Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites

It would be easy to drive right past the Ambassador Aegean's unassuming entrance without realizing that one of Santorini's best luxury properties is just down the cliff and behind a wooden gate (though the occasional helicopter landing on the hotel's private helipad might give you a clue). The hotel is laid out to maximize stunning Caldera and Aegean Sea views from every possible angle, but this means that steep steps are prevalent. Staff is on call to transport guests who don't want to walk via golf cart. Each of the rooms is housed in a traditional Cycladic cave-style building with whitewashed exteriors -- some of the rooms are only accessible via a dark tunnel that's lit by candles. The chic lobby holds a few luxury goods and dining room furniture, but most guests only linger here long enough to check in or book a sunset cruise. The main social scene is at the gorgeous Cabo Rosso restaurant, which includes special effect lighting to mimic a volcano. The restaurant overlooks the chic communal infinity-edge pool, but most guests spend their days exploring the island or at the privacy of their own pool. Kids are allowed with prior approval, though almost all of the guests here are couples and honeymooners who value privacy and quiet on vacation. 

Akrotiri is located on the southern end of Santorini, which is the quieter end of the island. The location is almost as far as you can get from Oia, but the beaches and wineries are close by, and it's still a relatively easy drive to Oia. 

• Eight-minute drive to Red Beach
• 11-minute drive to Black Beach
• 19-minute drive to Santo Wines Winery
• 25-minute drive to Kamari Beach
• 26-minute drive to Santorini (Thira) National Airport
• 26-minute drive to Fira Town
• 40-minute drive to Oia 

The 40 rooms and suites here are divided into several categories, and choosing the right one can be a bit confusing. Each cave-style unit comes with a private pool and beautiful views of the Caldera from a furnished outdoor space, but the size of the pool, layout of the room (or rooms), and scope of the view varies. Decor is similar across the board, pairing a mostly white and gray color palette with clean lines that allows the sea views to take center stage. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, espresso machines, mini-fridges, electronic do-not-disturb signs, and welcome bottles of wine and fruit plates are standard. Some of the rooms are built directly in to the volcanic rock, and are reachable via a tunnel lit by candles. 

Bathrooms also vary by room type, but most have beautiful cave-style tubs and rainfall showerheads. Molton Brown toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. 

The all-white marble Presidential Villa accommodates up to 14 people on three levels, and is located in a slightly private section of the property. It features a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a large pool. It's often booked for wedding parties. 

One of the biggest complaints about upscale and luxury properties in Santorini is that lack of space means lack of features. But lack of space isn't a problem at Ambassador Aegean. The day starts with a free breakfast delivered to guest rooms. Guests make their hot and cold selections on a note card the night before service. Meals and snacks are available at Cabo Rosso, a fine-dining international restaurant with a gorgeous dining room and interesting lights that mimic an erupting volcano. The pool bar provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages next to the large infinity pool. Room service is available. Note that our most recent photographs don't reflect Cabo Rosso, the pool bar, or style upgrades to the pool chairs. 

Wellness Thelma Spa is accessed through a candle-lit tunnel cut directly from volcanic rock. Approaching spa-goers smell a fresh scent in the tunnel before they arrive at the entrance. Inside, the spa has a beauty room, couples' massage room, relaxation area with wine and fruit, and two heated pools -- one inside and one on a terrace overlooking the Caldera.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Free parking is available in a lot across the street (staff will assist with bags). There's also a  helipad for guests arriving by air.