Santorini is quintessential Greece, with large clusters of whitewashed homes clinging to the black earth and spilling down the cliffsides towards the Aegean Sea.
In the 16th century BC, Santorini was devastated by a volcano that shaped its rugged multi-coloured landscape. Towns cling to cliffs overlooking the sea-drowned caldera, with small islands to the west. There’s no denying the uniqueness of this Greek destination or its huge appeal.
There’s much to see and do, including an open-air cinema, microbrewery, wine caverns, and cooking classes to celebrate Santorini’s growing foodie culture. The idea that Santorini is the ancient city of Atlantis – submerged over 9,500 years ago, comes to life at Nea Kameni, a small island at the centre of the caldera, making it almost believable.
The BusinessClass.com guide to best hotels in Santorini:
Katikies Hotel in Oia is renowned for its unparalleled service, warm atmosphere and true sense of romance. Carved into the dramatic caldera cliffs, the hotel features authentic architecture, immaculate white interior design, and modern amenities. The luxury rooms and suites are delicately furnished and feature arched ceilings and whitewashed walls that give the feeling of sleeping in a cave. The beds are supremely comfy, with fine linen curtains that blow in the breeze. In greys, beige and white with ornate footstool, coffee table and chairs adding to the old-school feel. The bathrooms are large with powerful rain showers. Amenities include air-conditioning, a television, iPod docking station, minibar and Nespresso coffee machine.
Each of the private rooms have a terrace with sea views. Enjoy fine dining at the multi-awarded and consecutively Michelin-starred Botrini’s Restaurant. Just above the infinity pool on an elevated patio is the ultra-stylish Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval, ideal for relaxed moments matched to refined tastes. The Katikies Spa Suite has a private steam bath and jetted tub as well as treatment rooms. There are three infinity swimming pools, a sunbathing deck and a small library. The property is 10 minutes’ walk from the beach.
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Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection is a clifftop retreat in Imerovigli with whitewashed walls and cobalt-domed churches. Located two kilometres from Fira, the boutique hotel offers modern accommodations designed to match the setting. The luxury rooms, suites and villas range in size from 50 to 400 square meters. All come with expansive indoor-outdoor spaces featuring heated plunge pools opening to sweeping views. Other amenities include Apivita toiletries, in-room fitness kits and a pillow menu. Greek and Mediterranean flavours shine at the hands of Michelin-awarded Chef Lefteris Lazarou. In keeping with Greek tradition, at Varoulko Santorini dishes draw on the island’s fresh seafood and ingredient.
From exploring the black-sand stretches of the coastline bordering the sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea, to discovering tucked-away wineries in the villages of Oia and Firá. The wellness spa at the Grace Hotel is inspired by the volcanic island with a menu of holistic treatments offered that in the comfort of your room combine the power of healing traditions with modern-day techniques. There’s a fitness studio, private yoga and Pilates. Savouring the sunset from the infinity pool overlooking the Caldera will leave you spellbound.
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Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini
Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is carved into the rugged Caldera cliffs of Oia. Designed using Cycladic architecture with gentle curves and sculpted arches blending with muted colours. Linked by a network of cobbled pathways, the 41 stone cave-style suites and villas have large terraces. Lovingly crafted from local wood and stone, they have high quality linen and patterns carved onto the walls. Many of the villas have infinity-edge pools and jacuzzis. Mystique’s most spacious room is the Holistic Villa which can host up to four persons and has a large living area, two cave-style bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and an expansive terrace, infinity pool and jacuzzi.
Dining options include Charisma for the freshest Greek-inspired cuisine, and Lure by Olivier Campanha for a high-end gastronomic experience that highlights the region’s heritage. Perched at the bottom of the cliff are Mystique’s two pools with sunbeds pointing to the view. Aura Bar services the one pool, and Captain’s Lounge the other. Elios Spa draws on natural resources for their ingredients, with a range of sensory and holistic treatments. Taking your wellness experience a step further is the hotel’s yoga session or visit the fitness centre.
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Carpe Diem Santorini, a member of Future Hotels, is located in the scenic village of Pyrgos. A place of serenity, the purpose-built retreat has 10 extremely spacious north-facing luxury suites in eight categories, each with 270-degree views that guarantee stunning sunset and sunrise views. The suites combine Cycladic minimalism with materials such as black lava rock and exclusive amenities. Linen is hypoallergenic and large bathrooms have cement tubs, natural Greek sponges and O-love toiletries. The Head Butler ensures your every need is met, while the Executive Chef takes you on a culinary journey at EXALTIS.
The Althea Santorini Spa by Carpe Diem Santorini, is a sanctuary designed specifically for couples seeking seclusion and romantic relaxation. The treatments have been inspired by nature, using Hellenic herbs and plants. Whether its yoga, Pilates or a session with the personal instructors in the modern gym, your health is a priority. Other wellness facilities include a steam room, a hot tub and a sauna. This adults-only resort close to the mountain village of Pyrgos, is well situated for visiting the island’s sights. Carpe Diem can arrange for various activities, such as horse riding, diving and snorkelling.
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The Katikies Kirini hotel in Oia has an exquisite setting with views to the Caldera and a soothing design. The recently refurbished soundproofed rooms and suites sport hardwood floors, fluffy beds, and luxury bath amenities. Each suite has air conditioning, satellite television, feather-filled pillows and luxurious bath amenities. Each of the suites has its own private terrace with spectacular views of the volcano islands and across the turquoise waters of the Aegean. Therasia Restaurant explores the fascinating world of Mediterranean cuisine, through the creative eye of Michelin-starred Chef Ettore Botrini and his team, delivering top notch dishes as the sun sets into the sea is a fine-dining gourmet experience.
