Blaire's Been: Santorini
When people think of Greece, they think of Santorini. What I didn't realize though is how BIG Santorini is and how many different areas you can stay within Santorini. There's Fira which is where the ports are and is sprawling with restaurants, bars and shops. There's Imerovigil which is a bit sleepier and lacks a bunch of restaurants but has the most stunning views of sunset. And then there's Oia which is the ICONIC spot of Santorini that everyone pictures.
One thing that is a misconception of Santorini is that it's super private. That is not the case! The way the landscape is, all hotels and restaurants are in close quarters and are fairly steep down. You can easily see on to the balconies of pretty much every room, no matter how much you paid for it! That just comes with the territory and is something to keep in mind if you're looking for seclusion.
Another thing to note is that you really should be in decent shape to go to Santorini. The hotels are built in the cliffside, and not many hotels have elevators. If a hotel does have an elevator, you will likely have to go down a few steps to access your room. If climbing up and down stairs is difficult for you, there are other destinations that may be a better fit for you!
While in Santorini, there are a few MUST DO activities: going out on the water on a catamaran and going wine tasting. Of course BPK knows the best tour operators of each excursion, too ;) but these are incredible ways to see a different perspective of the island, from the water and from a buzz! JK about the buzz part, but seeing how Grecians grow wine is very interesting and unlike anything I've seen before in Napa Valley, etc.
& of course I toured alllll of the BEST hotels while I was in Santorini! Here's my synopsis of each:
Canaves Oia
I had the absolute pleasure of staying at the Canaves Oia Hotel in Room #1 which is the FIRST room every in the Canaves properties. This property is actually comprised of 3 separate (but equal!) hotels:
1. Canaves Oia Hotel - this was the first hotel within the group. This property is a bit boutiquey and great for couples. This is not directly in town but is only a 3-5 minute walk from the edge of town. The pool often plays fun and upbeat music for a more lively vibe.
2. Canaves Oia Suites - this is the flagship property of the Canaves Oia hotel group. The Suites has the most iconic pool in Greece with the infinity edge and the white lounge chairs submerged in water. This property also has the fine dining restaurant, the spa and multiple room categories.
3. Canaves Oia Sunday Suites - this boutique property is in the middle of the town of Oia but is completely private from the busy street. I find the décor at this property to be the most funky. This property is small - only 8 suites - which makes it perfect if you want an intimate place to stay during your special trip.
4. Canaves Oia Epitome - this property is BRAND NEW! What many people don't know is that lots of hotels in Santorini have an age minimum of 14 years due to the steep stairways on the island. Epitome doesn't have the Caldera views like the other properties but is on the other side of town and has beautiful sunset views. Epitome is family friendly since it isn't built in the mountainside and has beautiful multibedroom suites with private plunge pools. I saw it while it was under construction, but I know it will be an amazing fit for many people!
Andronis
I really loved this property! Much like Canaves, there are many Andronis properties within the hotel brand, but I toured the flagship property, Andronis Luxury Suites. The rooms were light and bright, but the bathrooms were this really cool charcoal color which made them feel super cozy and intimate. The spa was decorated in those hues as well. Andronis has an INCREDIBLE restaurant built onto the cliff side which was named Best View in the World by National Geographic. It's the perfect place to have a special evening with those you love!
Perivolas
Perivolas felt the most boutique out of the properties I visited. I loved the juxtaposition of the white buildings with the darker rocks lining the walkways and common spaces. The rooms at Perivolas are no frills and are decorated with pinks, purples and blues. Perivolas is a bit outside of town (5 minute walk to the edge of town) which makes it feel more secluded than properties in the middle of town.
Katikies
Yall, I'm obsessed with this property. Located within the first few steps of this town, I could already tell Katikies had a fun vibe. There are plenty of restaurants and three pools, one of which is known for having fun pool parties during peak season. I could tell it was a buzzing property just by being there for a few minutes!!
*there are many properties within the Katikies umbrella ranging in 4-5*. Katikies just opened a property in Mykonos, too!
Kirini
One of Katikies's sister properties, Kirini, is located about a 10 minute walk away and outside of town. Because of its location, Kirini is able to spread out a bit and have more bells and whistles. Kirini has the most incredible spa that's super romantic and special. The clientele felt a bit more mature than Katikies but is perfect for those wanting a little more peace and quiet.
Grace
Grace is located in Imerovigil, and you could immediately tell it was quieter. But guys, truthfully I think Grace has the most beautiful room product. The recently renovated property has the most INSANE views of the sunset. Their flagship restaurant is one of the best on the islands which accepts reservations even from non hotel guests. And one really cool feature is that there's a cliff/rock formation directly in front of Grace that clients can access from the hotel and climb up for a day of adventure. I loveddd this property, but it really isn't for people who need a little more going on around them.
Mystique
Many of the buildings in Santorini are the stark white, but Mystique's buildings are an eggshell color (which makes it more distinguishable!). One thing about Mystique is that you need to be in shape to stay here! It's one of the farthest South properties which means there are A LOT of stairs to get to your room, or even the edge of the property! But the good thing about this is that when you look down, you don't see a ton of different hotel rooms. You just see the sea! The rooms were beautifully decorated, and the property has two pools - likely because if you don't want to walk down a bunch of stairs to get to one pool, you have another one nearby!
But truthfully, Santorini lived up to the hype. The hotel product there is insane, and the people, food and culture were beautiful, interesting and incredible. I loved it and can't wait to bring my sweet (and patient!!) husband back with me :)