Best Santorini Hotels [2024 Guide]

Santorini, located in the southern Aegean Sea, is a jewel of the Cyclades archipelago, known for its spectacular views, breathtaking sunsets, and rich history.

This famous Greek island, created by volcanic activity, is known for its characteristic whitish structures that cascade down cliffsides and overlook the caldera's deep blue seas. Santorini boasts a choice of excellent hotels that exemplify luxury and elegance against a stunning environment.

This is our top 10 favorite hotels, which range from small cave hotels carved into volcanic rock to luxurious resorts located on the island's highest peaks, provide guests with a look into heaven, where every moment is filled with beauty and tranquilly.

Best Hotels in Santorini

• Best Hotel Santorini Overall: Andronis Concept Wellness Resort
• Best Santorini Boutique Hotel: NOŪS
• Best Hotel Santorini for families: The Vasilicos
• Best Hotel Santorini for couples: Nobu Hotel Santorini
• Best Luxury Hotel in Santorini: Mystique

Nobu Hotel Santorini

Chef Nobu's 14th hotel is situated on the volcanic cliffs outside Imerovigli, the highest point on the Greek island. Nobu's Caldera view, with the cascading whitewashed villas of Oia in the background, never gets old. However, the crowd-free sunset views from private balconies with jacuzzis are the Greek sour cherry on top.

As you inch closer to the edge of a cliff and carefully dodge depressions on the dirt road, you might question where you're going. But when you feel the cobblestones beneath your tyres, an infinity pool emerges like a mirage in the desert; you've arrived.

The registration desk and sun-drenched lounging area are to the left of the tiered pools, and Nobu's resident calico cat is one of the first to greet you. Past the luxurious, custom-made Talenti sofa lies the entrance to the cave-like exercise facility, which has a range of Technogym machines.

Breakfast after the workout is served upstairs on the balcony, which features bleached lava stones, bamboo ceilings and custom-made black seats. But no matter where you sit in the hotel's tiny gathering rooms, your gaze is inevitably drawn back to the breathtaking vistas of the Aegean. The atmosphere as you go to your room, past sling-back linen chairs, ripening olive trees, and Mediterranean palms, could not be more relaxing.

Nobu, nicknamed the "supermodel of Greece," wants to hoist a flag on Santorini, which seems apt. It's hardly surprising that there were others before Nobu debuted at the end of June, given its proximity to Imerovigli, a boutique hotel paradise. It was previously known as the five-star OMMA Santorini and the three-star Parthenon Villas Santorini, respectively.

The team here intends to construct a luxurious spa and enlarge the balcony breakfast setup to transform it into a bigger restaurant with panoramic Caldera views.

When visiting Santorini, you should expect nothing less than iposkafo, or typical Greek cave-style chambers shaped like circular cubes of feta. Each multi-story space is nearly totally white, with splashes of black, rich wood, and flashes of yellow, giving it a Japanese-minimalist atmosphere with Greek accents.

The area is decorated with hand-thrown ceramics from Greek companies Lava Toy and Homatino, ranging from toothbrush cups to ornamental vases. Minimalist artwork by Danish company Atelier Plateau appears on the walls with Greek-made textile art by Aggeliki Dimitriadou.

The Simmons Island Bouvet mattress, with its beige linen headboard, is like slipping into a full-body pillow—heavenly. And with its large TV, it's ideal for watching a movie after dinner. Bathrooms have a black lava sink basin and comfortable kimono bathrobes. Of the 25 unique rooms and suites, 23 have private patios with a jacuzzi or a pool. Because of its location on the narrowest point of the island, accommodations on both sides of the grounds offer ocean views.

At a Nobu hotel, the food and beverages are probably more essential than the accommodations. The culinary powerhouse's first Greek restaurant is in capable hands, with Nobu veteran Chef Ricardo Marin (previously of the Jeddah and Shoreditch locations) in charge.

Breakfast is provided until a generous 12 p.m. on the second-floor terrace facing the ocean. You're urged to begin with freshly squeezed juices like watermelon and carrot or a matcha latte.

The chia pudding with mango gel and coconut chips is the sweetest choice on the menu, so breakfast options are on the healthy side. Standouts include the Matsuhisa Benedict with snow crab topped in shisho béarnaise, and the Santorini breakfast, which comes with smoked salmon, cold cuts, and local Greek yoghurt with thyme and honey.

