This Santorini Boutique Hotel Will Make You Feel Totally Zen | InStyle.co.uk
Published on InStyle.co.uk, 9th January 2018
The vibe…
Carved into a cliff-side and perched on the highest point of the caldera, the Grace Santorini, takes the term ‘luxury boutique hotel’ to a whole new level. With only 21 rooms plus a villa, each one has a sweeping view of the sea and Skaros Rock creating a totally zen atmosphere. It’s also totally private, compared to other hotels on the island, with no random tourists walking past your doorway.
So what are the rooms actually like?
Essentially a Pinterest board come to life. I stayed in a Deluxe room that came with its own private terrace and plunge pool. All chalky white painted walls, sleek marble furnishing and crisp cotton bed linen, from the minute you step through the doorway you instantly feel relaxed. The day before arrival I was even sent a questionnaire which included a seven option pillow menu to choose from plus room fragrance options. With a giant marble bathroom featuring full sized and locally sourced Apivita toiletries and the softest toweling robes, ‘just jumping in the shower’ feels like a spa like experience. An Apple TV, Nespresso machine, one of the comfiest Kingsize beds I’ve ever slept in plus a nightly gift which ranged from a face mask to wine upped the luxury vibe.
Tell us more about the plunge pool…
Built into the cliff face, and with a mesmerizing view of the sparkly ocean scuppered any plans I had of finally getting round to finishing reading A Little Life. When I did manage to drag myself away it was only to lie on a squashy sun-lounger on my own private terrace or if I was feeling particularly active head down the stone steps to do some laps in the hotel’s infinity pool that appears to melt into the Aegean Sea.
Is there a gym?
Yes, it’s not huge but has lots of natural light and all the essentials you need to get your sweat on – treadmill, cross-trainer and a variety of weights. There are also daily sessions of yoga and pilates which are free to take part in.
Sounds like thirsty work, what’s to drink?
Head to the 363 Champagne Lounge, aptly named as it stands 363 meters above sea level. Order the signature Grace Hotel cocktail that features Brut rose champagne, vodka and fresh raspberries that makes watching the sunset over Skaros Rock even more Instagrammable. The staff are warm and friendly and super knowledgeable which makes trying ‘just one more’ cocktail even more tempting.
What about the food?
For breakfast head to shady spot on the terrace where you’ll be greeted with a huge basket of freshly baked bread and pastries. There’s loads of healthy options too with plenty of Greek yoghurt and fruit compotes which taste more like a desert than your first meal of the day. For dinner, we loved the hotel’s restaurant Santoro which effortlessly puts a modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine. Think the freshest shrimp ceviche served with a miniature pita bread, pan-seared octopus and to finish zingy citrus sorbets, made from local fruit of course. Away from the hotel, head to Forty One Beach club for a dip in the sea before tucking into traditional Greek classics like moreish moussaka. Ammoudi Bay in nearby Oia, is also home to an array of traditional taverns located right next to pier so you can literally choose your catch of the day as it lands.
Tell us more about the plunge pool…
Built into the cliff face, and with a mesmerizing view of the sparkly ocean scuppered any plans I had of finally getting round to finishing reading A Little Life. When I did manage to drag myself away it was only to lie on a squashy sun-lounger on my own private terrace or if I was feeling particularly active head down the stone steps to do some laps in the hotel’s infinity pool that appears to melt into the Aegean Sea.
Is there a gym?
Yes, it’s not huge but has lots of natural light and all the essentials you need to get your sweat on – treadmill, cross-trainer and a variety of weights. There are also daily sessions of yoga and pilates which are free to take part in.
Sounds like thirsty work, what’s to drink?
Head to the 363 Champagne Lounge, aptly named as it stands 363 meters above sea level. Order the signature Grace Hotel cocktail that features Brut rose champagne, vodka and fresh raspberries that makes watching the sunset over Skaros Rock even more Instagrammable. The staff are warm and friendly and super knowledgeable which makes trying ‘just one more’ cocktail even more tempting.
What about the food?
For breakfast head to shady spot on the terrace where you’ll be greeted with a huge basket of freshly baked bread and pastries. There’s loads of healthy options too with plenty of Greek yoghurt and fruit compotes which taste more like a desert than your first meal of the day. For dinner, we loved the hotel’s restaurant Santoro which effortlessly puts a modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine. Think the freshest shrimp ceviche served with a miniature pita bread, pan-seared octopus and to finish zingy citrus sorbets, made from local fruit of course. Away from the hotel, head to Forty One Beach club for a dip in the sea before tucking into traditional Greek classics like moreish moussaka. Ammoudi Bay in nearby Oia, is also home to an array of traditional taverns located right next to pier so you can literally choose your catch of the day as it lands.
Sold! How do I book?
Grace Santorini is open for the season from 15 April 2018 to 31 October 2018. Rates at the Grace Santorini start from €600 per night including breakfast and taxes. For reservations contact: res.santorini@gracehotels.com or visit www.gracehotels.com/santorini
