There are plenty of ways to make sure you start and finish your Greek island escape on a high note, but it help when you actually have some altitude. A stay at Iconic Santorini, a “luxury boutique cave hotel”, is a sure fire way to have a memorable stay, with suites perched 1,000 feet over the caldera (a large volcanic crater).
The hotel reopens once again for the summer season on May 1, with a host of new packages designed for a romantic tryst. The storied retreat was re-created from erstwhile village shops and homes that were carved into the cliff-side in the highest settlement on the Imerovigli caldera. Each of the 19 residences reflect Santorini’s traditional whitewashed caves, with a timeless charm that’s been upgraded to allow for modern comforts and amenities – the flat-screen TVs, JBL sound systems, iPod docks and COCO-MAT, to name a few.
The latest addition is the new Cave Suite, set deep into the cliff-side, offering an abundance of space with separate lounging areas, comfy sofa, two bathrooms with glass showers and a broad terrace with a raised jetted pool overlooking the water. September last year saw the arrival of two new expansive Iconic Santorini Cycladic Suites, which are sizeable in comparison with anything else on the island The new additions complement the existing Caldera, Grotto, and Cliff Suites (all have their own built-in hot tubs), along with the Iconic Suite – the hotel’s most spacious abode with both an indoor and outdoor pool.
Other notable features include a cliff-side infinity pool, a tranquil wellness facility with its own jetted grotto pool, a well-stocked gym and a traditional Greek taverna with a pergola-shaded terrace and views. And to mark its re-opening, Iconic Santorini is offering two new seasonal packages, valid for three-night stays or more, from May 1 to September 30, 2016.
The Lovers’ Escape:
"The new Cave Suite is set deep into the cliff-side and offers abundant space with separate lounging areas, comfy sofa, two bathrooms with glass showers and a broad terrace with a raised jetted pool overlooking that fabulous view. Just imagine: soaking up a majestic view while soaking in rejuvenating bubbles."
What’s included: A bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne on arrival, elegantly presented daily breakfasts served with complimentary Mimosas, fresh fruit baskets every morning, flower arrangement in the suite, a romantic candlelit dinner-for-two featuring Greek specialties with a bottle of one of Santorini’s distinctive wines, complimentary mineral water and sodas throughout the stay, a half-day escorted sightseeing tour of the island and pickup and drop off from the island's airport. (EUR 1,699 per suite, per night).
The Honeymoon Retreat: the Pinnacle of Pampering:
"Tucked away on its own exclusive level of the hotel, sublimely secluded, perfectly private, Iconic’s Cliff Suite is the perfect nest love birds dream of. But it also serves up some over-the-top touches of luxury: In addition to the contemporary amenities mentioned above, The Cliff Suite comes with both a candlelit indoor grotto pool and an outdoor jetted-pool literally suspended from the volcanic caldera wall and not one but two private wrap around balconies with stylish sun loungers, outdoor seating and, from every angle, that view."
What’s included: The same goodies as in Lovers’ Escape, listed above, but the half-day tour is replaced by a rental car for 2 days (gas and insurance extra), picnic box for island trips, and also includes an intimate couples’ massage. (EUR 1,999 per suite, per night).
“Our philosophy here at Iconic Santorini is to offer our visiting friends a taste of Greek culture and traditional Hellenic hospitality with impeccable global-style service - in other words, an exceptional vacation experience. Judging by the new awards, looks like readers of TripAdvisor agree,” James St. John, VP of operations at Hospitality America, noting the hotel’s recent Travelers’ Choice Awards for the second year running, in the categories of Small Hotels and Service.