Filotera Suites

Once a winery, Filotera is carved into the hillside and accessed by pretty pebbled steps, as are many of its Oia neighbors. Views even from the main pedestrian strip are breathtaking, and the hotel's simple whitewashed stone exteriors accentuate the vibrant blue ocean backdrop. The tiny lobby welcomes guests briefly from the street before whisking them straight out to admire the view onto a small shaded terrace with nautical striped sofa seating. Steps wind down different levels between light gray verandas adorned with gleaming white parasols and deckchairs. The pool and lounge area, which has a selection of loungers, sofas and table seating, both continue the stylish white and light gray decor with striped accents. As the setting is undeniably romantic and the style contemporary, it's no surprise that guests are generally young couples, and the occasional family.

Perched on the steep side of the caldera, Filotera Suites are accessed by steps down from the main pedestrian path into Oia town. The pathway is lined with stores and restaurants, and it's a five- to 10-minute walk along to attractions like the Maritime Museum and other town-center sights. The Byzantine Castle Ruins, also a prime spot for watching Oia's spectacular sunsets, is less than 15 minutes away on foot. Oia's main bus station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and has connecting routes to Santorini's capital, Fira, as well as Baxedes Beach on the north coast and pretty Ammoudi Bay, which is often regarded as the best swimming spot on the island. There are steps down to Ammoudi that take about 20-minutes to navigate from the hotel, and also steps down to the tiny fishing village, Armeni, directly south of the hotel. The airport is a 30-minute drive, and the ferry port a 40-minute trip.

Hollowed into the volcanic rock, the Filotera's eight cave-like suites are natural and earthy, with soft edges and rounded arches. However, the modern amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Decor is simple: white throughout with touches of light grays and blues reflecting its coastal location. The  occasional exposed rock features add a rustic touch that contrasts the sleek, minimalist wood furniture. Suites all have sitting areas with sofas and small tables, plus minibars, bathrobes and slippers, safes, and ocean-view terraces with private heated whirlpools. The Honeymoon Suite has pretty drapes to cocoon its bedroom and the Grand Suites have two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Grand Suites also add iPod docking stations, CD and DVD players and some have a private pool as well as a hot tub. Bathrooms are charming, again all carved out of stone, with rainfall shower cubicles, sharp vessel sinks, and rustic scooped-out shelves and cubbyholes. 

The prime star at the Filotera Suites is -- of course -- the stunning ocean view from every direction, but the pretty pool terrace is a nice addition and manages to squeeze in an infinity pool of a decent size compared to some in nearby hillside hotels. There's a poolside lounge area with sofas, loungers, and table seating, plus a bar, and steps up to a mini-terrace with a hot-tub and sofa. Beside the pool are two elegant cabana daybeds with curtains for shade, and a shower. Breakfast and meals are served either in your suite or the poolside lounge, and extras such as massage and beauty treatments, yoga lessons, and hairdressing are offered in-room. There's a free car park on the main road, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the 24-hour reception will organize transfers, excursions and trips. A useful laundry/dry cleaning service is also available.