaurants with the world’s most amazing views.
9. VEDEMA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
Tucked away within the medieval village of Megalohori, the enchanting Vedema, a Luxury Collection resort, has evolved from a 400-year-old wine cellar and a 100-year-old mansion into an authentic, Cycladic-styled property. Dedicated to the needs of seasoned travelers, the resort has gained renown as a charming, luxurious and intimate retreat. Located on the western side of the island of Santorini, it is encircled by a traditional stone wall and surrounding vineyards that overlook the village and outlying Aegean sea. The hotel has been seamlessly integrated into one side of Megalohori, incorporating the ancient cellars that have been sensitively restored. Sunken pathways guide the way to the subterranean cave restaurant, a well-stocked wine cellar and the world-class Asian Spa. The architecture pays homage to the traditional fortified Greek village that still stands strong today where indigenous elements have influenced the decor and the carefree Grecian hospitality encourages a causal, barefoot philosophy.
- Hotel website: Vedema
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
8. KATIKIES
Katikies – a complex of bridges, cubist cottages and infinity pools – is considered one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Hugging the dramatic volcanic rim, the property is a natural fit for honeymooners, romantics and couples. The white washed suites have classic arched ceilings and majestic views of the Aegean Sea, which can be enjoyed from the large terrace with an open-air dining area, sun deck and two-person Jacuzzi. For the ultimate romantic meal, the restaurant provides the perfect setting with just four candlelit tables perched on a secret verandah rooftop overlooking the Caldera. The better-known Kirini pool restaurant offers the same breathtaking panoramas, plus a fresh, seasonal menu of traditional Mediterranean dishes. Awe inspiring views, sublime Santorini sunsets and perfectly manicured pink bougainvilleas provide the magnificent backdrop for this perennially gleaming, glistening white luxury hotel that spills down the cliffs of the magical Caldera.
- Hotel website: Katikies
7. PERIVOLAS
Poised on the cliff high above the Aegean, Perivolas is a boutique escape, offering laidback luxury and designed as a place where you can let the rest of the world slip away. Built amphitheatrically, Perivolas’ secluded location combines expansive views with the luxury of absolute tranquillity. It’s just a short walk from Oia, the most beautiful village on Greece’s most romantic and dramatic island. Once the homes, wineries and stables of Santorini’s fishermen and farmers, this group of 300-year-old caves has been transformed into a complex of serene private houses. Intimate in scale and atmosphere, every house is different. Terraced gardens spill down the slope to the infinity pool, which seems to slip off the rim of the cliff and bleed into the blue horizon. Only the occasional toll of church bells or the whistle of a fishing boat far below breaks the meditative silence. It is easy to linger here all day, watching the changing light until the sun settles into the sea.
- Hotel website: Perivolas
6. MYSTIQUE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL
Celebrating the finer pleasures in life, Mystique is a sensual experience on the sun-drenched isle of Santorini. Situated on Oia’s famous cliffs, the stylish Mystique features dazzling views of clear blue crystalline waters, the volcano, and the Aegean Caldera. Surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, the resort’s island-style design pays homage to nature in a climate of unabashed luxury. The 35 suites and villas provide a sensorial experience in surroundings of understated elegance, with lovingly handcrafted from wood, local stone, and glass with enticing patterns carved into the walls. Antique textiles and plump, luxurious towels will wrap you in their warmth and comfort. Guests swim in the infinity plunge pools, grab a cocktail at the bar, head to the secret wine cave for a ceremonial wine tasting, and then dine at Charisma Greek or Asea Japanese Restaurant.
- Hotel website: Mystique Hotel
- Other accolades: Mystique Hotel features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most spectacular cliffside hotels and the best hotels in Greece.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one wine tasting for two at the secret wine cave per stay).
- Review: read my review of Mystique Hotel here.
5. ANDRONIS ARCADIA
Arcadia Hotel is the newest addition to the Andronis family of five-star hotels, villas and honeymoon retreats on the idyllic island of Santorini. Named after the mythical home of the god Pan, Arcadia was a place of natural harmony and pastoral enchantment. This earthly Arcadia is located on the fringe of picturesque Oia, an easy stroll from the village centre, but far enough away to ensure peace and privacy. Every suite has its own pool, situated to capture the magical views towards the Aegean sea and the island’s unforgettable sunsets. Facilities includes Santorini’s largest swimming pool, an excellent wellness center and two acclaimed restaurants. Andronis Arcadia is also one the most family friendly hotel on the island, making it an excellent choice, not only for honeymooners, but also for guests traveling with children.