The main restaurant, located to the right of the pool area, serves a combination of Japanese and Greek cuisine, as does the remainder of the hotel. The vast bar, topped with enormous sake bottles covered with handmade tiles, features nooks cut into the typical cave-style rear wall. Lunch has a limited selection of Greek and trademark dishes, such as traditional Cretan pasta and Nobu's famed Wagyu beef sliders with tofu buns.

Dinner, however, pulls out the culinary major guns, with best-sellers such as black miso fish and wagyu dumplings with spicy ponzu dipping sauce served on bespoke Matsuhisa porcelain.

Atrina Canava 1894

Located at the eastern end of Oía's pedestrianised high street, Nikoláou Nomikoú.
The dramatic volcanic-rock-walled pool area contrasts with the bright white exterior and interior surfaces elsewhere, while rock outcrops remain unrendered in the original Canava 1894 apartment and the Xenonas suite's bathroom.

Melanie, her daughter Athina, and their crew provide outstanding service, including luggage transportation, super-early breakfasts for early flights, and restaurant reservations. Upon arrival, you are handed a cell phone to contact with them.

There is a common pool, however modest, but no spa or gym.
There are nine apartments or studios, each distinctive, five 'houses' (albeit they only accommodate two adults) and one villa.

Three have private whirlpools in front: Xenonas, Atrina Villa, and Dimitris. Irene's'senior' room is around 60 square metres and features a walk-in closet, cathedral-like vaulting (the norm here), a little sound system and antique furnishings, including an ancient telescope.

There are also terracotta floor tiles, a one-hob kitchen nook and unglazed fanlights or mini-windows that let more air into the bedroom and bathroom. The latter are universally grotto-like, with pastel colours and rain showers (occasionally with hydromassage). Front terraces with nice furniture, brollies, and, of course, the never-ending view are a feature, albeit privacy levels vary.

Breakfast options include American, English, and 'Greek', with the traditional egg dishes prepared to order, juices, French-press coffee, and bread delivered to your front patio. Otherwise, just poolside refreshments (club sandwiches) and beverages are offered.

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort

Andronis Concept is about a five-minute walk from Imerovigli and located between the city Fira (just over a mile away) and Oia (six miles), abutting the Fira-Oia hiking trail along the rim of the Santorini caldera.

The hotel is positioned on top of a slope, with views to both sides of the island; from its Finesse suites, you can enjoy the sunrise from your living room veranda and the sunset from your bedroom balcony.

The hotel has disregarded traditional Cycladic design in favour of a natural integration with its surroundings: its amorphous brutalist blob cloaked in ochre resembles a raised mound rather than a sophisticated wellness complex.

The interiors are dominated by polished concrete surfaces, with a vegetable garden, flower beds, and a vineyard emphasise its organic philosophy.

The service is flawless and down to earth. There are three swimming pools: the cave pool with an artificial waterfall is a nice addition, and the 56-metre infinity pool is said to be the longest in Santorini. Outside activities abound, ranging from helicopter rentals and catamaran excursions to wine tastings and tennis. There is even a private cinema.

Nonetheless, this is unmistakably a spa hotel, with seven specialty treatment rooms and a yoga studio where you can perform asanas inspired by the vista. You may select from ten massages (from €130/£114), including an Aegean couples romantic massage during sunset (€350/£307 per couple), facials, collagen treatments by Valmont (from €75/£66), and Thalgo body treatments (from €70/£62).

The rooms are big, sometimes unyieldingly so: the Finesse suites, which resemble maisonettes and offer east-west views, have 22 steps between the bedroom and living area. However, the entry-level Cosy rooms have nothing to envy, since their default orientation is west with sunset views.

Every room has its own pool, Nespresso machine, docking station, and separate toilet and shower areas. The king-sized beds include memory foam mattresses, and the pillows may be perfumed with L'Occitane spray.

Breakfast is à la carte and served to your room. There are eight different types of toast, 15 egg dishes (including crab eggs Benedict and black truffle eggs), four entire vegetarian breakfasts, and eight teas to choose from.Coffee may be brewed in 10 various methods, with beans supplied from East Africa, Brazil, or Southern India.

