The terracotta-pink walls, echoing the sunset hues of the Santorini sky, immediately set a unique tone. This isn’t the typical stark white architecture; instead, it’s a modern, low-set complex designed to blend with the island’s natural colors. Even before you reach your room, the reception area offers a glimpse into the hotel’s sophisticated yet relaxed approach, with dark, sultry decor and a welcoming bar serving homemade lemonade and delicate macarons.
Modern Design Meets Santorini Magic
Stepping away from the usual whitewashed aesthetic, this resort embraces a distinctive terracotta pink. The architecture is low-set and sculptural, dotted with volcanic stone and blonde oak. Fragrant gardens are woven throughout the property, attracting butterflies and adding to the serene atmosphere. This design-led approach, a hallmark of the group behind this property, extends across their 11 locations in Greece and Portugal. For Santorini, they partnered with Kiros Pagkalidis Architects to create this tranquil oasis in the Tholos region, which opened in April 2024. The aim is to offer a peaceful retreat that still feels connected to the island’s stunning landscape.
The journey to your accommodation is either via a quick golf cart ride or a peaceful, step-free stroll, ensuring ease of access. This thoughtful planning is part of the overall experience, aiming to provide a seamless transition into relaxation from the moment you arrive. The commitment to modern, design-forward spaces is evident throughout the resort, offering a fresh perspective on Santorinian hospitality.
Your Private Santorini Sanctuary
The rooms, referred to as retreats or bungalows, exude an uber-sleek, serene ambiance. Designer Olivia Siskou, who has a history of working with the group, has created interiors characterized by elegant monochromes and neutral tones. You’ll find smart striped pillows and walls adorned with subtle, hieroglyphic-style etched shapes, adding an artistic touch. Each of the 50 rooms and two villas comes with a private pool, offering a personal slice of paradise. While not all offer complete privacy, the presence of your own pool is a significant luxury.
Generous marble bathrooms with double vanities are a standard feature, providing ample space for preparing for your day or unwinding in the evening. For those who, like me, find air conditioning disruptive to sleep, the inclusion of ceiling fans is a small but highly appreciated detail. The use of lush Naxos apothecary products in the bathroom adds a touch of local indulgence. Terrace views differ, with some offering lovely pink floral gardens and others looking out towards the vast blue Aegean Sea. For an exceptional vantage point to soak in those iconic sea vistas, consider room 207, where you can admire the view right from bed.
Gastromic Delights with Sunset Views
Dining at the resort’s Vatanee restaurant is an experience in itself, with its scenic location overlooking the main pool and providing a front-row seat to Santorini’s legendary sunsets. Chef Dionysis Anastopoulos oversees a menu that moves beyond typical poolside fare. The concept here is ‘gastromezze,’ offering a tasting journey through shared courses. Each dining option begins with a prized loaf of freshly baked sourdough, served dramatically on a wooden hemisphere with a selection of olive oils.
The dishes arrive presented like works of art. Imagine a cuttlefish fishcake served under a glass dome, or a ceramic sphere that opens to reveal tender beef tenderloin topped with caviar. It’s a decadent culinary adventure that aims to be satisfying without being overwhelming. The meal concludes with delightful desserts, such as a delicate lemon pie pudding artfully presented on a textured stone, deconstructed with a bright lemon gel. For breakfast, you can expect a generous buffet featuring local highlights like thick Greek yogurt, homemade jams, local honey, and freshly baked pies and pastries. Planning dining experiences like this is often a key part of family travel, ensuring everyone enjoys their meals.
Tranquil Escape at the Spa
The hotel’s Soma spa is a subterranean haven, designed to leverage its location for ultimate tranquility. This earthy retreat features several treatment rooms, a sauna, a hammam, and chromatic showers. Its most impressive feature is the expansive heated pool, complete with a jacuzzi section, making it a destination in its own right. Treatments here use Elemis products and focus on wellness and relaxation rather than clinical approaches. You can expect restorative body balms, soothing aloe vera mists, and treatments infused with volcanic elements, all designed to enhance your sense of peace.
Warm and Attentive Service
The service throughout the resort is wonderfully warm and eager to please. This is particularly noticeable in the restaurant, where staff quickly learned morning coffee orders. Even with the inevitable mishaps that come with traveling with young children, such as toys being dropped repeatedly, the calm and accommodating staff were always happy to assist. The reception team is also invaluable for providing recommendations and making reservations at restaurants in the nearby village. This level of attentive care is crucial for a relaxed holiday.
Exploring the Surrounding Neighborhood
Beautiful Oia is just a short drive up the hill, offering easy access to its famous cliffs and bustling atmosphere. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Oia twice a day, making it convenient to explore the area. While it’s possible to walk, it’s not always recommended due to the lack of a continuous footpath for the entire route. Visiting Oia is a must-do on any trip to Santorini, so checking the shuttle schedule is a good idea.
A Welcoming Retreat for Families
Santorini is not always known as a primary family destination, with many top hotels catering to adults-only. However, this property offers a sophisticated ambiance while still being incredibly welcoming to children. It is exceptionally pram-friendly, with no steep stairs or narrow pathways to navigate to reach your room. All rooms have comfortable couches that can easily convert into beds for little ones, and the bungalows offer additional space for two children. The standout feature for families is the discreet Montessori kids’ club.
Hidden amongst the sculptural buildings, the kids’ club includes an air-conditioned playroom, an outdoor paddling pool, and a charmingly small bathroom designed specifically for toddlers. The expert staff are skilled at engaging children of all ages through activities like cooking and craft classes. They are happy to spend time with younger guests, perhaps even having a tea party with the collection of plush animals available. As a parent, knowing your child is safely and happily entertained in a stimulating environment allows for a more relaxed experience for everyone. This thoughtful provision for families is a significant draw.
Commitment to Sustainability
The resort demonstrates visible eco-friendly efforts throughout its operations. Sustainable packaging and products are used in rooms and common areas. Guests are encouraged to participate in reducing unnecessary laundry by opting in for towel and sheet changes during daily turndowns. A chef’s garden, currently in its early stages, supplies vegetables and herbs, aligning with the restaurant’s focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The spa exclusively uses products free from parabens and harmful ingredients, and treatments are designed to minimize water usage and employ biodegradable or recyclable disposable materials.
These initiatives are part of the Domes group’s broader environmental and sustainability objectives, reflecting a commitment to actively protecting the environment and preventing pollution in every way possible. This dedication to eco-conscious practices enhances the guest experience by aligning with growing traveler values.
Accessible Accommodations
For guests requiring enhanced accessibility, the hotel offers two wheelchair-accessible rooms. These rooms are of the Senses Bungalow Sea View with Zen Pool category, ensuring that comfort and luxurious amenities are available to all visitors. Planning a trip with specific accessibility needs can be complex, so knowing these options exist is valuable.
Planning Your Visit
With its unique design, private pools, and prime location near Oia, this resort offers a truly special Santorinian experience. The blend of modern luxury and serene surroundings makes it an ideal choice for a memorable holiday. For a deeper dive into what Santorini offers overall, exploring the (/greece/santorini/#best-time-to-visit) can help tailor your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the hotel from Oia?
What dining options are available?
Are there family-friendly amenities?
This thoughtfully designed resort provides a wonderful base for exploring Santorini, offering both tranquility and convenient access to the island’s iconic sights. It’s a place that caters to relaxation while still offering the vibrant experience Santorini is known for.
