Santorini, a jewel of the Aegean, consistently draws travelers with its dramatic landscapes and iconic whitewashed villages. In 2025, the Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection in Imerovigli received significant recognition, being named the No. 1 Resort in Europe and No. 16 globally by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. This highlights the island’s enduring appeal as a premier destination for discerning visitors.
Discovering Santorini’s Grace
Perched above the caldera, Grace Hotel offers a unique perspective on the island’s beauty. Its location in the tranquil village of Imerovigli provides sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic caldera. The architecture itself seems to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, featuring the characteristic whitewashed style that Santorini is famous for.
The hotel boasts the island’s largest infinity-edge pool, a focal point for relaxation and taking in the stunning vistas. It serves as an elegant retreat, promising an escape into one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Guests can anticipate experiences that capture the essence of Santorini, from private yacht excursions to exploring ancient ruins.
Imagine watching the sunset from your private terrace, a glass of local wine in hand. This is the kind of quiet luxury that Grace Hotel aims to provide, woven together with genuine Greek hospitality. For families, I sometimes think about how Sofia might enjoy the special touches of a place like this, perhaps a gentle introduction to the island’s magic.
Culinary Delights Above the Sea
At the heart of Grace Hotel’s dining experience is Varoulko Santorini, a restaurant led by Michelin-Awarded Chef Lefteris Lazarou. Here, traditional Greek and Mediterranean flavors are presented with a fresh and innovative approach. The menu emphasizes the island’s abundant local produce and the finest seafood, served on an open-air terrace with breathtaking sea views.
Dining at Varoulko Santorini is an opportunity to savor the authentic tastes of the region. The focus on seasonal ingredients ensures a dynamic and flavorful menu. You can expect dishes that are both refined and deeply rooted in Greek culinary tradition. The ambiance, with the caldera stretching out before you, elevates the entire dining experience.
For those seeking even more intimate accommodations, the newly introduced Infinity Suites and The Villa offer private havens. These spaces combine Cycladic elegance with contemporary comfort, providing a serene base for exploring the island or simply unwinding in style. The villa, in particular, sounds like an ideal option for a family or small group.
Experiences Beyond the Horizon
Grace Hotel strives to offer a comprehensive Santorini experience, curated to enhance your visit. General Manager Jerry Diamantatos, with his deep connection to Greek culture, ensures that every aspect of the guest experience is thoughtfully managed. The hotel is committed to evolving its offerings with creativity and care.
Weekly guided hikes up Skaros Rock offer a chance to connect with Santorini’s natural beauty and its ancient history. These excursions are a wonderful way to explore the island’s geological wonders and gain a deeper appreciation for its past. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the Greek Aperitivo Hour at 363 Bar provides a convivial setting to enjoy local cocktails and share stories.
Adding a touch of playful elegance, the hotel features a curated collection of handcrafted games by Greek lifestyle brand THEMIS Z. These are perfect for leisurely afternoons by the pool. Furthermore, the Auberge Insiders Guide, created by designer Themis Zouganeli, offers personal recommendations for shopping, swimming, and dining, providing invaluable local insight for visitors.
The hotel’s commitment to unique experiences extends to wellness and local crafts. Visitors can arrange various wellness treatments and fitness classes, private chef dinners, and immersive local excursions. These can include wine or honey tastings, pottery workshops, or even learning the craft of Greek sandal making. For families, activities like these can be wonderfully enriching for children, and I often consider how Julien might engage with a historical hike or Sofia with a craft-making session.
Exploring Santorini’s Treasures
The island itself offers a wealth of attractions, from the picturesque village of Oia, just a short distance away, to its unique beaches and ancient sites. Given the hotel’s location in Imerovigli, you are well-positioned to explore these various facets of Santorini. Private yacht trips are a popular way to see the caldera from a different perspective, often including stops at volcanic hot springs.
Discovering hidden beaches allows for a more secluded escape, away from the main tourist paths. The island’s volcanic origins have created a dramatic coastline, with sands ranging from black to red. Planning a visit around the best time to visit can ensure you make the most of these natural wonders.
For a comprehensive overview of what Santorini offers, from its iconic caldera views to its charming villages, you might find our detailed Santorini travel guide quite useful. It covers many aspects of planning a memorable trip to this incredible island.
Accommodation Options
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection is a boutique property with 23 rooms, many offering ocean views and private terraces. These range from Deluxe Studios to Infinity Suites, with many featuring private plunge pools and hammam baths. The two-bedroom Villa provides an expansive private retreat, complete with its own spa facilities, a full kitchen, a swimming pool, and a wine and cigar cellar, along with dedicated butler service.
This variety ensures that guests can find accommodation that suits their needs, whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends. The intimate size of the property contributes to its exclusive and personalized feel. For more details on finding the perfect place to stay, consult our section on Santorini accommodations.
It is important to remember that specific details such as room availability, amenities, and operational hours may change over time. Visitors should always confirm current information directly with the property when making their travel plans.
The Michelin Touch
The recognition of Varoulko Santorini with one Michelin Key in the inaugural Michelin Guide to Greece further solidifies its reputation for exceptional culinary experiences. This award is a testament to the quality and creativity of the cuisine, as well as the overall service and dining environment.
The 22-meter infinity pool acts as a central hub, offering around-the-clock poolside culinary service. This ensures that guests can enjoy refreshments and light meals while taking in the stunning caldera views. It is an ideal spot for relaxation and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Exploring the island’s distinct flavors is a significant part of any trip to Santorini. You can find more insights into the culinary scene and recommended dining experiences on our Santorini dining guide.
A Glimpse into The Friedkin Group
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection is part of The Friedkin Group, a privately held consortium with diverse interests including hospitality, entertainment, and sports. This affiliation speaks to a broader vision of luxury and curated experiences across various ventures.
The Friedkin Group’s portfolio includes a range of high-end resorts and distinctive properties, indicating a commitment to excellence and unique travel offerings. This backing likely contributes to the high standards maintained at properties like Grace Hotel.
Considering the planning involved in a trip like this, readers might find our section on Santorini travel costs and getting around the island helpful for practical arrangements.
Planning Your Santorini Escape
Santorini’s allure continues to grow, with accolades such as those received by Grace Hotel underscoring its status as a world-class destination. The island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious comfort.
Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a peaceful retreat, Santorini provides an unforgettable backdrop. For those planning their visit, exploring sample itineraries can help organize your days effectively. You can find ideas on our Santorini sample itineraries page.
I find that contemplating the details, like how Sofia might react to the unique landscapes or how Julien would appreciate the historical depths, helps shape a richer travel plan. It’s about imagining the collective experiences that make a trip truly special for everyone.
I hope this curated overview inspires your own journey to Santorini, a place that continues to enchant travelers with its timeless beauty and exceptional hospitality.
