San Antonio Luxury Hotel

In a quiet area between Imerovigli and Oia, the San Antonio Hotel has an exclusive aura, with a fantastic view of the rocky hillsides and smaller islands spreading out across the deep blue waters of the Santorini caldera. It's built into a natural cave formation within the volcanic rock of the area put to use in striking red stone arches and black stone retaining walls that contrast against the bright white plastered exterior. The front door opens into a long cavernous hall whose rounded walls and ceiling have been plastered over, and decorated with sconces and potted plants. A small lounge area sits in a vaulted alcove opposite the reception desk, with a door to the wide seafront terrace on the opposite end of the hall. The tranquil atmosphere away from other hotels is geared for couples and honeymooners looking for privacy more than a social scene. 

The hotel is on the most narrow stretch of the island, on the northern part of a caldera’s edge off the “old path” connecting the capital of Fira and with the Unesco Heritage Village of Oia. It's on a quiet perch next to two other hotels with nothing else around, far from the clusters of cliffside hotels closer to Fira. This position affords guests a more isolated and peaceful vibe with famed views of the caldera, sea, and volcano, but a conveniently placed bus stop out back allows for easy access via public transport to nearby beaches and villages. Unfortunately, not much beyond scenic hikes along the “old path” is accessible by foot; guests are reliant on public transport, rental cars, or paying the hotel for transfers.   

The 29 rooms have a sophisticated decor with an airy vibe, stone floors, and vaulted plaster ceilings. White furnishings are decorated by pastel, or black-and-white prints, and all get natural light from balcony or patio doors. Standard rooms have furnished patios that open to shared terraces with sun loungers, while suites have larger and more private furnished balconies. The open-plan spaces have living areas with couches, tables for two, cabinets with stocked mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines. Free Wi-Fi comes standard as do flat-screen TVs, though some might find the wall-mounted viewing angles to be awkward. The large bathrooms have vanities with stone basin sinks and either walk-in showers or jetted tubs with handheld showerheads. Many suites add private outdoor hot tubs. 

At the back of the hotel, a cliffside infinity pool seems to pour into the sea, with black-and-white loungers under canvas umbrellas arranged on its marble sundeck. There's an adjoining outdoor terrace shared by the lounge bar and the restaurant which serves Mediterranean cuisine and local wines. Private candlelight dinners are available and a Champagne American breakfast is included in the rates. The Volcanic Spa Suite is luxurious, and was built into a cave with vaulted ceilings. Apart from its treatment rooms, the spa also has a hot tub and a body jet shower. There's no fitness center, but yoga classes are offered. Free parking is available and airport shuttles can be arranged for a fee.