Delfini Villas

Guests enter Delfini directly off the picturesque pedestrian path that runs from Fira to Amoudi Bay in Oia. The entrance has a small sign decorated with dolphins, and a picket gate that leads to a sun terrace furnished with potted plants and white wicker sofas. If you can tear yourself away from the uninterrupted caldera and cliffside views, walk down a set of stairs and turn right at the first door. Just down a small hallway is the tiny reception area, really just a small room with a desk. This is where you're likely to find the affable owner who will greet you with kisses on the cheek and a sincere greeting. The three rooms and communal pool are spread down the cliff, so all have stunning views. Apart from the rooftop terrace, the only other gathering place is the pool. The pool deck makes the most of the views and provides cushioned sun loungers and potted olive trees. Kids are technically allowed here, but you're more likely to see couples on romantic vacations. Actually, you're not likely to see anyone at all since breakfast is served in the rooms and many guests spend the entire day exploring Santorini and taking tours. 

Delfini has a privileged location on the edge of Oia that manages to provide relatively fast walking access to tourist hot spots and a bit more quiet and calm than you'll find deeper in the village. Caldera views in Oia are some of the best on the island, and Delfini is no exception. That said, these same views draw thousands of tourists daily and Oia can get uncomfortably congested, especially near Amoudi Bay and Oia Castle. The hotel's entrance is just one step off of the pedestrian path that snakes along the caldera from Fira to Amoudi Bay in Oia (about a four-hour walk in total; some parts of the path are steep and unpaved). It's about a 20-minute walk from the hotel to Amoudi Bay, and about 10 minutes to the biggest stretch of souvenir shops, boutiques, and Greek tavernas. A bus ride or drive to Fira takes about 35 minutes. Red Beach is a 40-minute drive from Oia, or about 20 minutes on the bus from Fira. Santorini International Airport is about a 25-minute drive. 

There are three rooms here and they book up quickly during high season. Each of them are individually decorated with an elegant style and look more like a well-equipped guest bedroom in someone's personal home than a hotel room. The Exclusive Room features a neutral color scheme with white walls and wood laminate floors. A padded cutout headboard has a beige pattern that's accented by several similar decorative bed pillows and the cushioned bench that sits at the edge of the bed. A small step down from the bed area leads to the living room with a day bed and armchair, plus a desk. Doors open on to the furnished balcony with a small plunge pool. Caldera views are breathtaking, and this is where breakfast is delivered in the mornings. Features include a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, kettle, DVD player, laptop, and safe. The spacious bathroom is decked out in gold and black tiles, and offers a jetted tub with a shower attachment. Toiletries, a hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers are provided.  

Features at Delfini are relatively scarce due to space constraints. A free Greek continental breakfast is delivered to rooms every morning at a pre-determined time. The spread varies but usually includes eggs, pastries, and fruit. There's a small communal swimming pool with caldera views and sun loungers, or guests can walk about five minutes over to the sister hotel's swimming pool. Free private garage parking is an unexpected perk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The friendly owner is happy to arrange tours and she greets guests with wine and fruit. Olive oil and beach bags are provided as departing gifts.