Throubi, a sunset-facing restaurant, serves delicious meals such beef short rib in bourbon sauce with sweet potato froth. Dieticians have inspected the menu, which includes tuna tataki and low-fat cheesecake, but the chocolate marquise has eluded them. A wine list of over 200 varieties includes a wonderful range of Greek wines, but the must-try is the the local prickly pear digestif.

Kapari Natural Resort

Located at Imerovígli's highest point, west of the main plaza, facing the caldera.
Curve of the cave. There are no rough edges whatsoever, and even the restaurant restrooms have fountain-bowl sinks.

Ochre and buff are the prevailing colours, which extend to polished cement flooring and complementing soft furnishings.

Service is kind and accommodating, from early breakfasts if necessary to room service and trip arrangements. The shared caldera-edge pool is modest and has a restricted quantity of loungers.

There are 14 units in seven categories, ranging from entry-level 'Vanilla Rooms' to private residences, suites, and mid-range premium rooms. All had king-sized Duxiana beds, fridges, Australian Priya bath sundries,'smart' but clumsy touch-pad temperature and entertainment system settings, adjustable lighting, an internet radio, and Wi-Fi.

Vanillas that face the pool do not have private patios. From galleried Premium area 201, you can stare at Skáros castle-rock without leaving bed; below, there's a walk-in closet, bathroom with rain shower and decent living area with a beautiful fireplace (available in this and higher grades).

Spa Premium category rooms have a guaranteed private balcony or patio, as well as indoor whirlpools. Except for the Up & High, none of the suites include private outside area. The Private Residence, with five units, can accommodate parties of up to 15. Its three ground-floor flats share a courtyard and an outdoor whirlpool, while the penthouse features a terrace whirlpool, oak flooring, and a full kitchen with ovens and a range.

Breakfast is best brought to your veranda; lunch and snacks are offered within the restaurant, and supper is best enjoyed on the terrace (reservation required). Breakfast is a fixed menu augmented with hot cooked-to-order options. Lunch and dinner are well received, particularly seafood items. There is free pure water on tap.

Kivotos Santorini

The location, on a little route off the main Oia-Fira road and overlooking Skaros rock, is breathtaking even for Santorini. Unlike many caldera resorts, there is parking nearby and only a few feet between the restaurant and the accommodation.

A trekking trail along the caldera's edge leads to the tavernas and popular sunset watching spots in Oia, which is five kilometres distant. Buses leave from near the hotel for the island capital, Fira, which is less than two miles away. From there, you can go to most sites, including Akrotiri, the 3,600-year-old city known as the 'Pompeii of the Aegean', which is seven miles distant.

This villa, which rises above the caldera and offers views of Nea Kameni and Oia, lives up to its name. It's made of burning local black volcanic stone, and chunks of volcanic rock are placed into pools and public spaces, giving it an organic, grounded sensation as if it sprouted out of the surrounding surroundings.

Unlike many caldera properties, there are several shrubs and plants (lavender, rosemary, low-growing olive trees) to sweeten the air and soften the (often harsh) black stone.

Perhaps some of the greatest service I've ever received in a hotel (Santorini or Greece) - young white-clad workers were quick and effective in delivering orders while being extremely inconspicuous (not easy in such a tiny hotel).

There's a small cave spa with a few candlelight grotto treatment rooms, including one as cosy as the interior of an egg and one bigger with its own (little) waterfall. Deep tissue, anti-ageing, and detox treatments are available, along with the distinctive hypnos massage (supposed to improve sleep patterns) and a few of men's facials.

Therapists were untrained (too much pressure or not enough), but a 60-minute body massage with sweet-scented amber balm was quite pleasant - if you're too sluggish to leave the plump loungers, you may enjoy some therapies (scalp, foot massage) by the pool.

There are two good-sized pools: a bigger infinity pool with wall-to-wall caldera views and a smaller glass-sided pool near the bar, both flanked by loungers and wide, comfy daybeds.The gym consists of only a few contemporary machines in a (womb-like) cave chamber.

There are 30 cave-like rooms divided into five types, some with (tepid) jetted plunge pools (nice during the day but frigid at night). Afroditi Bonatsou, a hip Greek designer, uses textures and hues to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

There are polished concrete workstations, black furniture, king-sized beds, walk-in closets, and low tables and seats made from tree trunks. The colours are subtle - charcoal and dove grey; relaxing but somewhat depressing - with thankfully white painted flooring. Large arched doors and picture-frame windows provide lots of natural light.

