Sophia Luxury Suites

As with many of the boutique hotels on the island, Sophia Luxury Suites has an organic, natural design, partly because the rooms and outdoor spaces are molded into the curves of the hillside. The hotel has embraced this style more than others though, using simple polished concrete on many surfaces from stairways to terraces and spa baths. Whitewashed walls, rustic natural wood features and furniture, and splashes of Cycladic blue add to the traditional Grecian feel. However, this is by no means a stuffy and classic hotel, and guests should expect to see artsy design flourishes in all of the rooms. Views out to Skaros Rock and the caldera are stunning. The hotel attracts mostly couples of all ages, though the village's many steps are tricky for those with limited mobility.

Sophia Luxury Suites is set on the hillside in the heart of Imerovigli. The village is the highest point of Santorini and has some of the best views, plus a quieter vibe than busy Oia or the island's capital, Fira. Scenic Skaros Rock is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and from there it's a five minute walk down to tiny Theoskepasti chapel perched right on the edge of the caldera. It's all that remains of Skaros, once the island's principal town. The village bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, with a transit time of about 10 minutes to Fira and 20 to Oia. Buses also connect with several of the beach resorts like Kamari and Perissa, plus both the ferry and airport terminals. The island is small and most places can be reached within a 30-minute drive. The hotel is steps from the popular hiking trail that runs along the coast from Fira to Oia, -- it's about a two-hour hike to Oia in the north, and a 30-minute walk south to Fira, via the charming village of Firostefani, which has a handful of restaurants and shops. 

The hotel's nine suites are individually decorated, though all share a uniform rustic-chic ethos in elegant cave-like spaces. Expect to see whitewashed walls and vintage furniture alongside pops of vivid color and artsy design touches (stone platform beds, birdcage-inspired pendant lighting, live-edge end tables, and the like). Each has its own balcony or terrace with a plunge pool or hot tub (aside from the Character Cave Rooms, which have indoor plunge pools instead) and views out to the ocean. It's worth noting that some suites have a shared outside space, which may not suit those looking for more privacy. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, bathrobes/slippers, digital music players, and free Wi-Fi. Suites also feature indoor or outdoor table-and-chair sets where breakfast and dinner can be taken. Bathroom caverns have modern features like rainfall showers and stone counter-top basins. Some have beautiful indoor cave pools that add an extra romantic touch, and the Honeymoon Suites have double sinks. 

The hotel is fairly compact, as with most of the area's hillside hotels, and there is no real central space. There are several seating areas dotted throughout, overlooking the main attraction -- the spectacular views. The well-received restaurant serves a seasonal menu of local dishes, and breakfast is included in the room rates. Keep in mind that all meals are served in suites. The hotel offers a range of extras such as yoga sessions and massage treatments and has good ties with other local businesses, such as a photographer who'll come and take you out to the best spots for a perfect sunset photo and an authentic local pottery studio where guests can take lessons. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.