Fira 84700 Greece, Fira, Greece
Super-secluded luxury cliff-top villa complex
Stunning caldera views from most of property
Spacious villas with terraces and private pools
Bathrooms with gorgeous hydromassage soaking tubs and Korres products
In-villa buffet breakfast included in rate
First-class 24-hour concierge service
Car and motorbike rentals on-site
Free shuttle service into town
Property open all year round (limited services in winter)
Wi-Fi can be
patchy on terraces
Little within
walking distance
Room service not 24-hour
Celestia Grand Villas is a high-end villa complex located on a cliff top just south of Fira town. As a villa-only property there's little in the way of common space, though all seven units feel super-secluded with large terraces and private pools overlooking the iconic caldera. An on-site chef provides in-villa dining throughout the day, as well as alfresco candlelit dinners, though there's nowhere else to eat within walking distance. Those who'd prefer to be a little nearer the action should check out Aria Suites close to Fira center, but for those seeking luxury and privacy with minimum distractions, this place could be just perfect.
Scene
Luxury villa-only property with first-class concierge service
Celestia Grand Villas is all about two things: luxury and privacy. There's very little in the way of common space; instead, immaculate, gently sloping stairways flanked by typically crisp-white walls lead to one of seven high-end, Cycladic-style villas. Service is also super personalized, where the welcome involves a meeting with the professional concierge to talk though the guests' individual requirements and questions. After this, visitors are free to enjoy their stay in perfect isolation with those incredible views visible from almost every part of the property. The nature of the hotel means it's popular with both romancing couples for its seclusion and families for the spacious, self-contained lodgings.
Location
Cliff-top setting off coastal highway a mile from Fira town
The hotel is located just off the main coastal Fira-Megalochori highway that runs along the west of Santorini. The town of Fira, one of the most popular tourist centers on the island, is just over a mile to the north though there's little of interest within walking distance. Its position does guarantee some spectacular views of the volcano and ocean sunsets and -- unlike some properties -- access doesn't involve any steep steps. Santorini Airport is around 10 minutes away by road -- transfers are available for a fee -- while it takes about the same time to reach the main port.
Rooms
Spacious, high-end villas with private pools and stunning views
Celestia Grand has seven beautifully presented villas which range from the smallest Junior Villa, sleeping up to three, to the extra luxurious Sapphire Villa, sleeping up to six and with one of the largest private cliff-side terraces on the island. All the units have separate bedrooms, lounges, and furnished terraces with pools overlooking the caldera, though the Junior Villa has just an unheated jetted tub on its terrace. Decor is sophisticated and distinctive, done almost entirely in white, and finished with accents that can include glass art, framed charcoal drawings, dark wood furniture, and uniquely inlaid wooden ceilings. Amenities are impressively high-end, with wide flat-screen TVs and computer terminals, while grotto-style bathrooms all include all-natural Korres products and hydro-massage bathtubs. Free Wi-Fi is also available, though it can drop off around some outdoor terrace areas. Coffee/tea facilities, safes, and mini-fridges are standard features, and some villas have kitchenettes with stocked minibars, dishes, and sinks.
Features
Full in-villa breakfast buffet and candlelit alfresco dinners, plus top-notch concierge service
With no restaurant on-site, a full buffet breakfast is brought to each villa every morning and can be served on the private terrace -- and is included in the rate. There is also a hotel chef that whips ups meals delivered via room service, including candlelit dinners served on villa terraces, though room service is not available 24 hours. The first-class concierge service, however, is available around the clock, while a free shuttle bus service runs into Fira town throughout the day. Massages can also be booked in the privacy of the villas, as well as wine tastings, yoga sessions, and photo shoots. VIP services are available and include private yacht and helicopter tours. There is no private chef service during the winter months, and other services are also limited during this low season.