With just six suites, the adult-only, 2014-opened Alti Santorini Suites is a quiet, upper-middle-range property, calmly set between the villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori (both about a 15-minute walk). Caldera and Aegean Sea views are spectacular from private plunge pools and terraces, which all suites afford. Understated rooms also have elegant decor, rainfall showers, Nespresso machines, minibars, and bathrobes. There's no restaurant here, but free, room-delivered breakfasts come standard and other snacks and meals can be arranged, as can massages. There's little else to this small establishment, and note that pool privacy is often compromised (common for Santorini). For a family-friendly option that's less pricey, consider the Grand View Hotel.
With just six suites, the adult-only, 2014-opened Alti Santorini Suites is a quiet, upper-middle-range property, calmly set between the villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori (both about a 15-minute walk). Caldera and Aegean Sea views are spectacular from private plunge pools and terraces, which all suites afford. Understated rooms also have elegant decor, rainfall showers, Nespresso machines, minibars, and bathrobes. There's no restaurant here, but free, room-delivered breakfasts come standard and other snacks and meals can be arranged, as can massages. There's little else to this small establishment, and note that pool privacy is often compromised (common for Santorini). For a family-friendly option that's less pricey, consider the Grand View Hotel.
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini is one of the only traditional five-pearl hotels on the island -- and it once hosted Angelina Jolie. The fact that it has space for three high end restaurants, a chic outdoor pool, Asian Spa, fitness center, 400-year-old wine cellar, helipad, and boutique shop is due to its unusual location in the ancient village of Megalochori. Guests trade caldera views for vineyard and distant Aegean Sea views, but the village is much more intimate than the tourist trappings of Oia and Fira. The resort offers a free shuttle to its private beach club. Though the main buildings are done in Cycladic style, the 46 villas and suites interiors are modern and many include private pools or whirlpools. For travelers who want luxury on the caldera in Oia, check rates at Mystique Luxury Collection Hotel but expect higher prices and you'll lose the beach club access.
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini is one of the only traditional five-pearl hotels on the island -- and it once hosted Angelina Jolie. The fact that it has space for three high end restaurants, a chic outdoor pool, Asian Spa, fitness center, 400-year-old wine cellar, helipad, and boutique shop is due to its unusual location in the ancient village of Megalochori. Guests trade caldera views for vineyard and distant Aegean Sea views, but the village is much more intimate than the tourist trappings of Oia and Fira. The resort offers a free shuttle to its private beach club. Though the main buildings are done in Cycladic style, the 46 villas and suites interiors are modern and many include private pools or whirlpools. For travelers who want luxury on the caldera in Oia, check rates at Mystique Luxury Collection Hotel but expect higher prices and you'll lose the beach club access.
The Grand View Hotel is a chic and quiet mid-range option in Megalochori with unbelievable Caldera sunset views and some excellent extras. The 16 rooms range from a small double room with little privacy to gorgeous sprawling suites with private heated whirlpools on balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea. The communal terrace surrounding the (icy) swimming pool is beautifully set with body cushions and wicker chairs. A small poolside bar serves blended drinks, specialty cocktails, and light fare. The free hot breakfast buffet is substantial and served in a second-floor breakfast room that overlooks the Caldera. Free Wi-Fi and a large free parking lot add to the overall value, but a car is required for getting around with ease. For something more walkable and stylish, (but without the Caldera views) check rates at the San Marino Suites in Fira.
The Grand View Hotel is a chic and quiet mid-range option in Megalochori with unbelievable Caldera sunset views and some excellent extras. The 16 rooms range from a small double room with little privacy to gorgeous sprawling suites with private heated whirlpools on balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea. The communal terrace surrounding the (icy) swimming pool is beautifully set with body cushions and wicker chairs. A small poolside bar serves blended drinks, specialty cocktails, and light fare. The free hot breakfast buffet is substantial and served in a second-floor breakfast room that overlooks the Caldera. Free Wi-Fi and a large free parking lot add to the overall value, but a car is required for getting around with ease. For something more walkable and stylish, (but without the Caldera views) check rates at the San Marino Suites in Fira.
If wine, spa treatments, and Caldera views are your thing, look no further than the upscale Suites of the Gods Spa Hotel in Megalochori. It's just a four-minute walk to the popular Venetsanos Winery and the hotel's atmospheric four-level spa was once a wine cellar: the walls are still stained red. Kids under the age of 18 aren't allowed, so the scene by the Caldera-facing infinity-edge pool and Sky Bar is romantic, especially at sunset. The 27 tasteful Suites all have Caldera views, and some have plunge pools and fireplaces. Breakfast is included in the room rate and there's a full restaurant. The biggest complaint here is that the scenic location is far from the tourist outposts of Fira (15-minute drive) and Oia (35-minute drive). For something in the heart of Fira, check rates at The Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites, which also has a spa.
*Editor's note, our latest photos don't include the hotel's infinity edge pool and newest suites.
If wine, spa treatments, and Caldera views are your thing, look no further than the upscale Suites of the Gods Spa Hotel in Megalochori. It's just a four-minute walk to the popular Venetsanos Winery and the hotel's atmospheric four-level spa was once a wine cellar: the walls are still stained red. Kids under the age of 18 aren't allowed, so the scene by the Caldera-facing infinity-edge pool and Sky Bar is romantic, especially at sunset. The 27 tasteful Suites all have Caldera views, and some have plunge pools and fireplaces. Breakfast is included in the room rate and there's a full restaurant. The biggest complaint here is that the scenic location is far from the tourist outposts of Fira (15-minute drive) and Oia (35-minute drive). For something in the heart of Fira, check rates at The Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites, which also has a spa.
*Editor's note, our latest photos don't include the hotel's infinity edge pool and newest suites.
