Perivolos Beach, Perivolos, Greece
Five-minute walk to quiet stretch of Perivolos Beach
Immaculately clean selection of stylish studios and apartments; all with private balconies
Free breakfast buffet with gourmet items like quiche, pastries, and fresh fruit
Lovely outdoor freeform pool and sun deck with a hot tub
Pool bar for drinks
Free Wi-Fi and ample free parking
Small chapel for weddings
Friendly and hands-on owner
Slightly isolated location with little in walking distance apart from the beach (pro for some)
No full restaurant
45-minute drive to the village of Oia (pro for some)
Distant ocean views, and not on the caldera
Bella Santorini, a three-pearl boutique property, feels like a home-away-from home -- if your home is immaculately clean and someone puts out a free gourmet breakfast for you every morning. The hotel was built in the middle of a field, about a five-minute walk from a quiet stretch of Perivolos Beach. Some guests love the tranquility (hard to find in Santorini) while others are inconvenienced by the 45-minute drive to Oia. There are 24 rooms, divided between apartments and studios, and each comes with high quality bedding and mattresses. Features include a large freeform pool, pool bar, free Wi-Fi, and a wedding chapel. The hands-on owner is available to book tours and provide assistance. For something just as lovely, but closer to Fira's caldera, check rates at The Dahlia & Jasmine Collection by Angel Studios.
Scene
Cycladic architecture and few steps
Bella Santorini was built with a nod to the island's traditional Cycladic style, but with a few differences. The exteriors are painted cream and blue, and the surrounding gardens are well-tended and filled with native plants and flowers. A small wedding chapel with Santorini's famous three bells and a cross structure, sits at the back of the property. Lena, the hands-on owner, can usually be found in the contemporary lobby, decorated with white candles, artistic hanging lights, and slipcovers over the sofas. The adjacent covered breakfast area also overlooks the large outdoor freeform pool. Hanging chairs and sun loungers with parasols provide a place to relax. Overall, everything is pristine and kept in excellent repair. The hotel is popular with families (since there are very few steps and no cliffs here) and couples on vacation.
Location
A five-minute walk from Perivolos Beach
Bella Santorini has an unusual location for Santorini. It's set in the center of shrub-filled fields, about a five-minute walk from a quieter stretch of Perivolos Beach. The beach has a mini-market, several seafood restaurants, and lots of loungers for rent, but it's not as popular as nearby Perissa Beach. Most guests rent a car or an ATV for convenience.
Rooms
Clean and bright rooms and apartments with private balconies
The hotel's 24 rooms are chic with a few artistic touches. Even the garden-level apartments (can sleep up to five people) are brightly lit with large windows, bold blues, and fresh whites. These units include a sink and mini-fridge, but no cooking facilities. Studios can accommodate two people and don't have the fridge or sink, but do include a flat-screen TV. Guests in the Honeymoon Villa are treated to a bottle of sparkling wine and a fruit plate. All units are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi. Private, furnished balconies either overlook the pool or the neighboring fields, some with distant sea views. Blue-tiled bathrooms include small sinks, showers with hand-held wands, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are provided. The Honeymoon Villa has a small tub with the shower. Note that the rooms are outfitted with high quality mattresses and linens.
Features
Free homemade breakfast, outdoor pool, and a wedding chapel
Features here are minimal but conducive to relaxation. Every morning starts with a free breakfast buffet for all guests that includes eggs, Greek pastries, fresh fruit, quiche, and coffee. Room service is available for breakfast. The pool bar offers a selection of drinks throughout the day, served by the large freeform pool and whirlpool. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There's a large unpaved parking lot near the entrance. A charming wedding chapel can host small weddings, and some bridal parties rent out the entire hotel for the festivities.