Santorini Greece is one of the most spectacular and romantic destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The island is famous for its volcanic landscape, its whitewashed villages, and its stunning sunsets. But Santorini is also a paradise for luxury lovers, who can find some of the most exclusive and elegant hotels in the Mediterranean. Whether you are looking for a secluded hideaway, a glamorous resort, or a chic boutique hotel, Santorini has it all.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best luxury hotels in Santorini, based on their location, their view, their style, and their facilities. We will also provide you with some useful tips on how to book your dream hotel in Santorini and enjoy the ultimate Greek island experience.
1. Andronis Luxury Suites
Andronis Luxury Suites is a 5-star hotel located in the picturesque village of Oia, on the edge of the caldera. The hotel offers 27 award-winning suites and villas, each with a unique design and decoration, inspired by the traditional Cycladic architecture. All the suites and villas feature private infinity pools, cave pools, or heated Jacuzzis, where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the volcano.
The hotel also has a spa, a restaurant, and a bar, offering high-quality services and amenities. Andronis Luxury Suites is the perfect choice for couples and honeymooners, who want to experience the ultimate romance and luxury in Santorini.
Highlights
• Stunning views of the caldera and the sunset from every suite and villa
• Private infinity pools, cave pools, or heated Jacuzzis in every suite and villa
• Award-winning Lycabettus restaurant, one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in the world
• Mare Sanus Spa, offering exclusive therapies and treatments
• Personalized and attentive service from the staff
2. Aqua Luxury Suites Santorini
Aqua Luxury Suites Santorini is a 4-star hotel located in the village of Imerovigli, on the highest point of the caldera. The hotel offers 36 suites and villas, each with a different size and layout, suitable for different needs and preferences. All the suites and villas have private balconies or terraces, with amazing views of the caldera and the sunset. Some of them also have private Jacuzzis or plunge pools, for extra comfort and relaxation.
The hotel also has a spa, a restaurant, and a pool bar, offering personalized and attentive services and facilities. Aqua Luxury Suites Santorini is a great choice for families and groups of friends, who want to enjoy a spacious and comfortable stay in Santorini.
Highlights
• Panoramic views of the caldera and the sunset from every suite and villa
• Private Jacuzzis or plunge pools in some suites and villas
• Aqua Luxury Restaurant, offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine and local wines
• Aqua Luxury Spa, offering a range of massages and beauty treatments
• Friendly and helpful staff, who can arrange tours, activities, and transfers
3. Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a 5-star hotel located in the medieval village of Megalohori, in the heart of the island. The hotel is a converted 400-year-old wine cellar and a 100-year-old mansion, surrounded by vineyards and gardens. The hotel offers 59 suites and villas, each with a unique character and style, blending the traditional and the contemporary elements.
All the suites and villas have private patios or terraces, with views of the village, the gardens, or the sea. Some of them also have private pools or Jacuzzis, for added luxury and privacy. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a wine bar, offering superb services and amenities. Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, is an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the authentic and tranquil side of Santorini.
Highlights
• Peaceful and secluded location in the historic village of Megalohori
• Private pools or Jacuzzis in some suites and villas
• Alati Restaurant, offering fine dining in a former wine cellar
• Canava Wine Bar, offering a selection of local and international wines
• Asian Spa Resort, offering holistic treatments and therapies
4. Grace Santorini
Grace Santorini is a 5-star hotel located in the village of Imerovigli, on the cliffside of the caldera. The hotel offers 21 rooms and suites, each with a minimalist and elegant design, featuring white and grey tones, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities. All the rooms and suites have private balconies or terraces, with spectacular views of the caldera and the sea. Some of them also have private plunge pools or heated Jacuzzis, for ultimate relaxation and romance.
The hotel also has a spa, a fitness room, a restaurant, and a champagne lounge, offering excellent services and facilities. Grace Santorini is a wonderful choice for travelers who want to enjoy a stylish and sophisticated stay in Santorini.
Highlights
• Magnificent views of the caldera and the sea from every room and suite
• Private plunge pools or heated Jacuzzis in some rooms and suites
• Santoro Restaurant, offering creative Mediterranean cuisine and a 360-degree view
• Champagne Lounge, offering a selection of champagnes and cocktails and a sunset view
• Grace Spa, offering tailor-made treatments and rituals
5. Mystique Santorini
Mystique Santorini is a 5-star hotel located in the village of Oia, on the cliffside of the caldera. The hotel offers 41 suites and villas, each with a unique and charming design, featuring natural wood, stone, and glass elements. All the suites and villas have private terraces, with stunning views of the caldera and the sea.
Some of them also have private pools or Jacuzzis, for extra indulgence and intimacy. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, two restaurants, and a wine bar, offering outstanding services and facilities. Mystique Santorini is a fabulous choice for travelers who want to enjoy a magical and memorable stay in Santorini.
