Most people have heard of the Greek island of Santorini, made famous by the dramatic landscape and sea views left by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
So you want to go there, but where do you stay? Might I recommend, dear readers, that you consider the Hotel Katikies, which is quite simply, the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in.
It is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, and is a little pricey (circa 500 Euros a night in high season). What makes it luxury? Well, it has been beautifully furnished…. has excellent and attentive service……wonderful food…that’s all par for the course. But, my friends, what makes it so unique, so special in my eyes, is the dramatic views all around you. And when I say views, I am speaking of course of the famous caldera of the volcano, filled with azure sea…….but I also refer to the views of the beautiful town of Oia, and of the views of the hotel itself.
Katikies is on a cliff top in the beautiful town of Oia, famous for its sunsets, and Oia has the classic Greek architecture of whitewashed stone houses. The hotel is in the same style, and honestly, you could spend days just wandering around staring at the way the diamond-white walls clash with the blue sky. The hotel’s architecture has been beautifully exploited and enhanced. For example, there is a cave in the rock face behind the sun lounge deck, and they’ve made it into a very stylish bar area so you don’t have venture far for your cocktails. Not that you’d have to.. the wait staff are at your elbow at the merest suggestion that you might want something.
The hotel simply takes your breath away, at every turn. Whether you’re admiring the caldera from the infinity pool, or staring up at the sky from a sun lounger whilst sampling local wine arranged by their wine tasting experts. And because of its location at the top of a cliff, you feel on top of the world, so close to the sky…and with the white stone and beautiful architecture all around you, being served by delightful staff wearing all white, you feel like you’re in heaven.
It was the only hotel I’ve ever stayed in that not only promised luxury, but delivered because the ‘experience’ was incredible. The atmosphere they created was one of a magical hideaway on top of the world. I literally spent days here without feeling the need to venture outside of the hotel, small though it was!
If you ever decide to go to Santorini, please consider staying at this place… I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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