Bathrooms are spacious, with sinks carved from stone slabs, high-ceilinged grotto-like rain showers, Molton Brown or Bulgari products, and large fluffy towels and robes. Turndowns (which vary daily) are delightful: handcrafted chocolates and a plate with a selection of herbal teas; a flask of milk and beautifully baked chocolate biscuits.

Eight open-plan Premium rooms provide direct pool access and caldera views. Larger Residences on two stories include (very gloomy) basement sitting spaces, but a steep stairway rises to light-filled bedrooms with expansive terraces and stunning views.

Four big villas with fully supplied kitchens, private pools (Kivotos also includes a heated indoor pool), hot tubs, and gloriously quiet balconies provide the most room (or seclusion).

Breakfast is provided à la carte on the breezy caldera-view terrace (or in a very small windowless cave when the weather is poor) and includes a few cold cuts, Greek cheeses, fresh juices, eggs prepared in a variety of ways, and creamy feta and tomato scrambled eggs.

There are also a variety of local pastries, including fresh custard pastry bougatsa. Dinner is provided at the same place. There's a modest but innovative menu with half a dozen starters—try the chef's deconstructed pastitsio made with cannelloni rolls loaded with shredded beef ragout and a smoked graviera béchamel. at €26 (£22) It's costly, but the large quantities are ideal for sharing.

Canaves Oia Suites

It is located at the start of Oia's main pedestrian strip, directly behind the famous blue dome church, where couples come to snap honeymoon photographs. They have their own spacious parking park, and polite bellhops come to get up bags. Perissa's black pebble beach and the Akrotiri archaeological site, one of the Aegean's most important prehistoric towns, are both 24 kilometres (15 miles) apart.

There is a sense of solitude tucked away behind Oia's blue dome cathedral, providing a respite from the city's hustle and bustle. The architecture is effortlessly stunning, with cave-like pearl-white walls punctuated by black volcanic stone accents and baroque artistic details.

There's a lift to take you up and down, so you don't notice the countless cobblestone stairs going from reception to the infinity pool, which juts out above the caldera and the little fishing hamlet of Armeni, a few hundreds of steps down.

There is a sense of solitude tucked away behind Oia's blue dome cathedral, providing a respite from the city's hustle and bustle. The architecture is effortlessly stunning, with cave-like pearl-white walls punctuated by black volcanic stone accents and baroque artistic details.

There's a lift to take you up and down, so you don't notice the countless cobblestone stairs going from reception to the infinity pool, which juts out above the caldera and the little fishing hamlet of Armeni, a few hundreds of steps down.

The service is polite and competent; this is certainly a well-coordinated crew.

This is one of the Canaves collection's larger homes, with the greatest amenities. It offers an ambient spa (in a 17th-century cave) with two treatment beds that use Elemis products, as well as a traditional Arab steam/rasul room (but no indoor pool).

There are two outdoor pools: a medium-sized cave pool (overlooked by the restaurant) and a smaller (more private) infinity pool with wet beds perched on the caldera's edge. The workout area is modest, but the machines are current. The hotel features a lift (which is practically unprecedented among caldera hotels).

There are 30 suites, divided into ten types, plus one villa. The decor is (relentlessly) white, with splashes of colour in bed coverings and pillows. All suites have espresso machines, big bathrooms filled with Acqua di Parma items, and plunge pools of various sizes.

Santorini's one-room Junior suites and two-room Superior suites, as well as the (extremely popular) River pool suites, are appropriate in size. The Master suite on a rocky cliff offers the most seclusion, with just the sounds of birds and the sea.

The picture-frame windows provide unobstructed views from the salon and bedroom, but the main draw (particularly for honeymooners) is the cave pool, which is buried behind an outcrop of rock and affords complete solitude.

Breakfast is served buffet style, with a fair range of cold cuts, the standard hot meals (bacon and eggs), fresh juices, cereals, candied fruit, yoghurt, and quality coffee.

Petra restaurant delivers some stunningly inventive dishes (starters are usually better than mains), and there's plenty of theatre: meals are delivered wrapped in clouds of dry ice or nestled on beds of fresh hay. Try the sea urchin with buckwheat, lemon, and parsley (€23/£20), the creamy egg confit with potato cream, jamon iberico, and summer truffles (€24/£21), or the grilled grouper with fennel puree (€38/£34).

