Amongst the tourist masses of Santorini's Oia, the island's chicest town, local American restaurateur Tony Mosiman offers a cozy village retreat away from the white cliffside palaces and street vendors of the central town. Along a steep walkway of historic homes used by locals and Santorini residents, this former-Sea Captain's Lodge is contained in a picturesque villa that's just three rooms but as refined a personal experience as you will find on this or any Greek Island.

Like an overgrown bed-and-breakfast, guests ascend into the second floor lobby outfitted in comfortably stylish living area and small kitchen are where the on-site owner offers personal tips about the island as well as his personal vehicle for anyone looking to rent a last-minute car.  Period details like arched-white doorways and original windows open to dramatic caldera-facing terraces that feel like a private retreat. A new in-house spa offers leisurely massages and facials not stopped on the 60-minute mark, followed an outdoor whirlpool and small sauna that's almost always enjoyed in blissful solitude. 

The Room:

With just three rooms, most guests will stay in one of two accommodations located through private doorway off the main street leading to two remarkably serene and private patios with private sleeping quarters that feel like an old Aegean residence – which the hotel was for a certain Sea Captain in 1864. Inside, soaring 15-foot ceilings are suspended in ornate chandeliers above four-poster or canopy beds surrounded in handpicked antiques by the owner himself. Morning breakfast and afternoon cocktails is delivered to you personal deck with small appetizers and full morning feast ala personal touches. Rustic hardwood floors extend to cheery double door bathroom laid in luxurious marble floors with spa style bathtub and rain shower. Due to village plumbing, the toilets come with the odd-separation of paper and water as well as a handwritten warning and dispenser that is preferable than the alternative sewage backup that is common throughout the historic village.