Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini

From the street, the resort looks like any other gorgeous Cycladic mansion on the island. There's little to hint at how large and luxurious the grounds truly are. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks in the chic whitewashed cave-style lobby, which holds a long blue dining table and a cozy seating area with books. From there, lava stone pathways meander up to the European-style pool and then around the expansive grounds peppered with herb gardens, olive trees, and succulents, leading to Cycladic structures that hold the guest rooms. Vedema means winemaking in Greek, and the name is a tribute to the 400-year-old winery on-site and surrounding vineyards. The distant Aegean Sea and views of Megalochori rooftops (plus the occasional ringing church bell) add to the visual (and auditory) appeal. This property is part of Starwood's luxury brand. 

Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and quiet. The pool doesn't get crowded, since many guests explore during the day or take advantage of the resort's private beach club off-site. Most of the guests here are couples on vacations and honeymoons. Angeline Jolie once stayed here. Thanks to the lack of steep steps and cliff drops, the hotel is also a favorite with families. Note that the resort closes from the end of October to around May, which is common in Santorini. 

Vedema has an unusual and covetable location for Santorini. While most of the island's luxury hotels cling to the cliffs (at the expense of space for large pools, spas, and restaurants) the Vedema takes up a prime piece of real estate in the ancient village of Megalochori. The village is lesser known and not as deeply explored as Oia (40-minute drive) and Fira (15-minute drive) which means there are fewer crowds and tourist trappings. Still, there are four excellent Greek tavernas and a few shops about a block from the hotel. The cobblestone streets are too narrow for much traffic, so it's easy to walk and gawk at the Cycladic architecture, blue-domed churches, and mansions that make up the neighborhood. Unlike most parts of the island, Megalochori still has residential homes. Santo Wines Winery is about a five-minute drive. Expect about a 15-minute drive to Red Beach and the resort's private beach club on Black Beach. Santorini Airport is about a 15-minute drive. The resort offers free parking in a small lot and has a helipad. 

There are three types of suites and two types of villas located on-site and one luxurious off-site villa that sleeps 10 people. Decor, layout, and view change slightly between units, even among the same room type. Overall, each of the units has a chic and modern decor with a mostly bright white color palette punched up with either purple, gray, green, or blue in the upholstery and bedding. Dorian Suites are the most affordable and these come standard with a separate bedroom and living room area. Features include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free bottled water, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, Tivoli sound systems, kettles, and telephones. Furnished terraces or patios have views to the garden, vineyards, sea, or village. Spacious bathrooms feature large glass showers and separate bathtubs. Korres toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Aegean Suites are the next category up, and these units have everything provided in the Dorian Suites, plus the addition of an indoor dining room and a whirlpool tub on the terrace. Athenian Suites are a nice option for families, since they have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Honeymooners prefer the Olympian Villas for private outdoor pools and whirlpools surrounded by a stone wall, plus an indoor jetted tub. The Presidential Villa sleeps seven people in three bedrooms, and has a private plunge pool and whirlpool. 

Luxury extras include evening turndown service and welcome bottles of wine and fruit on arrival. 

When compared to other luxury hotels in Santorini, Vedema's features blow the competition out of the water. Pergola Restaurant serves a self-serve buffet breakfast with Prosecco, eggs, bacon, breads, fruits, cheeses, yogurts and Greek pastries. There's a fresh juice station and guests can order a la carte and specialty coffees. The cost is usually included with the room rate. Lunch consists of a la carte seasonal salads and pastas, plus cocktails. Servers provide drink and snack service by the pool. For dinner, Alati (which means salt in Greek) is located in the 400-year-old winery cave and still has stone walls and winery equipment. The menu is seafood focused. The adjacent Canava wine bar offers tastings, tours, and wines by the bottle and glass in the evenings. For a truly special dinner experience, Privé offers five- or seven-course meals for two by candlelight (with advance bookings). Room service is available 24 hours. 

For relaxation at the hotel, there's a large pool and adjacent tiered sun deck. A shallow whirlpool sits away from the main area of the resort. Asia Spa has Greek and Asian technicians, and offers massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, and masks incorporating the Phytomer line. There's an adjacent fitness center with a range of slightly dated Cybex machines and free water and towels. Just across the courtyard is a small business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. An upscale boutique sells European swimwear, resort wear, and jewelry. 

The resort isn't on the beach, but it offers free shuttle service to the Black Rose beach club on Black Beach. Guests get free beach chairs and there's a Mediterranean restaurant.