There are two private dining spaces; the one on the terrace overlooking the caldera is the most popular for proposals.

Mystique

This Luxury Collection hotel, concealed behind huge studded doors, exudes cool elegance. A collection of cave-like suites and villas with creamy adobe-style facades are linked by flights of grey-painted steps that curve (snail-like) from the reception area to the pools below.

Service is excellent, and staff members greet you with fresh lemonade and pastries. There are two good-sized pools, one an infinity pool with beautiful caldera views (next to the bar, ideal for sunset drinks). The cave-like spa features a steam room and a wonderful balcony relaxing area with rocking seats.

Treatments are rather intense; if you're feeling bold, consider the €160 (£141) Ila Manipura full body treatment, which includes an 80-minute dry massage followed by a full almond oil body massage (including face and stomach).

There are 40 suites and villas in seven categories. Spacious suites, accessible by large patios, with massive televisions and similarly massive picture-frame windows (great views, but they allow in a lot of heat). The colours are chilly, and the textures are mineral, with driftwood lamps and mirror surrounds.

Comfort is provided by thick mattresses, Delonghi coffee machines, and custom cement tubs or showers.

Wet Allure suites have spacious living spaces and outdoor whirlpools, while Spiritual Allure suites include (small) workout rooms. Four villas feature pools (heated upon request).

For solitude and the greatest views, choose the two-bedroom Mystery villa, which has a gym and a startlingly gorgeous infinity pool.
Breakfast is provided on the terrace and can be brought to your room at an additional fee. It's à la carte, with a decent selection of hot meals (try the strapatsada omelette with local cherry tomatoes) and fresh fruit cereals, yoghurt, and pastries.

Asea, an Asian restaurant set high on the cliffs above the property (ask someone to guide you back at night since it might be perilous), specialises in seafood; the wakame seaweed with king crab (€22/£20) is particularly outstanding.

Charisma, available for lunch and supper, serves a modest selection of vegetarian meals (baos, Mediterranean dips) starting at €9 (£8), but the finest is the lobster cake in potato crust with rocket and chives for €20 (£18). Main dishes are less fulfilling, such as rubbery poached dusky grouper with fennel and cuttlefish ink (€42/£37).

There is also a stunning 150-year-old wine cave where international food is served during the peak season, as well as the Captain's Lounge for more informal eating.

Istoria Hotel

In the southeastern part of Santorini, this is the farthest you can get from the throng watching the sunset in Oia. Almost all of the island's best hotels dangle on cliffs overlooking the renowned caldera, but Istoria is an exception.

At sea level, it is located immediately across a tiny road from Perivolos Beach, a three-kilometer expanse of black sand and blue seas. There is a hillside route connecting adjacent Perissa and Kamari, but there isn't much more to see or do within walking distance. Akrotiri, an archaeological site from 1,700 BC, is about a 15-minute drive away. Recommended eateries are within a comparable distance.

Modern Greek chic is all about textural minimalism with materials that imitate the volcanic scenery, subdued hues, and blue accents to reflect vistas of the Aegean. Istoria was transformed from the home of an eccentric horse enthusiast, and equine motifs abound, with black stone water troughs, vaulted ceilings from the previous stables, and the odd leather bridle hanging from a nail.

It's all about outdoor living, with an al fresco dining room and foyer, as well as a stunning black slate pool and deep sunken bar at the hotel's centre. With only 12 suites, the atmosphere is easygoing and unpretentious, providing a respite from the jet skis and beach bustle that awaits outside.

This hotel boasts the island's largest pool, 30 metres of beautiful black slate bordered by olive trees and guarded by protective barriers. A quiet spa at the far end consists of only two rooms that provide a variety of treatments using Ila products, as well as a black, shaded outdoor hot tub. Some suites additionally have plunge pools or hot tubs.

The staff's kindness is a great feature, and the nightly delivery of a treat - a drink, fruit or chocolates - contributes to the domestic atmosphere. Reception may organise a variety of activities, including catamaran trips, wine tours, and pottery courses.

