Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

Built into the volcanic rock on the side of a cliff on the northern part of the island, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa blends into the landscape of dreamy Oia with its traditional Cycladic island architecture and expansive views out to the Aegean and the caldera. A minimalist design of the rooms and public areas of the hotel allows for these breathtaking surroundings to take center stage, though that doesn't mean the look is boring. The reception area, pool, restaurant and rooms are set on separate levels on the cliff, connected by a series of steps, and those staying here will need to be able bodied. Additionally, children are only allowed in the Junior Villa. Santorini Secret is small, with just 17 rooms, and is geared toward couples of all ages looking for a romantic getaway. 

Santorini Secret sits on the cliffs of Oia looking out on the Aegean, with a few pedestrian streets on various sides of the hotel. The steepness of the grounds (and on this part of the island in general) means navigating a long series of steps to go between rooms and the various amenities. Oia is situated on the northern side of the island and is an ideal spot for views of the sunset and the famous caldera, but can feel a bit removed from the island’s capital, Fira (20 minutes by car, public buses also make trips) and some of the main tourist attractions like the Akrotiri archaeological site (45 minutes by car). This distance might not matter, as picturesque Oia has plenty of its own restaurants, shops, and bars within a five- to 10-minute walk, so couples who are looking for romance and relaxation might be happy skipping the rest of the island altogether. The 30-minute ride to the airport can be arranged with the hotel, and the trip to Athens is just a 45-minute flight.

At Santorini Secret, guests can choose between various types of suites or the Junior Villa, all of which are designed in traditional Santorini fashion -- white-washed and cavelike, cozy and romantic. Although the style is minimalistic, details are not forgotten - bedding is by Guy Laroche and mattresses are firm. There are also artsy glass and wood details that look perfectly bohemian. Even the smallest suites are 30 square meters (320 square feet), and all rooms have a private terrace with either a whirlpool or heated pool. Other features include flat-screen TVs, safes, coffee/tea-making facilities, minibars, work desks, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. 

The 90-square meter (950-square-foot) Junior Villa, which is set about 50 meters from the rest of the property, is the only room that permits children. It has a kitchenette and can sleep up to four people in two bedrooms. While most rooms have an unobstructed view of the Aegean, some street-side suites have only a partial sea view and with passing pedestrians can feel less private and more noisy. All suites and the villa have en-suite bathrooms that are clean and have rainfall showers, hairdryers and are designed with attractive red and white tiles accenting the white walls and stone sinks. High-end toiletries are provided.

For a small boutique hotel, Santorini Secret has some great amenities. The heated infinity pool sits overlooking the Aegean and the famous Santorini caldera, and is surrounded by comfortable, pillowy lounge chairs. A small adjacent pool bar serves cocktails as well as snacks. For a more substantial meal, guests can eat at Black Rock, a terrace restaurant with a modern-meets-traditional Green menu where the kitchen is helmed by George Choriatis, a chef formerly of the Greek restaurant Mazi in London. Breakfast is included in room rates and can be delivered to rooms where guests can eat with a view on their private terrace. Spa services -- including a range of massages and beauty treatments -- are offered in room or in the lovely, cave-like spa. Other personalized services include a concierge that can arrange VIP-style day trips like a private catamaran or helicopter ride, and a private butler service is also available upon request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.