My partner and I flew Turkish Airlines’ business class, which was a life-saver on the overnight flight from New York to Istanbul with handheld cameras and Panama hats. Coach seats just wouldn’t cut it. Once we arrived at Istanbul airport where we had a four-hour layover and connected into Athens, just before hopping onto a seven-seater Cessna plane to Santorini. “This won’t take long! My name is Konstantino, I’ll be your captain for the next fifty minutes, or so!” Yelled the pilot as his voice was drowned by the sound of the multi-engine propeller. “What a journey”, I thought to myself.
I’ve seen the postcards, but nothing had prepared me for the raw intensity and devastating beauty of Santorini. My jaw dropped as I saw the views of Oia from above. It was worth every mile I traveled. The vista of whimsical caldera cliffs rearing from Aegean and sugar cube houses dribbling seaward like gravity-defying diamonds make Santorini the can-can dancer of the Cyclades.
Enter, Santorini Secret. Enter Santorini Secret Suites & Spa…
This stylish adults-only resort, which tumbles down Oia’s steep cliffside, has a small wellness area, a sought-after restaurant serving Greek-Japanese fusion, and an infinity pool offering breathtaking caldera views. There are 17 suites across four floors in six categories. There is also a villa (separate from the hotel on the other side of the pedestrian walkway) which is family friendly. The private villa is primely positioned at an ideal location on the island. Apart from being a stunning setting to harbor, a quintessential stay in Santorini, it is also a very convenient location to be staying in. The village is brimming with amazing options for food, shopping and picture perfect frames at every corner.
The décor varies, but all suites have sheer white walls, colorful ceramic motifs, mobile phones for international calls, quirky art pieces and lamps, stone washbasins, Grecostrom beds and terraces with heated whirlpool baths or private pools. There are also pebble-shaped Thierry Mugler’s Angel-perfumed toiletries.
The smaller Pure and Premium suites have open-plan bedrooms and terraces with small whirlpool baths, while larger Absolute suites have vast bathrooms (almost as big as the main rooms) with large whirlpool baths. The top room is the Infinity suite, split across two levels with the lounge above, bedroom below and infinity pool with stunning views. Breakfast, served in the restaurant or (much better) to your caldera-view terrace, is à la carte. Expect a variety of egg dishes (including local speciality kayana, scrambled eggs with tomato).
Santorini is king of views—and it is indeed dramatic. Long flights of black lava steps (dramatic against the white buildings, but a long walk if you have a room at the bottom) meander down past the cool reception area to a cluster of Cycladic-style white buildings congregating around a good-sized infinity pool. The décor is minimalist: think sheer white walls and driftwood fixtures and fittings. Service is sublime. Very friendly and efficient staff. The spa is a must. Harmony Spa near the pool has two massage beds and a hydro-massage cabin in a cool, quiet cave. A range of facial and body treatments with local Apivita products are available.
Hands down, a must-experience.
Only the best,
Lucas Raven
