Marvel at the cobalt-blue domes and hillside villas of Santorini from these bouji hotels, away from the bustling hotspots.
Planning a holiday in Santorini but want to avoid the omnipresent crowds of tourists? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We’ve handpicked a collection of small hotels for all budgets. From luxury suites to low-key boutique accommodation, here are the top boutique hotels on this beautiful Greek island.
In typical Santorini style, this hotel is all whitewashed exteriors fronting a dramatic deep blue backdrop, with no shortcomings when it comes to luxury touches. Not one, but two infinity pools invite you for a dip during the day, unless you’d rather hide away in your own plunge pool in your room. Decor is kept to a minimum – instead, the focus is firmly on what’s outside the window – but thoughtful details like Molton Brown toiletries in the smart ensuites don’t go unnoticed. The main restaurant serves classic Greek cuisine, including fresh squid and local lamb.
Every angle of this hotel is Instagram-worthy, from the heated infinity pool with sea views to the artful dishes served at the candlelit terrace of Petra restaurant. Suites are contemporary and elegant, with brilliant white walls, king-sized beds, private pools and sun-soaked terraces as standard. There’s also a designated yoga area with its own ocean vista, and a free shuttle bus into Oia if you don’t fancy the 10-minute walk.
Carved into Santorini’s volcanic cliffs, this white-and-blue boutique cave hotel in the picturesque village of Imerovigli offers something completely different. Spread over six levels, the 19 grotto-like cave suites are packed with mini luxuries, while communal facilities include a small gym and massage room in addition to a roomy pool with panoramic views. Breakfast is served in the morning – as you might expect – but the catering team will happily prepare fresh meals to order at any time of day – an excellent perk for honeymooners, romantics and late risers.
Designed with couples in mind, this renovated 19th-century opera house in Fira has everything needed for a very special break. There’s only one suite, so availability for more than two or three nights is a rare thing – but if your visit coincides with vacant dates, then you’re in luck. Besides the oversized bed and indoor living area, you’ll have your very own courtyard for al fresco meals, an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi and even a wine cellar complete with a dining table and candlesticks for romantic nights in.
Hewn out of the Santorini caldera, this 23-suite hotel blends boutique brilliance with unbeatable sea views. All suites, designed with classic Santorini-style curves, come with their own infinity pool or hot tub, but the real head-turners are the cave pool suites: each one – as their names suggest – privy to its own cavernous pool looking out onto the ocean. The hotel is also home to the first restaurant that was established in the village, Lauda, where local ingredients and time-honoured recipes combine to offer an authentic gastronomic experience, no matter what you order.
Located in Messaria, a small, tranquil village at the heart of Santorini, Hotel Kalma is a family affair that has been around since 1992. The hotel, which boasts traditional Cycladic architecture, has a refreshingly laid-back, casual vibe, perfect for relaxing away from the busy, caldera-perched villages. Conveniently located near Fira and the airport, Hotel Kalma offers a choice of single, double and triple rooms, access to a swimming pool and a serene garden.
Located in the small village of Pyrgos, one of the inland villages on Santorini, Voreina Gallery Suites (voreina means “northern”) offers panoramic views over the sea and the island – a refreshing perspective from the usual caldera views. The suites are impeccably decorated and feature a rotation of artworks from previous resident artists. It’s the simplicity of the place that stands out. Make sure you explore the narrow streets of the village, leading to the Venetian Kastro, which offers an ideal photo opportunity spot.
Venture off the beaten track, and opt for 28 Hotel, a minimalist establishment located by Kamari Beach, on the eastern coast of the island. This three-star, adults-only hotel is a haven for relaxation and boasts a collection of, you guessed it, 28 rooms with pool or mountain views. Greek yoghurt and honey, organic muesli and fresh fruit await at breakfast before you spend a lazy day reading your book by the pool.
Located outside Oia by a dark sand beach, En Plo Boutique Suites offers easy access to the Aegean Sea – or you can just enjoy the view from the hotel’s outdoor pool. Couples should opt for the Honeymoon Suite with its sea vistas, while the more spacious Family Suite sleeps up to four people. The property also boasts a stunning garden as well as a pool bar – stay for a few drinks before heading into town for dinner and dancing.
Located outside Fira, Petit Palace Suites has unobstructed views over the Aegean from its cliffside restaurant. Opt for the private candlelit dinner by the pool for the ultimate romantic evening. Alternatively, indulge in a rejuvenating massage from the comfort of your suite. Those looking for a little more space should book the two-storey Petit Maison, complete with its own private pool and sunbathing terrace.
Perched atop the cliffs of Imerovigli, Avaton Resort overlooks the caldera of Santorini and allows you to admire the majestic sunsets on the island. Despite its name, this resort includes just nine suites – deluxe rooms include private patios, while the suites come with private hot tubs. There’s also a luxurious spa with a plunge pool, infrared sauna, steam cavern and hydrotherapy pool. Outside, the infinity pool makes the most of the clifftop locale – as does the rooftop bar.
Boasting an excellent clifftop location, the charming Ikies boutique hotel sits on the edge of Oia, a picture-perfect village on the northwestern coast. Here, you will find a wide range of accommodation, including honeymoon suites, maisonettes and studios, where you can order cocktails and nibbles without having to leave your private terrace. Choose the romantic package to wine-and-dine with your other half – it includes a champagne breakfast, fresh flowers in your room, two massages and a sunset wine-and-cheese platter.
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