Best Luxury Hotels in Greece

Luckily the presence of many hotel neighbors doesn't seem to disturb the relaxing vibe at Anastasis Apartments. The 11 large, apartment-style units have individualized contemporary decor and offer private balconies and kitchenettes. A welcome plus for many travelers: Anastasis Apartments is free of Santorini's typical (and tiring) cliff steps, making it great for anyone concerned with mobility issues. While there are bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of the Anastasis, keep in mind that most other mid- to upper-mid-range venues are set up for self-catering. If you want something more than just snacks on-site, you'll have to bump it up to a higher category.

This small hotel on the island of Santorini is comprised of seven luxury villas featuring fireplaces, private verandas, and high-end decor details. Elevated atop the less crowded northern curve of the area’s caldera and having replaced its bar and restaurant with butler and room service, Aenaon Villas is set up for upscale couples searching for a private retreat. There are no children under 12 permitted. Guests interested in a less isolated experience should look at neighboring San Antonio Hotel, which is larger and has a more sociable vibe.

For those looking to escape the bustle of certain Santorini locales, the 27-room Astra Suites’ quiet cliff-side location is a well-regarded option. The hotel has remarkable views with rocky caldera cliffs at its sides, the Aegean Sea below, and bright blue skies above. Rooms have large personal terraces and fluffy bedding while outdoor spaces are sleek and modern. The mix of traditional architecture and colorful contemporary decor gives the property an elegant and relaxing vibe. However, considering the high number of stairs, Astra’s not ideal for those with mobility issues.

This 392-room, luxury hotel makes use of its beachfront setting with ample leisure activities to suit both couples and families. From a full-service spa and two outdoor pools, to nature walks, sports facilities, and kids’ activities, this property has it all. Four restaurants and six bars are on-site, plus, this hotel is part of a larger complex housing a few other properties that have a plethora of additional delicious dining and drinking options. Well-appointed, elegant rooms have marble bathrooms with rainfall showerheads, robes and slippers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, as well as furnished outdoor spaces. Though the on-site offerings are robust, the nearby towns are sleepy. Couples may prefer the more intimate, 35-room Achtis Hotel.

The 21-room Rocabella Mykonos Art Hotel & Spa is a luxurious boutique hideaway just above gorgeous Agios Stefanos beach. Built in quintessential Mykonos style -- with lots of winding stairs, whitewash, terraces, and stunning stone walls -- the hotel has a beach-y zen vibe that promotes instantaneous relaxation. Rooms are spacious and modern with artistic, natural decor -- plus amazing views of the sea. The little touches, such as aromatherapy candles for in-room turndown service, make a visit to the Rocabella the epitome of laid-back luxury. Unlike some competitors, the Rocbella has both a spa and gym.

A lovely boutique property, Pezoules is set into Oia's lower caldera cliffs, giving guests sweeping views of the Aegean. With only six rooms -- many designed in a cave-like style -- it is a small, quiet, and personal property ideal for couples. Rooms mimic the hotel's chic blend of traditional architecture and minimalism and feature ergonomic Dimstel mattresses. Slim on the features but with more than the nearby Aris Caves, this property has a small infinity pool with an even smaller deck and a tiny pool bar serving snacks and drinks. The experience is best suited for travelers who want to explore the surrounding area but come back to a quiet room, and overall this is a gorgeous property with upscale rooms and an authentic Greek island vibe.

This part of Santorini is renowned for its specular vistas, and the 14-room Andronis Boutique Hotel takes full advantage of its privileged position -- there are few places in the hotel without gorgeous sea views. Cave-like rooms are luxurious and really quite special, as are bathrooms and private balconies. The pool isn't huge, but is lined with sunbeds overlooking the all-important panorama. All in all, it's luxury accommodation at a luxury price, so for a cheaper option, without quite the views, check out Oia's Sunset (it has a bigger pool).

