Elite Traveler March-April 2017

EXPLORE SANTORINI GUIDE TO SANTORINI

TOP SUITES

There’s a good reason why Santorini is one of the world’s must-see destinations. As author Lawrence Durrell said, “the reality is so astonishing that prose and poetry will forever be forced to limp behind.” The landscape is pure drama: a flooded volcanic crater enclosed by towering cliffs in every shade of red, green and gray – no wonder it’s a contender for the lost city of Atlantis. Brilliant-white villages teeter on the cliff tops, like seagulls poised for flight. Many of Greece’s finest hotels and restaurants are hidden in the tangle of alleys, a photogenic playground for honeymooners. With a wealth of antiquities, rainbow- colored beaches and award-winning vineyards, there’s plenty to explore on this cosmopolitan island. But the caldera has a hypnotic pull – days drift by in a lazy haze, like the cruise ships floating across the horizon. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, that view never fails to blow you away.

1. EROSANTORINI Bespoke is the watchword at this fully staffed villa, where everything is tailored to your whims. Aqua yoga in the infinity pool? Iced tea delivered to your floating sun bed? Movies by moonlight? Check, check, check. As well as heartfelt, can-do service, guests enjoy the luxury of absolute privacy: This is the only place on the caldera where nobody will see you skinny-dip. Paola Navone’s playful design, in a calm palette of gray, black and white, feels timeless but totally now. For more on Erosantorini, see page 130. From $5,500 per night in low season, including meals, drinks, transfers and treatments. Contact Eleni Rantou, sales manager, escape@erosantorini.com, +30 6982 971 579, erosantorini.com 2. PERIVOLAS HIDEAWAY Accessible by speedboat or helicopter, this waterfront villa is marooned on its own black-sand beach on Thirassia, a castaway island three minutes’ boat ride from Oia. Daringly spare interiors – low-slung beds, hot-pink cushions, a Jacuzzi for eight – allow the giddying views of Santorini to take center stage. If you’d rather be close to the action, stay at the Perivolas Suite in Oia, with an indoor–outdoor pool spilling over the horizon. From $10,400 per night, including meals, drinks, transfers, water sports and use of rib boats. Contact Vanda Cordeiro, manager, info@perivolashideaway.com, +30 6976 970 783, perivolashideaway.com 3. SANTORINI GRACE Suites cascade down the cliff at this hip showstopper in low-key Imerovigli. Champagne cocktails are served by the pool, and the food at Santoro is cutting edge: fava-bean gyozas or seared octopus with truffle and lime honey. The Concept Store is a trove of Cycladic- inspired trinkets and kaftans. The Bespoke by Grace service offers tailor-made excursions and a choice of pillows, room fragrances and toiletries, personal training and an in-room cocktail kit. From $680 per night. Contact Joseph Gaoutsis, general manager, res.santorini@gracehotels.com, +30 22860 21300, gracehotels.com/santorini

by Rachel Howard

View from Santorini Grace in Imerovigli

Cruise the caldera Santorini’s flooded volcanic caldera looks spectacular from the air, but nothing beats sailing right through it. Wear sneakers so

IF YOU DO ONE THING…

of catamarans, sailboats and speedboats for private charter. Contact reservations@ sunset-oia.com, +30 22860 72200, sailing- santorini.com/private

you can scale the smoldering crater of Nea Kameni, then cool off in the hot (actually, lukewarm) springs at Palea Kameni. Sunset Oia has a tip-top fleet

Santorini’s flooded volcanic caldera