Fanari Villas

With its gently rounded plasterwork and crisp whitewashed walls that cascade down their cliff-top setting, this charming piece of traditionally styled Cycladic architecture deviates little from the Santorini formula. And this is certainly not a bad thing, with bougainvillea providing the occasional splash of color, and volcanic rock staircases connecting to terraces that feature those impossibly breathtaking views. The vibe is upscale and romantic, drawing mostly couples and honeymooners, though with the area being famously the best place to enjoy the stunning caldera sunsets, it won't always feel secluded. 

The hotel is set in the small town (though still the second largest on the island) of Oia, known for its particularly spectacular sunset views, so can get crowded with visitors -- especially around dusk. There's plenty within a short walk (via plenty of steps), including a variety of restaurants, and Oia's famous windmill and Byzantine Castle Ruins are around the corner. This is also one of the more remote spots on the island and a good half an hour's drive from Santorini Airport and 20 minutes from the capital Fira. While the entrance to the hotel can be hard to find in the labyrinth of cliff-top footpaths around this northern tip of Santorini, a porter can be arranged in advance to navigate and carry luggage.

The hotel has 16 rooms, all of which are nicely finished in the island's signature white plaster with distressed, rustic-style or modern furnishings, and arched ceilings. Unlike many rooms cut into the cliff-face, interiors are fresh and airy and not generally prone to mustiness. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges, while all rooms have their own furnished terraces with sea views. Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength varies from room to room. While all rooms have jetted tubs in the bathrooms, higher-end suites add open-air hot tubs overlooking the sea -- though not all of them are tucked away from eye-shot of the nearby crowds. 

A semi-covered swimming pool is lined with loungers and extends to an unheated indoor whirlpool, which also features those sea vistas. There's also a cave sauna and treatment rooms offering a variety of massage and beauty therapies. A buffet breakfast -- not the best on the island -- is included in the price and served in the hotel's restaurant, which extends to a sea-view outdoor terrace, and is open for lunch and dinner, serving traditional Santorini fare. Many upscale and even luxury properties in the area -- such as Pezoules -- lack full restaurants, making this a nice extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal is weak in some areas.