Each of the 12 rooms has a unique layout but a similar cool, uncomplicated style, including barely pink cement walls, arching ceilings, a lounging area, and super-comfortable mattresses. All feature outdoor space, which includes a walled patio with a plunge pool, whirlpool tub, or balcony, depending on the room category, as well as sun beds. Indoor amenities include Bluetooth speakers and televisions, a minibar, and coffee-making facilities.

The bathrooms have twin basins and showers, as well as Korres Greek items. Except for the ground-floor suites, all offer a side view of the sea; nonetheless, only two, Suites 7 and 11, front the cobalt waves directly.

Alexandros Tsiotinis, executive chef who formerly worked at Le Bristol in Paris and Noma in Copenhagen, has breathed new life into traditional Greek cuisine. Soft-shell crab souvlaki (grilled on a skewer) and duck gyro (served in flatbread) are among the poolside and beach snacks, while dinner features a medley of tomato-strawberry gazpacho with fish tartare and ouzo espuma (€18/£16.50), lobster orzo pasta with basil and lemongrass (€38/£35), and mastic-flavor cheesecake with pistachio ice cream (€11/£9.50).

The bar delivers similarly inventive drinks (Zeus v. Dionysus, a potently refreshing combination of grappa, ouzo, mastiha, cucumber, lemon juice, strawberries and basil leaves). The wine selection showcases the wines that Santorini has been known for decades.

The Vasilicos

The 17th-century monastery of Saint Nicholas creates a wonderful quiet over this area of Imerovigli, a dazzling array of cave homes nestled into Santorini's cliffs. Cast-iron gates and sloping whitewashed walls separate the private estate from the snap-happy tourists that wander the island's alleyways.

Inside, everything seems unnaturally calm, from the straw-visored housekeepers caring to the vibrant bougainvillaea to the exquisite couples lying on regal loungers. The low-key audience is more interested in the in-house library than finding the greatest Instagram perspective.

A lesson in Cycladic minimalism, the modest style allows the amazing vistas to speak for itself.

Although it appears effortless, every detail has been carefully considered: the sculpted alcoves for bedtime books, the angle of an armchair to catch the light, and your favourite pillow, which has already been plumped.

Our favourites are the highest Pergola Suite (with its walk-in wardrobe and shaded patio that seems like you're floating on cloud nine) and the lowermost Efta, a tranquil cocoon nestled into the cliffside and entirely hidden from view. If you're going with a group, look at the three suites that share the heated pool.

Breakfast, a symphony of perfect classics and Greek specialties expertly arranged on your patio, almost overshadows sunset aperitifs at the hotel's two-table restaurant reserved exclusively for guests.

At supper, chef Yannis Kourtesis, who has been with The Vasilicos since the first season, manages to extract delicate layers of taste from local products.

The octopus in balsamic reduction is a standout, and the handmade baklava is so delicious that you'll want to slip some into the beach bag left in your room. Yiannis, Daphne's brother, manages Vassaltis Vineyards, which is one of Santorini's sharpest and newest vineyards.

This means your fridge is filled with delicious Pet Nat and Assyrtiko, and the island's thriving wine culture is yours to discover with professional direction.
Pulling oneself away from the view requires great willpower.

But the clamber up a dizzying causeway to the summit of Skaros, a former Venetian stronghold that is now a giant protrusion of rock hanging between sea and sky, is worthwhile. Imerovigli is no longer a working community; it has been taken over by hotels and Airbnb.

However, there are excellent restaurants within easy walking distance: Vezené for a sexy dinner, and Aktaion for tomato fritters and fava with fried capers against a blue-and-white backdrop right out of the 1950s.

NOŪS

Located directly on the edge of the Santorini caldera in the picturesque town of Mesaria, which is famous for its sunset viewing locations, there is a sense of tranquilly in contrast to the frenetic hustle and bustle of the island's capital, Fira (just a 10-minute bus ride away).

Upon arrival, the soothing sound of a water feature mimicking a flowing river invites you into the spacious welcome area. The hotel's stunning highlight is the 50-meter L-shaped infinity pool, the biggest on the island.

The majority of the 119 rooms and suites also feature private pools located in extensive gardens and outdoor areas, but more on that later. Despite the relatively big capacity, intimacy and seclusion have been accomplished through clever construction.

