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Top 10 most stunningly beautiful hotels in Santorini

The Luxury Travel Expert

best hotel in santorini, greece

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (August 27, 2018): 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 embrac. The popular island is also known for its unique and ultraluxe hotels, where rooms and suites are often carved into the rocks. I hereby share with you my 10 favorite luxury hotels on the island.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Santorini in the comments section, or take my poll below.

10. IKIES TRADITIONAL HOUSES
9. ISTORIA
9. VEDEMA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
10. ADRONIS LUXURY SUITES
8. KATIKIES
7. PERIVOLAS
6. MYSTIQUE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL
3. GRACE SANTORINI
2. CANAVES OIA LUXURY SUITES
1. CANAVES OIA EPITOME
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10. IKIES TRADITIONAL HOUSES

The cliffs of Oia are dotted with traditional houses with their white washed domed roofs and their deep blue shutters and doors, providing Santorini island with a romantic atmosphere and creating a unique honeymoon destination. It is here that Ikies Traditional Houses, with its charming cave houses sculpted one on top of each other and all hanging on the edge of the caldera, is located. Its small size, exceptional location, elegant design, charming range of luxury accommodation (honeymoon suites, maisonettes, and studios) and professional operation result in a rare blend of intimate and personalized service offered against a setting of unique physical beauty. Located at the edge of the volcanic crater and with commanding views over Oia village, into the caldera and of the surrounding Cycladic islands, guests at Ikies quickly tune themselves into the complete tranquility of the romantic village.

9. ISTORIA

Where the black volcanic sand of Perivolos beach meets the midnight blue waters of the Aegean Sea, one finds Istoria, a 12-suite retreat where a stripped-down contemporary aesthetic animates a next-generation social hub for sophisticated travelers. Istoria derives its name from the Ancient Greek word for story, and its design opens a new chapter in the island’s unique architectural narrative. Here, the simplicity of the spaces blends harmoniously with the island’s traditional building materials of volcanic stones and colored plaster and a few well-chosen pieces of wooden furniture and handcrafted textiles. At the hotel’s restaurant, chef Alexandros Tsiotinis – who made his name in the Michelin-starred kitchens of Noma in Copenhagen and Le Bristol in Paris – offers a unique culinary journey that is influenced by Santorini’s epicurean traditions and its abundance of fresh seafood. Of course, no picture of grand-island living would be complete without private outdoor hot tubs or pools, which one finds in most of the suites.

8. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

5. 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.

4. 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.

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.

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 centre of Oia.

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.

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