On The Rocks

There's certainly everything one expects from an upscale Santorinian hotel here -- gleaming whitewashed walls set again sea and sky blues and traditional Cycladic-style architecture cut into the volcanic rock. As the name suggests, the hotel is perched on a particularly sheer part of the cliff which means steep steps -- even by Santorini's standards. While immaculate throughout with a series of small terraces that cascade down the side of the cliff, the property is far from spacious. The vibe is also a little more animated than most with music around the pool bar area; it generally appeals to younger couples. Kids and older guests might also struggle with the stairs. The location also means evenings can get windy and fresh, though its position also guarantees some of the most stunning sunset views on the island. 

The hotel is perched on the cliff-face in the relatively serene Santorini village of Imerovigli flanked on both sides by similar buildings high above the sea. While it position guarantees some particularly gorgeous views over the caldera basin, its also one of the windier places on the island. 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.

The hotel has 24 rooms spread over six floors, most of which vary in size and layout but all follow the typical crisp white, cave-style finish -- some have low ceilings and some are more pristine that others. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with some satellite channels, while free Wi-Fi is available though coverage varies. (This is a common issue for hotels with cave-style rooms.) While only some rooms are actually carved into the rock, all rooms open up to furnished terraces overlooking the sea, with the Master Suite featuring a private plunge pool.  While iconic Eames-style chairs in rooms is also a nice touch, low water pressure in some bathrooms has been reported. 

Breakfast is ordered a la carte the evening before and served at the shaded poolside bar or delivered to the guest room the next morning (and included in the room rate). The pool is small, and pool terrace space can feel a little cramped when the hotel is full, though lovely soft loungers make for particularly comfy seats from which to soak up the superb views. (Some hotels in Santorini lack loungers altogether.) The hotel also has a spa carved into the rock with a whirlpool tub and a range of massage options -- though reports of the quality of the massages have not always been positive.