Noûs is the vision of Greek-Cypriot businessman Dakis Joannou, creator of Yes! Hotels, which will open in July 2022. Divercity Architects collaborated with MplusM Architects to create the idea, which is inspired by the island's unique geometric features.

The walls, bungalows, and gardens are laid out in unique forms and combinations, but they all fit nicely into the slope of the environment, providing a basic and contemporary - almost deconstructed - appearance reminiscent of historic local communities. Joannou is a world-renowned collector of modern art, as seen by all of his homes.

Nadia Argyropoulou, an art curator, was hired to pick works by young Greek and contemporary artists, as well as modern design elements by Konstantin Grcic, Faye Toogood, and Doshi Levien, which can be found throughout the property.

Front-office manager Raphael and executive housekeeper Nikoletta oversee a carefully curated crew of largely Santorini residents - all delightful individuals who excel at making visitors feel welcome, unique, and well-cared for.

All visitors have a fantastic 24-hour WhatsApp number concierge service at no additional cost. This implies that simple operations like calling a cab, reserving restaurants, and even renting a car take only a few minutes to complete. Genius!

The rooms are big, and the decor reflect Santorini's history. The use of charred oak for the sliding doors and furnishings alludes to the island's volcanic nature, while willow shutters relate to its vineyards.

The simple colour scheme is characterised by vivid and warm terracotta, grey, red, and brown tones that reflect the unique hues of the island's most recognised beaches. Spiky plants, as well as indigenous grasses and bushes, thrive in the expansive gardens outside. The east-facing bungalows and pool suites feature the greatest dawn views for optimal morning enjoyment.

Breakfast is an all-around joy, with an à la carte menu and a buffet brimming with goodies ranging from chia pudding to poke bowls, French breakfast to eggs in every form.

The Pool Restaurant, Bar and Lounge is open from early morning until late night. Lunch or dinner options here may include regionally inspired dishes like chermoula baked white aubergine, couscous salad, and Greek sheep's yoghurt with mint, as well as classics like taramasalata and fava bean puree topped with tomato marmalade.

At the Signature Restaurant and Bar, fresh produce from locally and around Greece is used to create contemporary meals inspired by Greek cuisine's simplicity.

And we highly recommend the Salty Skin cocktail, which tastes exactly what it sounds: a sun-soaked beach day turned into a drink. Skinos Mastiha, a white Greek spirit manufactured from resin gathered on the island of Chios, is combined with lemon juice, dry white wine, soda water, and, of course, salt to create a one-of-a-kind flavour sensation that will take me to Santorini indefinitely.

The outstanding spa building is another gorgeous but relaxing architectural area, with long, sloping walls and plenty of opportunity to gaze at vistas of the blue sky, turquoise sea and light walls with patches of lush green. The spectacular indoor-outdoor pool extends onto the patio, passing the sauna, Turkish steam bath, cold tank, and leisure rooms. There is also a fully equipped gym, an outdoor yoga space, and a private outdoor spa pool.

The spa is dedicated to Ef Zin, the Greek concept of "well-being" and self-care. There are five treatment rooms, including one for couples with a private outdoor jacuzzi. The spa treatments employ Korres products, many of which are proprietary to Nous and based on Santorini ingredients, such as particular grape varietals in the Nous Santorini Grape Velvet Senses signature. 

A visit to any Greek island always includes the search for a secret beach. Following a recommendation, we went to the very unspoiled Kabia Beach. Gazing over the black volcanic rocks to Red Beach at the other end of the bay, it was clear where Nous' distinctive colour palette came from. In addition, the Peross and Kamari beaches sandwich a rocky promontory containing the remnants of Ancient Thera, which date back to the ninth century BC.

For a more laidback Santorini experience, head to Pyrgos, where you'll find little white houses with trademark blue shutters, bright-pink twisted bougainvillaea, and domed churches with blue roofs. Walled enclosures with rooftop pools and sun loungers compete with nearby donkeys.

Conclusion

As the sun sets beyond the horizon, turning the sky orange and pink, one can't help but be captivated by Santorini's timeless beauty. Its greatest hotels not only offer unmatched comfort and hospitality, but they also serve as entrances to the island's unique mosaic of culture and scenery.

Whether trying local specialties, exploring secret beaches or simply relaxing by infinity pools overlooking the Aegean, Santorini's warmth makes an everlasting impression on every traveler's heart.