The 70-room boutique Lindos Blu is a luxury, adult-only hotel built into a steep hillside outside historic Lindos, with spectacular panoramic views of the Aegean. From the moment guests arrive, no detail is neglected, from welcome drinks to waiter service at the private beach, from the abundant (and delicious) free breakfast, to dinner at the hotel's romantic, gourmet restaurant. Rooms are spacious, luxe, and lovely, with whirlpool tubs, balconies, and, in some, private pools.

There's little to not like at this quintessential, yet modern and upscale, Santorinian complex. The location of Ikies Traditional Houses is close to ideal -- perched on a tranquil cliff top with easily some the best views on the island -- and there are plenty of vantage points to enjoy it from. Rooms are spacious and very nicely finished, though some private terraces can feel a little public. Like most properties here, the pool is small, but perfectly formed. A very similar option can be found nearby at the Atrina Traditional Houses, so you might want to compare prices.

The 15-room Lithos by Spyros and Flora is an upscale boutique hotel located a few miles from central Mykonos, along the shore at Agios Ioannis Beach. Whitewashed and quintessentially Greek in appearance and decor, the hotel has been created with enormous attention to detail, from stylish poolside lounge chairs to unique stone and glass tables in the lobby. Rooms are very large, modern and stylish, with crisp white decor and elegant glass-enclosed showers, plus kitchenettes and private verandas with sea views. The pool terrace, with incredible vistas of the Aegean Sea, is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail as the sun goes down. This is a wonderful value for this category of property, but travelers wanting more amenities, like a spa and gym, could try the Myconian K Hotels.

Located in the village of Imerovigli -- an area known for spectacular sunsets -- and built along a caldera rim, the upscale Santorini Princess has loads of outdoor seating for soaking up the scene. The hotel’s 22 spotless apartment-style suites are spacious and comfortable, and most afford superb views from private terraces. With an outdoor pool, bar, lounge, and cafe, as well as an on-site restaurant and spa, guests never need leave the hotel’s isolated location. However, multiple stairs and no elevators are a problem for those with mobility issues, and guests seeking a popping nightlife are better off checking out places directly in town like Dreams Luxury Suites.

Celestia Grand Villas is a high-end villa complex located on a cliff top just south of Fira town. As a villa-only property there's little in the way of common space, though all seven units feel super-secluded with large terraces and private pools overlooking the iconic caldera. An on-site chef provides in-villa dining throughout the day, as well as alfresco candlelit dinners, though there's nowhere else to eat within walking distance. Those who'd prefer to be a little nearer the action should check out Aria Suites close to Fira center, but for those seeking luxury and privacy with minimum distractions, this place could be just perfect.

Set on the hilltop in Oia town, Atrina Traditional Houses has some of the finest views of the whole island, and from everywhere in the complex. Accommodation is flawlessly presented, with each unit having a private terrace overlooking the sea, as well as more tech than you'd expect. The pool is small, but most are on the island, and there's no on-site dining, but breakfast is delivered to order. If you're looking for a luxury self-catering option in Santorini, you'd be hard pressed to find a better option than this charming complex.

Andronis Luxury Suites is a luxury boutique overlooking the Aegean Sea. Though Santorini and over-the-top hotels go hand-in-hand, this property has the added benefit of a location overlooking the Caldera side of the Mediterranean and it is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of Oia. Each of the 22 suites includes a private hot tub; some suites are done in the traditional cave style of the island. A dramatic infinity pool overlooks the cliffs and sea below. The on-site restaurant gets good reviews for Greek food and free breakfast with local ingredients. Like most hotels in this part of the world, expect steep steps and spotty Wi-Fi access.

The upscale Mykonos Princess Hotel is a contemporary boutique property perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea, about a five-minute walk to Agios Stefanos Beach. Mykonos town is 15 minutes away by car or free evening hotel shuttle. The 39 guest rooms come with minibars, free Wi-fi, and flat-screen TVs, plus all have balconies or terraces, some with sea views. The hotel features a small outdoor pool with a poolside bar and good sea views from the sundeck -- staff pass cold towels and free drinks. The hotel also serves a free a la carte breakfast plus Greek and Mykonian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Guests willing to splurge for a more upscale experience might want to consider the nearby Grace Mykonos, a stylish four-pearl property with a spa.