Imerovigli, Santorini, Main Road between Fira and Oia, Imerovigli, Greece
Beautiful location on hillside slope with sprawling views
Upscale apartment-style villas with verandas
Personal and private vibe; perfect for honeymooners
Accessible by public transport; bus stop in back of hotel
Medical service by request
Free breakfast served either poolside or on villa terrace
Room service and in-room massages available
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Fee for transfers
No restaurant, dining area, or bar
Children under 12 not permitted (pro for some)
This small hotel on the island of Santorini is comprised of seven luxury villas featuring fireplaces, private verandas, and high-end decor details. Elevated atop the less crowded northern curve of the area’s caldera and having replaced its bar and restaurant with butler and room service, Aenaon Villas is set up for upscale couples searching for a private retreat. There are no children under 12 permitted. Guests interested in a less isolated experience should look at neighboring San Antonio Hotel, which is larger and has a more sociable vibe.
Scene
Outfitted in minimalist luxury with spectacular views and tranquil vibe
If you are after a personal holiday filled to the brim with high-end luxury and style, then the exclusive experience of Aenaon Villas is right on target. This small hotel seamlessly combines modern luxury with traditional Cycladic design, making it a top choice for ultra-discerning guests. Aesthetically pleasing, the hotel presents tall stone walls curving around a traditional blanched-white facade with cutout windows and archways. Dark earth tones, reminiscent of mud or clay, are painted in window and door frames and accent the stone walls. Wrought iron, white wood, and light terracotta tiles add texture and color to the decor.
Location
On the less-populated northern slopes of the area's caldera; connected by a public bus stop out back
Found toward the northern part of a caldera’s edge off the “old path” connecting the capital Fira and town Oia, Aenaon Villas is away from the cluster of cliff-side hotels closer to Fira. This position affords guests a more isolated and peaceful vibe with famed views of the caldera, sea, and volcano, while a conveniently placed bus stop out back allows for easy access via public transport to nearby beaches and villages. Unfortunately, not much beyond scenic hikes along the “old path” is accessible by foot; guests are reliant on public transport, rental cars, or paying the hotel for transfers.
Rooms
Immaculate and comfortable villas come with high-end appliances and decor
Each of the seven villas are divided into separate sleeping, living, and dining quarters and feature fully-equipped kitchenettes, large private verandas, and (non-working) fireplaces. Some space also have their own pools. Decor is high-end with chairs by famous Italian designers, minibars, Nespresso machines, and iPod docks. Guests will also find personal bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and very comfy beds with lush bedding. Rooms are serviced multiple times a day and are decorated with fresh flowers. Keep in mind that some personal verandas are set along walking paths and not as private as others.
Features
Extremely personal service, but no social amenities such as bar or restaurant
On par with all of the hotels in the area, Aenaon Villas has its obligatory infinity pool overlooking the blue sea and rocky caldera cliffs. However, unlike most other hotels, and certainly those within its category, this ultra-boutique B&B has chosen to replace its restaurant, bar, and lounge with room service and an attentive butler to keep the food and drinks flowing. This setup allows for an extremely personal, non-sociable experience compounded by the absence of any children under 12 years old. There’s also no dedicated spa facility, but in-villa massage treatments are arranged upon request. A free breakfast that includes pastries and fruits can be served either poolside or on the large personal verandas. Parking, Wi-Fi, and pool towels are free, with the hotel charging a fee for any transfers.