- Hotel website: Andronis Arcadia
- Review: read my review of Andronis Arcadia here.
4. CAVO TAGOO SANTORINI
Located on the northern edge of Imerovigli village, the exclusive and ultra-stylish Cavo Tagoo Santorini hotel is the trendiest property on the entire island, offering expansive caldera panoramas and spectacular sunset views. The boutique hotel features only 13 posh suites, all with a hot tub or private pool on the terrace. Facilities include a swanky Mediterranean fusion restaurant lead by Greek celebrity chef Vezené (one of the best dining venues on Santorini) and a gorgeous infinity pool with floating sun loungers. Around sunset, the pool deck becomes Santorini’s hottest address and the place to see and be seen. Cavo Tagoo Santorini is the sister property of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos, one of the finest five star hotels in Mykonos and the most followed hotel in the word on Instagram.
- Hotel website: Cavo Tagoo Santorini
- Review: read my review of Cavo Tagoo Santorini here.
3. GRACE SANTORINI
Grace Santorini is an exclusive boutique hotel in Santorini, perched 363 meters (1190 ft) above Santorini’s world-famous caldera, offering breathtaking views. Crisp, minimalist and simply marvelous, the hotel skips the ornamentation for vast swatches of pristine white and sea views that stretch to infinity. The 21 innovatively refurbished rooms and suites showcase a contemporary style, combining cutting edge, bespoke design alongside traditional handcrafted pieces whilst the luxurious bathrooms offer double vanity units with marble carved basins and spacious rain showers with mosaic feature walls. Most of the rooms feature outdoor plunge pools while the 400 square meters (4.300 square feet) villa offers a private heated pool and spa. The hotel’s pool is truly spectacular and one of the most photographed swimming pools in the world.
- Hotel website: Grace Santorini
- Other accolades: Grace Santorini features in my top 10 list of the most beautiful hotel pools in the world, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, the world’s best hotel breakfasts, and swimming pools with stunning views, and the best hotels in Greece.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, one-way private airport transfers, and one private yoga class for up to two people).
- Review: read my review of Grace Santorini here.
2. CANAVES OIA LUXURY SUITES
On the northwest tip of the Greek island of Santorini, one discovers the welcoming Canaves Oia Suites hotel in the picturesque village of Oia Santorini. This breathtaking hotel is carved into the cliffside and offers its guests a majestic view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea, creating the ideal setting for a perfect Instagram shot. Canaves Oia Hotel provides tastefully designed facilities and services to ensure a comfortable, fairytale like stay. Freshly renovated luxury suites offer the ultimate in modern facilities, with spacious living areas and private plunge pools. Blending spectacular vistas with over the top accommodation and impeccable service, these luxury suites will charm even the most eclectic guests. For even more luxury, you can opt to stay at one of the 8 exclusive suites of Canaves Oia Sunday Suites, a ultraluxe satellite facility of the hotel, located a bit further way in the center of Oia.
- Hotel website: Canaves Oia Suites
- Other accolades: Canaves Oia Suites features in my top 10 lists of the most Instagrammable hotels in the world and the best hotels in Greece.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Canaves Oia Luxury Suites here.
1. CANAVES OIA EPITOME
Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular islands. Yet at Canaves Oia Epitome, you may feel you have this enchanting isle almost entirely to yourself. This all-villa luxury resort is located above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi (near Oia) and privacy, style and an almost zen-like calm are the order of the day. Then, as evening unfolds, the hotel reveals its greatest treasure: the best sunset views in Oia. When you’re not gazing at the sky, you’ll find a lot to love about Canaves Oia Epitome. From the villa interiors to the innovative rooftop terraces, the contemporary design captures the dusky hues of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Pick out your perfect lounge area and spend the day by the pool – and you don’t even have to leave your villa for this. Seek inner peace and rejuvenate with signature spa treatments. Then make for the fine dining Restaurant and lounge Bar for cocktails and world-class Greek cuisine.
- Hotel website: Canaves Oia Epitome
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Canaves Oia Epitome here.
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I stayed with Ikies in the particular highly-demanded room as photographed. One of my favorite place to stay. Very welcoming and helpful staff, as a talkative person like me it was very easy falling into a long chat with them!
Probably San Antonio deserves to be in the list. It combines amazing views of the Caldera with a privacy that you don´t find in some of the other resorts with large number of (other) tourists gawking at the view..and at your room!
santorini is a great greek island with amazing view and a magical sunset.