Artemis Villas

Classic white-washed Cycladic architecture is in full swing at Artemis Villas, giving all built-in walls, stairs, and other building points a smoothed-by-hand look. The hotel's traditional style is prevalent from the get-go with its curved roof reception area marked with two simple planks of wood bearing the handwritten word "reception" in blue.

Going inside, ceilings are low, and a small desk sits beyond an orange lounge sofa. The equally orange lobby area is under a taller ceiling and fits an L-shaped couch, computer station, TV with DVD collection, and bookcase. This is the only interior public space on the property, with the majority of outdoor space reserved for lots of stairs or the sea-facing pool and sun deck area. Overall, the vibe here is at a moderate level of luxury without being overly indulgent. A lack of public areas will force guests to actively venture off the property or stay in their well-equipped rooms.

Located just off the mid-caldera cliffs, outside Santorini's small village of Imerovigli, Artemis Villas is surrounded by many smaller hotels. The Villa’s position directly above the sea gives way to jaw-dropping views. Typical for the area, the property is among narrow streets and hundreds of stairs, so it’s not ideal for those needing an easily accessible place to stay. Many tourists photograph the picturesque buildings and magnificent views of the ancient Skaros Rock. While the center of Imerovigli can be reached by foot relatively quickly, the capital Fira is a good 30-minute walk away. Oia is 15 to 20 minutes away by car or bus, or a two-hour hike. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, so even though there’s limited food service at the Villas, you won't go hungry.

The Artemis' 10 studios, suites, and villas all have elements of white-washed Cycladic design (some more than others) and have additional features like wrought-iron furnishings and tile floors. Each unit has its own individual style, but the most unique of the bunch is the White Suite: Completely constructed in a traditional Minoan white-washed aesthetic, the room has a cave-like feel with a built-in fireplace. Similar in style, but with gray walls and a Renaissance-style mural in the living room, the Honeymoon Suite is one of the spaces that oddly doesn’t come with a hot tub.

Because of the traditional architecture, some rooms have lower ceilings and may feel a bit tight to some. All spaces have daily maid service to refresh towels and linens, two-burner kitchenettes with dishes and utensils, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are bright and mostly spacious with rainfall showerheads, robes, and slippers.

Equipped with the basic features found in an upper-mid-range hotel, Artemis Villas provides guests with stylish areas to read, watch a movie, or lounge poolside with a cocktail. While the pool isn’t very large, there’s also a hot tub overlooking the ocean and a sun deck with about 12 padded chairs. There’s no dedicated restaurant on-site, but the hotel offers breakfast served on private terraces and a snack service. If you’re itching for a massage or full meal, you can indulge in these missing features down the road at the Avaton Resort and Spa. Guests who have left their laptops at home can still enjoy free Wi-Fi and the Internet on the laptop computer found in the lobby. (The hotel has printer, fax, and copy services for a fee.) Artemis Villas is also able to arrange sailing excursions and boat trips for guests who want to venture out on the sparkling Aegean Sea.