Alti Santorini Suites

Santorini's calderas are on full display at the Alti Santorini Suites, where the six suites have private pools facing the Aegean Sea. The no-kids policy and peaceful setting between Pyrgos and Megalochori keeps things quiet and lure romancing couples. While there are no bar, restaurant, or wellness amenities on-site, the striking vistas found throughout the property are the main feature here. As the hotel opened in 2014, the design is modern and elegant, largely done in typical Santorini fashion -- think whitewashed Cycladic architecture, minimalist interiors, and lots of steps. Note that the hotel is only open April through October.

The hotel sits atop a winding main road leading to Santorini's ferry/cruise terminals, with the quaint villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori a roughly-equidistant 20-minute walk, or four-minute drive away. Streets can be tricky to navigate, so taxis are your best bet if you're without a vehicle. The Venetsanos Winery is four minutes away on foot though, with others a short drive. Pyrgos has authentic restaurants, while 17th-century Megalochori is picturesque from cobbled squares. Shopping, museums, and calderas in the capital, Fira, are a 10-minute drive, and busses from its central station run to multiple beaches. Allow 33 minutes by car for Oia's spectacular sunsets. A small supermarket is within a five-minute walk. Santorini Port and National Airport are a 12-minute drive.

All caldera-facing, the six suites are individually named, and outfitted in decor that's contemporary, if a little lacking in character. Neutral-tone rooms have concrete flooring, wood furniture, white walls, and pops of gray or powder blue in furniture, bedding, and sofas. Lavender bouquets, and backlighting are stylish, and artwork portrays the island. Their standouts are private, heated plunge pools and lounger-furnished terraces that take in blissful views, and twinkling evening lighting is romantic. Unfortunately, lower-category pools lack privacy, as  they can be viewed by other guests (though this is common for Santorini), and room-to-pool access here isn't guaranteed. 

At 337 to 463 square feet (31 to 43 square meters), suites are large, as are walk-in rainfall showers in smart bathrooms with slippers, robes, toiletries, and hairdryers. Phones, desks, HD flat-screen TVs, kettles, Nespresso machines, minibars with organic snacks, scales, and AC come standard. 

Limited features here let the views take center stage, as caldera, sea, and volcano vistas are the hotel's strongest asset. They're first-rate from most room terraces and pools, although guests can relax at the cliff's front, where a small terrace offers a row of loungers and limited umbrellas. The lack of any restaurant, bar, or wellness amenities can be a downer for some, but the suite intimacy here mostly suits guests, and in-room massages are available. Suite-delivered breakfasts are free and made-to-order, offering eggs, Greek items, and continental fare, plus fresh-squeezed juice, tea, and coffee. Room service offers salad and sandwich snack menus, drinks, and gourmet Greek or international meals.

The only common space aside from the small terrace is the hotel's tiny outdoor lobby. Cushioned canvas sofas in cream and gray contrast stark-white stucco, and caldera photography gives some character. The 24-hour concierge can arrange laundry services and cruise or wine tour excursions (all at a fee). Pets are not permitted. Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel complete features.