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The Greek volcanic island of Santorini is famous for its glamorous white buildings with blue rooftops and hypnotic turquoise sea views. Most of the best hotels are located on the cliffside to maximize those views; here are our favorites in this guide to the best boutique hotels in Santorini.
1. Iconic Santorini
Iconic Santorini is an authentic boutique cave hotel that perfectly lives up to its name! Located in the picturesque village of Imerovigli, the stunning hotel is carved from the dramatic volcanic caldera wall. This vantage point gives you the most gasp-inducing views of the striking caldera cliffs and the azure blue waters of the Aegean Sea below.
Take a leisurely dip in the crystal waters of the 11-meter, heated, saltwater infinity pool, pausing only to try out the jetted tub seating or to refresh at the bar. Sunbathe to dry off on the caldera sun terrace that surrounds the pool. Keep fit at the top-of-the-range Fitness Centre, then unwind with a soothing treatment in the tranquil cave setting of the Spa. For the ultimate romance, head to the tranquil indoor grotto pool.
The service at Iconic Santorini is second to none. The welcoming team treats you like friends of the family, and the concierge team ensures you get the very best out of this magical island.
As for your accommodation, 19 cave-sheltered rooms, including 14 suites, boast the coziest, oversized beds imaginable, made from coconut fibers and covered in soft, downy pillows with white cotton sheets. The smooth whitewashed curves of the cave surround you. The rooms are achingly stylish, with rustic furniture and historic items. Private patios and sun-drenched terraces are decked out with olive trees, pots of lavender, and sun beds with navy cushions and white umbrellas. And, of course, all offer those majestic caldera views. Several of the suites have their own private outdoor jetted pools positioned on the terraces just so as to allow the very best views.
The Pergola restaurant is a traditional taverna that serves authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine crafted using only the finest local ingredients. The restaurant has an open kitchen and, yes, mesmerizing Santorini caldera views!
Understandably the hotel is a multi-award winning, included among its accolades, it has been named as Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
2. Grace Santorini
The exclusive Grace Santorini is located just over a mile from Fira and offers fabulous views from its perch above the world-famous Caldera. It’s a chic resort with a soothing and trendy palette of grey and white complimented with neon signs and flashes of color. Enjoy the panoramic views from the infinity pool and visit the yoga and Pilates studio for further relaxation. There are Rooms, Suites (both of which can be taken with a private plunge pool), and then there’s the ultra-luxurious Villa. Dine at the Mediterranean fusion restaurant overlooking the sea and head to the pool bar for a cocktail or two.
3. Athina Luxury Suites
Athina Luxury Suites was recently renovated and you can tell! Think crisp, minimalism with an unusual, funky use of shape, contemporary art pieces, and splashes of turquoise to complement those sea views. The location is perfect; you are in the heart of the trendy town of Fira but are removed enough to make for a peaceful, serene stay. All 10 of the beautiful suites have views of the volcano and the beautiful Aegean Sea. There’s a trendy Mediterranean restaurant and a poolside bar, and that pool is perfectly positioned high on the cliff to ensure maximum wow factor for your poolside view!
4. Avaton Resort & Spa
More stunning Aegean Sea views await at Avaton Resort and Spa. The architecture is cubist-style, and the interiors are trendy, with sleek Italian furnishings and a calming, white minimalist finish. There are nine rooms and suites, which each feature sitting areas and patios or balconies which enjoy those views. Upgrade to a suite for a hot tub on your balcony. Facilities include a bar, a Mediterranean restaurant, a freshwater pool, and a rather wonderful grotto spa.
5. Orabel Suites Santorini
Orabel Suites Santorini is a bespoke boutique hotel offering luxurious rooms just a few steps from the broad sandy beach of Perivolos offering sweeping views over the Aegean Sea. The hotel boasts an amazing Kidney Bean-shaped swimming pool overlooking beautiful gardens, as well as an atmospheric pool bar. The decor is Santorini-white with arched ceilings and traditional stone and wood detailing. All suites offer views of the Aegean Sea or the pool and include a living room. The deluxe suites are split level, and the superior suites enjoy their own private outdoor jacuzzi.
6. Afroessa
Tucked on a hillside in the village of Imerovigli in a converted wine cellar from the 18th century, you’ll find Afroessa. The sea views from this viewpoint are as sensational as you come to expect in Santorini. The ten guest studios are rustic and individually decorated, with whitewashed walls, arched doorways, tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and built-in beds. Most rooms enjoy terraces or balconies, and several have direct pool access; upgrade for a lounge dining area. There is a swimming pool with a relaxing pool bar, a casual restaurant with a large terrace, and you can borrow bikes.
7. Atrina Canava 1894
Perched on the picturesque settlement of Oia, you’ll find Atrina Canava 1894 hotel, a small, whitewashed, cliffside hotel carved into volcanic rock. The elegant, bright rooms and suites have kitchenettes and balconies offering fantastic sea and volcano views. Enjoy a cocktail and snack from the poolside bar and breakfast in your room. Upgrade for living areas and hot tubs.
8. Voreina Gallery Suites
Voreina Gallery Suites lies perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the island and of the Aegean Sea. The hotel has established the concept of a habitable and functional gallery. There are nine suites. Each is luxurious and serene with minimalist décor, which perfectly highlights the contemporary art by Greek painters, sculptures, and photographers. All the suites benefit from either a hot tub or a private pool.
9. Astra Suites
Astra Suites is built on the volcanic cliffs of the Caldera in the village of Imerovigli. The accommodation is all suites that have kitchenettes and private balconies or terraces with heavenly sea views. Indulge at the charming Spa in the hammam and sauna, then soak up the sun around the caldera-edge heated pool. The elegant gourmet restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and breakfast can be served here or in your room. Upgrade to a Luxury Suite for a Jacuzzi or a private pool or to a stunning Villa for the ultimate in luxury.
10. Enigma Apartments & Suites
Enigma Apartments and Suites is a good option for families, rather a rarity with boutique hotels on Santorini. Enjoy the Aegean Sea and the Santorini caldera views from its cliffside location in the heart of Fira. The eight studios and apartments are elegant and colorful, with kitchenettes, sitting areas, and terraces or balconies. Upgrade for a terrace with a built-in Jacuzzi and lots of space. There’s a bar and an open-air café as well as a panoramic terrace area. Breakfast can be taken in your room.
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