The Best Luxury Hotels on Santorini, Greece

When you picture Santorini, infinity pools with unobstructed views of the Mediterranean often come to mind. You’ll certainly find that here at Erosantorini, a stunning private estate on the caldera. Each of the five suites opens out onto the pool – you even have the option of renting out the whole property if you’re travelling as a large group. If you fancy a winter sun break, there are also indoor floating fireplaces. Trust the private chef to whip up mouthwatering meals. Need extra help to relax? Book a personal trainer or masseuse through the concierge.

Sitting on a cliff, the amphitheatre-style Perivolas offers panoramic sea views from its carefully restored troglodyte villas. White marble interiors provide cool relief from the summer heat and have postcard-perfect views from every window. Enjoy a romantic stroll through Oia before taking a dip in the infinity pool to watch the sunset. Try the slow-roasted lamb or freshly caught fish at the onsite restaurant; if you’re visiting during the full moon, you can reserve a candlelit table for two by the pool.

You know you’ll be pampered at Grace Hotel; on arrival, you’ll receive a glass of champagne before you head to your suite. This whitewashed Cycladic jewel offers stylish suites with large private terraces and plunge pools. Start with sunrise yoga overlooking the Aegean Sea, followed by a day cruising on a private yacht around the island. Finish with dinner on the private clifftop terrace with 360-degree views of the caldera.

Somewhat larger than the other hotels on this list, Santo Maris Oia boasts five outdoor pools overlooking the Aegean Sea. Each of the 65 suites and villas – ranging from simple doubles right up to a luxury villa sleeping up to four people – comes with a private Jacuzzi or pool. You can enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast, including eggs, cold cuts, freshly baked bread and local fruit with yoghurt, in your room or on the terrace. Slip away to the spa for a kobido facial massage, an ancient Japanese technique that rehydrates the skin and reduces dark eye circles.

Aenaon Villas resembles a members-only resort more than the charming family-run hotel that it is (a rarity in the area). On the highest, narrowest part of Santorini, it offers truly spectacular views from east to west. Each suite has a pure white, cave-like interior, illuminated by the bright Greek sunshine. The Marily villa is the most spacious, with a dining room, living area and three bedrooms; it sleeps up to four people.

The earthquake of 1956 severely devastated Imerovigli, a 300-year-old town in Santorini. However, a love for this picturesque village inspired Rena and Takis Adamidis to renovate some of the destroyed houses, and, in 2010, their son turned them into the Kapari Natural Resort. On the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World list, this property is a thorough illustration of traditional Santorini architecture. With warm, friendly staff looking after your every need, you’ll feel at home here. That Greek hospitality is also present at the Kapari Wine Restaurant, known for its excellent Mediterranean fare.

If you’re looking to impress your other half, book the Honeymoon Suite at Avaton Resort and Spa. It sits on the hotel’s upper floor, where you’ll have expansive views from two private balconies, one of which includes a heated Jacuzzi. With only nine guest rooms and suites, this resort feels quiet and intimate. The real draw here is the hotel spa, which features a sauna, steam room, massage room and hydromassage pool. Try a relaxing deep-tissue massage or a Queen Bee Face Exclusive, which uses royal jelly to rehydrate the skin.

On the cliffs of the enchanting town of Oia, Santorini Secret features 17 suites, each with a Jacuzzi or pool as standard. Beyond, there is an infinity pool with a bar. Sip a Pink Lolita cocktail here while soaking up the sunshine, or find respite from the heat at the luxurious spa. Reserve a spot at the onsite Black Rock Restaurant; the seabass ceviche is one delicious option.

Live the high life at the Dreams Luxury Suites, a cluster of beautifully renovated houses with sea views. Here, it’s the small details that count – choose from the pillow menu before sinking into your luxury satin-cotton bedsheets for a good night’s sleep. In the morning, you’ll be treated to an American à la carte champagne breakfast, brought to your room. Active travellers will enjoy the wide range of excursions offered by the concierge, including wine tastings, helicopter rides, horse riding and scuba diving.

Lying on the outskirts of Oia, this all-suite hotel boasts sublime sunsets, deluxe rooms and a vibe that’s as chilled as a glass of ouzo lemonade. It’s also home to a large infinity pool – with views towards Ios and Sikinos – an open-air spa, a yoga pavilion and a gym. The suites appeal to admirers of minimalism, with potted plants and local handicrafts on display to complement the chic white palette. For dinner, reserve a table on the terrace of Opson Restaurant, and savour dishes – made using fresh ingredients from the garden – famously favoured by philosophers Aristotle, Plato and Omiros (Homer).

Named after the ancient Greek word for “light”, this uber-luxe pad has sleek white exteriors, bright and airy interiors and spectacular sea views. Rooms – many with a private pool – feature neutral colour schemes, custom-built furniture and fluffy towels and luxurious toiletries. Sun loungers and a pool bar flank the large infinity pool, while the main restaurant serves everything from fresh squid to local lamb. If you want to explore the island, the concierge team can arrange excursions for you, including volcano sightseeing, wine-tasting adventures and even a private helicopter flight.