At Katikies Kirini, the Spa is a glamorous sanctuary of elegance and serenity with fantastical facilities and unique Ligne St. Barth products. Each of the treatment suites is a calming oasis of tranquillity with treatment rooms, along with a sauna, steam room, jet showers, and jetted and heated pools. There’s a sauna, steam room, jet showers, and jetted and heated pools. An infinity pool has expansive views.
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Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort is tucked within the medieval village of Megalohoriand. Built around 400 year old wine cellars, this cluster of traditional houses was bought and renovated by the original owner. Meticulously restored, they have low stone walls, winding paths and steps that lead to the raised pool area. The 59 spacious suites and villas terraces, many have Jacuzzis or private pools. The interiors have been styled with angular lines, island-sourced country-style sofas, wicker-seated armchairs and exclusive artwork. Bathrooms have double sinks and eco-friendly Greek Korres toiletries. For more space and privacy, opt for the family-sized Athenian suites with two bedrooms and two bathrooms apiece.
Vedema’s restaurant is defined by the use of fresh produce largely grown in the resort’s vegetable garden. The pool overlooks the resort grounds and is serviced by two bars. The intimate, dome-roofed Asian spa has two treatment rooms, steam room, an outdoor hot tub and small fitness area. The pool is surrounded by a cluster of sunbeds. On-site activities include wine tasting, a picnic on the beach, and shopping at the hotel's boutique. Other activities on offer range from mountain biking to water sports and guided tours.
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Perivolas Hotel is the ultimate in laidback luxury. Poised high above the Aegean, this intimate escape is a short walk from Oia and has charming terraced gardens spilling down towards the infinity pool. Built, designed and managed by the Psychas family since it opened in 1983, this collection of 300-year-old traditional cave dwellings carved out of the landscape, have been transformed into 20 striking suites. The room decor is minimalist. Pale colours, whites and dashes of lilac and pink. Low-slung beds are tucked into the alcoves with arched windows framing the view. There are no TVs here – this is a place to switch off.
Perivolas Restaurant is in a converted wine cellar with tables spilling out onto the split-level pool terrace Headed up by Chef Theodoros Kakoulis who creates a contemporary Greek menu and daily specials, it the ideal place to savour the setting and meticulously sourced ingredients. Or for cocktails, gather around the pool or linger at the bar over a glass of local wine. The newly launched 120 square meter gym hosts a workout studio with state-of-the-art equipment and ample space for yoga. There’s a 25 metre lap pool ideal for training too, as well as a Pilates Allegro Tower. Perivolas Boat Tours offers day excursions to a nearby island, or a fun time at sea and swimming in secluded coves.
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Vora, Imerovigli is located in the Imerovigli village, at the highest point of the Caldera. Designed by one of the top Greek design firms, K-Studio, the three private villas at this boutique hotel have been inspired by the local architecture to include charming details such as arches, while promising all the luxuries of a contemporary lifestyle. Contrasting the hotel’s dramatic setting, the interiors are minimalistic Cycladic design with soothing palette of creams and grey enriched by dark wood. A mix of custom-made furniture by local craftspeople as well as the use of local materials such as black volcanic rocks and vasaltis marble, give the spaces its unique stamp.
The luxurious bathrooms feature blue Gascoigne double sinks with Pierre Boon faucets and generous showers. The private plunge pool of each villa opens up to the volcano and the Aegean sea. Indulge in inspired Greek flavours, Greek yoghurt with honey and signature Veggie plates served on your terrace. Dine under the moonlight of the Aegean sky by candlelight off a menu prepared by the Executive Chef that’s carefully paired with a wine selection by the Sommelier. Culinary prowess is a specialty here. No detail here has been overlooked here.
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(previously Omma)
Nobu Hotel Santorini offers a unique blend of Japanese hospitality and classic Santorini style. There are 30 rooms in five categories, some have jetted plunge pools, all have domed roofs and decor in white and dove grey, with pops of colour from the enlarged photos of local sights on walls. There are custom-built concrete desks flush to the walls and low seats made from painted tree trunks, along with king-size beds and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms are vast caverns, with sinks cut from stone and spacious grotto-shaped rain showers. Molton Brown toiletries, beach bags and elegant sunhats add to the spooils.
Best for privacy and sea views are the Infinity Suites, accessed from a private entrance off the main hiking path. Nobu Restaurant offers signature cuisine rivalled only by the stunning views of the caldera. The cosy cave spa has several treatment rooms, one low-domed and one with its own miniature waterfall. The property’s focus hubs are the two elevated infinity pools with panoramic caldera views, surrounded by day beds and sun loungers. This is an adults only hotel.
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Kapari Natural Resort is a 300-year-old, recently restored, complex of traditional dwellings and houses, typical of the island’s unique architecture. The award-winning restoration involved the use of natural elements such as wood, stone, and screeds so that the traditional character of the building is preserved. The cosy 14 rooms and suites are individually decorated and have views of the Caldera. Typical of the islands unique architecture, rooms are cavernous and styled in neutral hues with much Grecian white and blue. They are softened by the indulgent beds, oversized showers, and private terraces, some with a Jacuzzi.
All units come with a comfortable Duxiana bed with pillow menu. State-of-the-art amenities include interactive flat panel HDTVs with a high-definition movie collection and Wi-Fi. Kapari Wine Restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes based on homemade recipes and fresh local ingredients. Kapari Pool Bar serves freshly squeezed juices, refreshing cocktails and delicious finger food. There’s a wide collection of coffees, refreshing fruit juices, delicious finger food and homemade desserts. The pool offers unparalleled panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. A top location in Santorini that’s set apart by the quality of services by the dedicated staff.
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