Who's Going
Athenian-weekenders, in-the-know jetsetters
Reason to Stay
Spectacular pool, architectural design and romantic ambiance
Hotel Type
Small Luxury Resort
There is an air of silence at the Perivolas' pool, as if to respect its infinity edges that seem to drop-off into the Aegean-unknown. Arriving though a white-swinging gate, awestruck guests make a familiar pilgrimage down the stone path while absorbing the cobalt-blue caldera views framed by aqua-colored steeples and white rooftops of the distant village. Located at the edge of Oia (pronounced E-ah'), Santroni's most exclusive village, the hotel's amphitheater-like construction hangs perilously off the town's most distant bluff. Owned by the Psychas' family, the 17-room resort is reconstructed from 300-year old caves once used as wineries, livestock stables and homes. Utilizing local volcanic rock (Santorini is on an actual volcano), the location features unobtrusive-architecture that attempts to blend in to the environment - much like its guests. Communal moments at the hotel, like the well-prepared breakfast and afternoons at the pool, are refined and subdued with barely any one speaking above a whisper. The crowd usually includes Santorini-virgins and yearly-regulars making their summer migration from Athens and London to enjoy one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular settings.
The Room
Entering the cave-like guest rooms is a step-back in time. Concrete floors and smooth-whitewashed walls provide a cocoon-like accommodation that tricks the eyes with secret airshafts and windows cut several feet into the ceilings. Simple furnishings like platform beds, rattan chairs and well-worn sofa-tables remind of the fact that the hotel is meant for use above superfluous design. A small kitchenette provides hot-water coffeemaker, no-host fridge-bar with light beverages and odd-hot plate. Without television or Wifi, always-connected guests resort to reading and relaxation on private terraces arranged with lounge furnishings and throw-blanket. Bathrooms feature domed ceilings, stone-floor showers and simple vanities with local-Grecian bath products - as well as tiny windows peaking through to the pool and caldera. Many guest rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces for colder months or those determined romantic types. Of which, the hotel is surprisingly (happily) sparse on bridal parties that seem to fill the island every spring and summer.
Preferred Room
Junior Suite
Special Features
Romantic location, Ocean views, Local-owner
Amenities
Car/bike rental, In-room massage, Surfing lessons
