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Santorini must be the most photographed Greek Island. With cliffs rising out of the sea and clifftop hotels literally built into the side of the ancient caldera, there is nowhere else like it. The island is part of a circular archipelago that remains after an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements, leaving the island in its current crescent-moon shape. In the middle is the deep blue Aegean sea, dotted with white sailboats, crisscrossed by ferries and graced by the peaks of the now hibernating volcano.
Location
Easyjet flies direct from London Gatwick to Thira Santorini (JTR), and British Airways operates out of London Heathrow. Most airlines fly into Athens and then on to Santorini via a short flight, or you can take a ferry that takes around 4-5 hours. Please note that the property’s scenic location is on the edge of the volcanic cliffs. Iconic Santorini is unable to accommodate children under 14 years of age.
Visitors can enjoy the most glorious clifftop hotels with breathtaking views. Iconic Santorini, voted Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel (at the World Travel Awards in 2014 and 2015), is one such stunning property and an unforgettable example of a high-end luxury hotel carved into the historic and dramatic caldera cliffs.
Style & Character
Located in the picturesque village of Imerovigli, the highest settlement along the Santorini caldera, the Iconic Santorini, a boutique cave hotel, offers panoramic views of the ancient volcano. With luxurious amenities, all-natural oversize beds, delicious local cuisine, and magnificent caldera views, you can’t fail to fall in love with this rather special hotel.
Rooms
Nineteen cave-sheltered rooms, including 14 suites, boast the coziest beds imaginable, made from coconut fibers and covered in soft, downy pillows with white cotton sheets. Smooth curves adorn the white walls and ceilings of the rooms, and rustic furniture is dotted around. This stylish mix of high-end luxury, including Aesop bath products and large flat-screen televisions with international satellite channels, are complemented by historic items and thoughtful additions such as a book of Aesop’s Fables and a nightly Greek amenity accompanied by a quote from the philosopher. Dedicated patios and sun-drenched terraces are decked out with olive trees, pots of lavender, and sunbeds with navy cushions and white umbrellas. All offer majestic caldera views.
Caldera Suites (pictured above) feature outdoor heated and jetted pools for romantic evenings to admire the breathtaking views as the sun rises and sets. Grotto Suites feature spacious jetted indoor pools hidden deep within these historic cave homes.
Service & Facilities
The heated saltwater infinity pool matches the deep blue of the sea and sky. From some angles, it isn’t easy to work out where the pool ends and the sky starts. Bordered by loungers, casual dining tables, and the view, this is an easy place to waste away timeless days.
Iconic Santorini provides all guests can use of the fitness and wellness facility with professional cardiovascular exercise equipment, a private suite for single or couple massages, featuring a sublime indoor jetted grotto pool.
Nearby the hotel, you can walk up a steep track to Skaros Rock. You can enjoy a fabulous sunset here, on top of the ruins of a 15th-century fortress that was built to protect Santorini from pirate attacks. Strolling through the winding clifftop paths, you will come across many historic settlements, old churches, and the ruins of medieval castles. A slightly longer 20-minute walk will take you to Santorini, Fira’s capital. This mass of winding cobbled streets is jam-packed with art stalls and boutiques, and you will notice breathtaking views between the buildings as you walk around. You can also take sunset winery tours and boat trips to the volcano and hot springs from the port.
Food & Drink
Iconic Santorini’s Pergola restaurant is a shady little traditional taverna with tables for two and views over the sea. For lunch and in the evening, the local island chef rustles up typically Greek dishes that are served using the best locally sourced produce and herbs grown at the hotel. Expect Mediterranean delights such as Moussaka, flavorsome veal dressed with tomatoes bursting with flavor, and homegrown aubergines, octopus, and various freshest seafood offerings.
A delightful daily breakfast is served here on the terrace seating of each residence. Choose from divine Greek yogurt, homemade jams and marmalades, fresh bread, a selection of meats and cheese, fruits, freshly squeezed orange juice, and traditional cooked egg dishes. The honey here is exquisite and made by the few bees that live on the volcanic island.
The poolside bar is perfect for enjoying a tipple in the moonlight. Sip local specialties to the backdrop of Café del Mar tunes under the stars.
Conclusion
Iconic Santorini is a land of steep cliffs, sugar-cube houses that tumble down the cliffside, and the bluest, sparkliest sea you’ve ever seen. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the vista, you will need flat sandals to tackle the undulating clifftops and many steps.
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