Highlights
• Unforgettable views of the caldera and the sea from every suite and villa
• Private pools or Jacuzzis in some suites and villas
• Charisma Restaurant, offering gourmet Greek cuisine and a panoramic view
• Secret Wine Cave, offering a collection of rare and indigenous wines
• Asian Spa Resort, offering holistic treatments and therapies
How to choose the best luxury hotel in Santorini Greece
Here are some factors to consider when looking for the best luxury hotel in Santorini:
Location
Santorini has four main towns on the caldera edge: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. Each one has its own charm and advantages, depending on what you are looking for. Fira is the capital and the most lively, with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Oia is the most famous and picturesque, with the iconic blue-domed churches and the best sunset views. Imerovigli is the quietest and most romantic, with stunning views of the volcano and the caldera.
Firostefani is a small village between Fira and Imerovigli, with a more relaxed atmosphere and easy access to both towns. You can also stay in other areas of the island, such as the beach resorts of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos, or the traditional villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Akrotiri, but you will need a car or public transportation to reach the caldera.
View
One of the main reasons to visit Santorini is to enjoy the breathtaking views of the caldera, the volcano, and the sea. Many hotels offer rooms or suites with private balconies or terraces overlooking the caldera, but not all of them have the same quality or angle of view. Some hotels have partial or obstructed views, while others have panoramic or direct views. Some hotels have views of the sunset, while others have views of the sunrise.
Some hotels have views of the whole island, while others have views of a specific town or landmark. To avoid disappointment, make sure to check the photos and reviews of the hotel and the room you are booking, and ask for confirmation of the view type and direction.
Style
Santorini has a variety of hotels, from traditional cave houses to modern villas, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The style of the hotel can affect the ambiance, the comfort, and the amenities of your stay. If you want to experience the authentic Santorini architecture, you can choose a cave hotel, which is a room carved into the volcanic rock, with curved walls, vaulted ceilings, and cozy interiors. Cave hotels are usually smaller and darker than regular hotels, but they are also cooler and quieter.
If you prefer a more spacious and bright room, you can opt for a villa or a suite, which are usually built on the edge of the cliff, with large windows, balconies, and pools. Villas and suites are more expensive and luxurious than cave hotels, but they also offer more privacy and facilities.
Facilities
Santorini has a range of facilities to suit different needs and preferences. Some of the most common and desirable facilities are pools, spas, restaurants, and bars. Pools are a great way to cool off and relax, especially in the summer months, when the beaches are crowded and the sea is rough. Santorini has some of the most amazing pools in the world, from infinity pools that blend with the horizon, to plunge pools that offer intimacy and romance. Spas are another way to pamper yourself and enjoy the benefits of the volcanic minerals and the natural products of the island.
Santorini has some of the best spas in Greece, offering treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, and hydrotherapy. Restaurants and bars are essential for tasting the local cuisine and the famous wines of Santorini, as well as for enjoying the views and the atmosphere. Santorini has some of the best restaurants and bars in the country, from casual tavernas to fine dining, from cozy cafes to trendy clubs.
Budget
Santorini is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece, and the prices of the hotels reflect that. The cost of a hotel in Santorini depends on several factors, such as the location, the view, the style, and the facilities. Generally, the closer to the caldera, the higher the price. The better the view, the higher the price. The more luxurious the style, the higher the price.
The more facilities, the higher the price. However, there are also some ways to save money and find good deals in Santorini, such as booking in advance, traveling in low season, comparing prices online, and looking for discounts and offers. You can also find cheaper hotels in other areas of the island, away from the caldera, or in nearby islands, such as Thirassia, Anafi, or Ios.
Final thoughts
Santorini’s magnetic appeal lies in its volcanic landscapes, whitewashed villages, and captivating sunsets, attracting millions annually. Beyond its natural charm, the island caters to luxury seekers with some of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive hotels. From the award-winning designs of Andronis Luxury Suites to the spacious accommodations of Aqua Luxury Suites and the tranquil experience at Vedema, Santorini offers diverse options.
Selecting the ideal luxury hotel involves considering factors like location, view, style, facilities, and budget. The four main towns provide distinct atmospheres, and the choice of a hotel with the desired view is crucial for an immersive experience. Architectural style and amenities like pools, spas, and restaurants also play vital roles in enhancing the stay.
While Santorini is renowned for luxury, careful budget consideration is essential. However, with planning and exploration of options in less central areas or nearby islands, travelers can maximize their experience without compromising on Santorini’s unique allure. Ultimately, the blend of natural beauty and luxurious accommodations makes Santorini an extraordinary destination for an indulgent Greek island experience.