Grace Santorini
Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
A stylish and indulgent hotel in a gloriously romantic setting on Greece's most photogenic island
Grace Santorini (formerly Santorini Grace) hugs the cliffside on
the island's west rim, overlooking the sea-filled crater and lava
islets, with the turquoise Aegean all around. Sparkling and new, it
has honeymoon written all over it - heart-stopping views, private
plunge pools, amazing sunsets. It’s set in Imerovigli, a
gloriously Cycladic village sprinkled with white sugar-cube houses;
far enough from busy Fira to feel secluded, yet within walking
distance. We’d stay put though. Directly below you is the
caldera, the underwater basin of an ancient volcano; facing you is
the plug of Skaros, topped with Venetian castle ruins. And forget
grappling with tourist crowds at Oia – you'll get perfect
sunset views from your terrace.
As with sister hotel Grace Mykonos, bedrooms are stylish
and sexy - pure white decor, kingsize beds, sumptuous towelling
robes and Korres toiletries. Most have a private terrace and plunge
pool for 2; one even has its own hammam. We’re always loath
to use the word 'luxurious', but with
champagne
breakfasts and moonlit dinners, it’d be churlish to pretend
this is anything but.
Reviewed by Michael Cullen
Last updated 11 April 2012
Highs
- Every room is perfectly positioned for a sunset view, and most have private plunge pools and terraces
- Excellent staff, led by host couple Martina and Joseph, who know when to pamper and when to be unobtrusive
- Fabulous decor throughout
- 2 swimming pools with couples' loungers; one has a slick bar selling cocktails
- Concierge service to book restaurants, hire cars, charter catamarans or park your helicopter
Lows
- At 20 rooms, it's larger than when it first opened, though with private plunge pools and dining "cubby holes" it still feels intimate
- Santorini island has become very commercialised and the caldera rim is lined with hotels - though this one is set slightly apart
- A few rooms are small, others are right by the path to Skaros (so rather public)
- Steep steps make this unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility
Cool and contemporary, each room is uniqely styled and includes those all-important luxuries...
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