We love coming back to Santorini and discovering new places to stay. The small is always in fashion here, as the island has no impersonal big hotels or mega-resorts.
But there is a large number of hotels, with new ones popping up every year, and old ones expanding and continuously improving. So which boutique hotel to book? First rule: for the best experience, book on the rim of the CalderaHotel experience is not all about the views, but it helps,
and it makes a real difference, especially in Santorini. The views over the
collapsed volcanic Caldera are certainly one of the most spectacular sea views
on Earth.
Santorini’s magnificent volcanic cliffs, sprinkled with white towns and villages, are the single biggest reason why this destination is such a tourist magnet. Thus, almost all the best luxury Santorini hotels are perched on the cliffs on the west side of the island: in Fira, Oia, Firostefani, or Imerovigli. So if you want to experience breathtaking views and possibly the best sunsets in the world, choosing one of the cliff-edge hotels to stay in makes perfect sense, even if it means breaking the bank.
But when compiling this list, we did not only think of which luxury Santorini hotels do the best job at taking advantage of the location but also which offer the quintessential experience of this beautiful island. For us, the wow factor comes from the impeccable service, great design, and comforts that make their guests want to spend most of the day lounging on their private decks.
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1.
GRACE
HOTEL SANTORINI, IMEROVIGLI, SANTORINI, GREECE
We kick off with the hotel we had the pleasure of staying at (don’t miss our full review!). With mesmerizing views and incredible sunsets (see how we captured it on Instagram), the Grace Hotel Santorini frequents the “best hotels of the world” lists like no other property. But only staying here, we realized the location is only part of the story. The award-winning design of the hotel blends contemporary design with the rustic feel of the Cyclades, and the relaxed vibe of vacations with a five-star service — resulting in one of the most sophisticated luxury escapes on the island.
We love it for beautiful views and private
swimming pools, and above all, the picture-perfect interpretation of the
Cycladic vernacular style.
2. CAVO
TAGOO SANTORINI, IMEROVIGLI, SANTORINI, GREECE
Cavo Tagoo has all the elements of a trendy stay, with days filled with fun and excitement — rounded off by the never-disappointing scarlet sunsets. It’s a fun, young place with a happening vibe and is an excellent choice for a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.
We love it for: The hotel rooms on
Santorini tend to be on the small side — but at Cavo, this is not the case. We
stayed at one of their sunset suites with a pool, where the living space was
plentiful, and the setting of the large pool and terrace decorated with white
stones was the perfect frame for the stunning view.
3.
KATIKIES
SANTORINI, OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE
We love it for: The hotel is located in Oia, one of the
prettiest villages on the island. It has fabulous views of Santorini’s
caldera—especially from around its three stunning infinity pools.
Make sure to read our review.
4. CANAVES
OIA SUITES, OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE
Canaves is a collection of five hotels located mostly around Oia, and the best among them is Canaves Oia Suites. It benefits from the most attractive location on the slope of the caldera cliff. This boutique property features twenty-four suites, two swimming pools, and an elevator ensuring easy access to levels of the hotel — something very useful in a Caldera hotel.
We love it for Canaves Oia Suites benefits from a great location, enjoying views not only of the caldera but also the picturesque Oia.
Make sure to read our review.
5. MYSTIQUE,
A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, SANTORINI
Mystique’s designers created a successful fusion of
comfortable luxury and traditional Cycladic style, in which all architectural
elements are perfectly aligned with the landscape and spirit of the island. Its
eighteen cozy suites and villas provide guests with spectacular views of
Santorinian caldera.
We love it for: Mystique is set away from the most touristy
tracks in Oia and is one of the most private and secluded places in town.
Read our review: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel,Santorini.
7. EROSANTORINI,
SANTORINI, GREECE
Oia is the most popular location on the island, but the views from the cliffs around Fira are just as awe-inspiring. Located a few minutes from the capital of Santorini, Erosantorini uses its caldera-edge location to maximum advantage. Secluded on a two-acre private plot, the hotel has enough space for a three-tiered infinity pool and adjacent terrace, dotted with beanbags and daybeds.
We love it for Extra special facilities and attractions that include al fresco “movie nights,” an underground cigar parlor, and a wine cellar.
Make sure to read our review
8. PERIVOLAS
HOTEL, OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE
If any hotel on the island of Santorini deserves to be called famous, it is Perivolas. Its magnificent setting, fascinating architecture, and organic design make it the most photographed and talked about hotel in the Cyclades.
We love it for: At Perivolas, the proven formula of
beautiful views, a cliff-edge swimming pool, and minimalist interiors have been
employed to a remarkable effect, resulting in a truly iconic place.
Read our review: Perivolas Hotel, Oia, Santorini, Greece.
9. KATIKIES
CHROMATA SANTORINI, SANTORINI, GREECE
Twenty minutes from Katikies, in Imerovigli, is located its
sister hotel, Chromata Santorini. The name means “colors” in Greek, but it’s a
tongue-in-cheek name for the Chromata Hotel, as other than the white-edged, dove
gray steps, everything here is white. The hotel’s cute white cave houses spill
down the cliff edge, layered with impeccably maintained public areas. The hotel
also features a luxurious villa, called San Nicholas Cave House, with a history
reaching as far as the Venetian era.
We love it for its Glamorous, contemporary design and lavishly
furnished rooms, each with private verandas and sea views.
Read our review: Katikies Chromata Santorini.
10 KATIKIES
KIRINI SANTORINI, OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE
Combining Greek flavors with the comforts of a contemporary
lifestyle, this luxury resort provides a tranquil atmosphere permeating all
spaces of the hotel. Kirini Suites & Spa’s discreet service is part of the
hotel’s appeal.
We love it for: The luxurious A.SPA is said to be among the
best on the island. The facilities include a sauna, steam room, indoor jacuzzi,
and a heated pool, while treatments range from massages to the “beauty parlor”
experiences. Try to book well in
advance.
Read our review: Katikies Kirini Santorini
11 AENAON
VILLAS, IMEROVIGLI, SANTORINI, GREECE
Using beautiful stonework and layered light themes Aenaon Villas has created contemporary interiors with plenty of private space. The hotel’s unique design identity is built on a foundation of simple luxury.
We love it for the Secluded location, between Imerovigli and Oia.
Read our review: Aeneon Villas
12 CHARISMA
SUITES, OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE
At the all-suite Charisma in Oia, contemporary style meets
local aesthetics, blending them into beautiful interiors. The sense of style,
with chic furniture and clean lines in the luxury suites, symbolizes the
Cycladic allure.
We love it for: The hotel has a great location to enjoy
Santorini’s beautiful sunsets.
Read our review: Charisma Suites Oia
13 SOPHIA
LUXURY SUITES, SANTORINI, GREECE
Sophia Luxury Suites was the first from the small portfolio of three carefully designed hotels. Located in Imerovigli, the rooms and suites of Suites are still some of the island’s most immaculately composed. The interiors have a natural elegance that is at once authentic and sophisticated — and the views, of course, are fantastic.
The two other hotels are Sophia Oia View, located in the heart of Oia and enjoying superb caldera views, and Sophia Boutique Hotel, located in Finikia, a small village further inland, away from the shore.
We love it for: The suites of the Sophia Luxury Suites are
very spacious, especially when compared to many other Santorinian hotels. A
couple of them even come with an indoor heated pool, beautifully lit with LED
lights.
Read more: Sophia Luxury Suites Santorini
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