Ipapantis, Fira, Greece
Beautiful location on caldera side of Santorini
Within walking distance of Fira
Warmly decorated suites, apartments, and studios with private outdoor spaces
Free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and nearby parking
Free bottle of Santorini wine on arrival
Loaner laptops for guests' use
Breakfast can be delivered to room
No on-site restaurant, swimming pool, or fitness center
Reports of mold and bleach odors near lobby
Many steps to reach certain rooms (almost unavoidable in Santorini)
Enigma Apartments & Suites is a small boutique property popular with young couples. The suites with hot tubs get high ratings and past guests who didn't opt for the upgrade report regretting it. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast are welcomed perks, but there isn't a swimming pool or restaurant. The cliffside location overlooking the area’s caldera means sweeping views from each of the guest rooms, though there isn't a rooftop patio, which is usually common at this price point. Unless you're booking one of the suites with a whirlpool and large patio, you may be happier at the Astro Palace Hotel and Suites, which has a swimming pool, rooftop deck, and restaurant -- but you'll lose the caldera views.
Scene
Cycladic architecture and steps over the Aegean Sea
Enigma Apartments & Suites is built with the same Cycladic architecture, steep steps, and whitewashed walls found throughout Santorini. There are small exterior decks where guests can linger and enjoy the views of the Aegean Sea, but there isn't any outdoor furniture. The tiny lobby has enough space for a white reception desk and bench topped with a turquoise cushion. White calla lilies are displayed inside green glass bottles in a built-in alcove. The crowd here is mostly younger couples on a romantic holiday.
Location
On a pedestrian street next door to a coffee shop and a short drive away from airport
The hotel's entrance is shared with a popular coffee shop by the same name, Enigma. Look for a white doorway lined with rocks and an engraved sign for the shop and hotel. The property's location right on a pebble lined, cliffside pedestrian street of Fira means fast access to shops and restaurants along with those signature Aegean Sea views. Because the Enigma is built into the cliff, the property itself is quiet and private. Nearby parking is free. Santorini Airport is just over 10 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Apartments, suites, and studios with organic details
There are eight different types of rooms at Enigma Apartments & Suites. Each has a terrace with Aegean Sea views. Coco-mat mattresses made from all natural materials without metal springs get high marks from guests. The four luxury suites with hot tubs get the best reviews and sleep up to six people in split-level loft spaces. With the upgrade you'll get a kitchenette with a Nespresso machine, a green Mosaic tiled bathroom stocked with Molton Brown products, and a gorgeous furnished balcony with a large outdoor hot tub. Cozy studios and apartment options have kitchenettes but less “wow” factor.
Features
Free wine, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, though no pool
Enigma Apartments & Suites provides guests with a free continental breakfast which can be delivered to the room in a basket -- a romantic perk. On arrival, guests are presented with a bottle of white wine. Wi-Fi is free and the hotel has laptops and chargers to lend. To get wet however, you'll have to book a hot tub suite or find another hotel. Check rates at Evgenia Villas & Suites for access to their large outdoor pool.