Cavo Bianco

Housed in a whitewashed stucco building typical of Santorini, the two-story Cavo Bianco has a low-key, casual vibe despite being a luxury hotel. Guests enter through a small gate and pass through the grounds, which are dotted with palm trees and abundant fuchsia bougainvillea, before making their way to the lobby. The reception area is causal but modern, with black and light-wood furniture, white-and-gray marble flooring with tan borders, and white sofas set around a natural-style wooden coffee table. There's a desk with a few chairs, and a shelf of loaner paperbacks off to one corner. A flight of marble stairs behind a screen of driftwood-hued slabs leads to the top floor. Most guests are vacationing couples, but the optional babysitting services are a nod toward families.

Cavo Bianco is located in Kamari, on Santorini's eastern coast. It's a two-minute walk to the town's main shops and restaurants, and four minutes to the nearest beach. It’s a 10-minute drive to Pyrgos and Ancient Thera. Oia -- known for its beautiful sunsets -- is a 40-minute drive from the hotel, and Fira is 20 minutes away by car. The Santorini Airport is a nine-minute drive away, while getting to the ferry terminal on the opposite caldera side of the island takes closer to 20 minutes by car. 

The 33 rooms at Cavo Bianco range from Standard Doubles to opulent Pool Suites with private pools. Room decor is heavily white, with white walls, off-white tiled floors, and white linens, offset by black or light-wood furniture and accent pieces; some of the suites also have brightly hued headboards, cushions, and upholstered furniture in shades of teal or violet. All units include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, individually controlled air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Superior Doubles add sitting areas, while Junior and Senior Suites add whirlpool hot tubs. Sleek bathrooms are as elegant as the rooms, with shower/tub combos, vessel sinks, hairdryers, and a wide range of toiletries. Twice-daily housekeeping and turndown service are also provided. 

The hotel's excellent restaurant features a range of Greek favorites and Santorini specialties served with local wines at lunch and dinner. There's also a buffet breakfast (for a fee), plus a bar that sells cocktails, beer, and wine, along with snacks and barbecue dishes. Drinks can also be taken next to either of the two small freshwater outdoor pools. One pool has a bougainvillea-covered trellis that provides shading over the tables and chairs, while the other smaller pool features a row of umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and curtained cabanas. The walled-in pool areas are usually pretty quiet, but as they are near the road, they do experience the occasional bit of traffic noise from passing cars. Other features include an elegant but small spa with a full treatment menu, including chocolate facials, anti-aging caviar facial treatments, massages, body masks, and special honeymoon packages, including massage lessons. There's also a fitness center offering cardio and weight-training equipment. Local activities and excursions can be booked from the 24-hour front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, but there's no on-site parking.