Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa

Though kiddos are allowed at Rocabella Deluxe Suites & Spa Santorini, the steep steps, sheer cliff drops, and cosmopolitan clientele make it less than ideal for families. The main pool is the most beautiful and convenient of the three at Rocabella. It's framed with smooth pebbles and a blue diamond pattern on the floor. Sunset views of the Aegean can be admired from the water or one of the many comfortable sun loungers and double beds. The remaining pools are on separate levels of the hotel, creating little private oases where couples can relax. Expect the same whitewashed walls and flat roofs indicative of Cycladic architecture found throughout Santorini.

Rocabella Deluxe Suites & Spa Santorini has a calm and quiet location about one mile from Fira. Intrepid guests do walk there but it's probably best to take the free shuttle or rent a car to get around the island as the streets aren't designed with pedestrian safety in mind. Oia is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel while the Santorini Airport is within a 15-minute drive. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Parking is free and doesn't require reservations.

There are 42 unique rooms and suites at Rocabella Deluxe Suites & Spa Santorini with somewhat varying decor, but each of them has outdoor space and jaw-dropping views of the Aegean Sea. Past guests have reported enjoying views even from their beds. Flat-screen TVs, a DVD player, and minibars are standard. Hardwood floors look luxe while Lucite furniture and framed mirrors reflect light. An upgrade will get you a private mini plunge pool and more square footage. Cavelike bathrooms are a fun touch, though some of them could use a fresh coat of paint. Book a room on the top floor for the best views and most privacy (you'll be able to see the balconies below you). Evening turndown service often includes treats.

The features at Rocabella Deluxe Suites & Spa Santorini include those usually found at a five-pearl property. Izumi Day Spa gets high marks for specialty treatments and the stone wall Turkish bath, but if you're looking for over-the-top organic treatments you may want to book them at Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites. The fitness center is in a bright and airy room; it's small, but a gym is also a rarity in this price range, and it includes several cardio and strength-training machines, along with a badly beaten punching bag wrapped with duct tape. Axinos Restaurant provides a la carte dining and there are three bars throughout the property. There are three outdoor pools here, though the one infinity edge pool is on the narrow side. Staff can book catamaran cruises and excursions. A small boutique sells glam resort wear, specialty wines and packaged Greek foods.