Dreams Luxury Suites

With a name like Dreams Luxury Suites, this property certainly has plenty to live up to. Following the familiar template of Santorini cliff-top hotels, the building is gleaming white slice of Cycladic-style architecture constructed from original houses that date back to over a century ago. Renovated in 2007 by a local designer, the building comprises just six self-contained suites connected by wide paths and gentle stairways lined with potted shrubs, scented herbs, and cacti. The finish is undoubtedly upscale while the vibe is all about peace and seclusion, with little in the way of common space. This, together with sunset views from all its terraces, make it a particularly popular choice with romancing and honeymooning couples. 

The hotel is set overlooking the sea in the relatively serene Santorini village of Imerovigli. Although perched on a cliff top, slopes are gentler than at some area hotels with few steep steps. The position still guarantees some particularly gorgeous views over the caldera basin. Its setting does also mean it can be prone to wind. The village is located just north of the island's capital, Fira -- a bustling tourist hub and about five minutes' drive (or 35 minutes downhill on foot). The property is also around 20 minutes' drive from Santorini Airport, or nearer 30 minutes from the main port.

Each of the six suites is similarly styled with crisp whitewashed walls hewn from the volcanic rock and adorned with Surrealist artworks. Each is spacious, with separate bedrooms, seating areas, and private furnished terraces with gorgeous caldera views -- from outdoor hot tubs. All but the Nefeli Suite also feature private plunge pools, while inside all rooms come with a 46-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a USB stick full of music and movies. Other luxury touches include fluffy bathrobes and upmarket Trussardi toiletries, while bathrooms are roomy and finished in colorful plaster and mosaic tiles. Wi-Fi is also free of charge. The Foivos Suite is the largest unit and sleeps up to five people.

There's practically nothing in the way of facilities outside the suites themselves, and there doesn't really need to be. The hotel provides guests with a novel iPad app through which guests can use the concierge services or order snacks or light meals via room service. An American Champagne breakfast is also delivered each morning (included in the rate) while guests can also choose from one of six romantic "Candlelight Menus" served on their private terrace. The lack of a spa or restaurant on-site, however, might be considered a shortcoming.