Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection

Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, the Grace Hotel is a gorgeous, high-end boutique property spread over a cliffside patch of land overlooking the sea. Exteriors feature whitewashed walls that blend in beautifully with the surrounding structures while narrow steps lead down to rooms and various common decks, with fantastic views. Although there are lots of steps, and some public footpaths pass by rooms and thus compromise privacy, these are both common in Santorini. Most of the common areas are outside, decorated in chic, elegant lounge furniture that offers ample space for taking in the vistas. The design is mostly white, with some black-and-white photos and greenery to add some adornment. The vast majority of guests are couples, particularly as kids under age 14 are not permitted to stay here.

The Grace Hotel is located in Imerovigli, on the western coast of Santorini and about a 10-minute drive north of Fira. It straddles a cliff overlooking the sea and there are a few other hotels and restaurants within walking distance. Oia, known for its magnificent sunsets, is a 20-minute drive north of the hotel, while the island's famous Red Beach takes about half an hour to reach by car. The Santorini Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the ferry terminal takes around 25 minutes to reach by car.

This property offers 20 rooms, suites, and a villa, which start at around 45 square meters and run clear up to around 400 square meters (approximately 485 to 4,300 square feet). Decor across categories is elegant and contemporary. Rooms have high walls and ceilings painted stark white, lots of windows (many with views out over the Santorini Caldera), white sheets and blankets accented by colored cushions and coordinating marbled lampshades, and wooden desks, tables, and trim to offset the otherwise bright-white spaces. 

Standard amenities include private terraces with chairs and tables, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have, at a minimum, large walk-in showers and Apivitia-brand toiletries. The hotel also offers a Bespoke by Grace program through which guests can send their preferences to the hotel in advance for things like pillow firmness and in-room aromatherapy scents. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms and slightly larger Junior Suites come with or without private plunge pools; the rest of the units here have at least one pool (Grace Suites have indoor and outdoor plunge pools and steam baths), and the Honeymoon Suite units add pre-stocked kitchens. Note that some rooms back up onto a small footpath, which means passersby can see right into some units, though this is fairly common for Santorini.

The star feature of this property is undoubtedly its gorgeous infinity pool, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, with volcanic landscapes in the distance, including Skaros Rock in the foreground and the caldera farther out. The pool deck is lined with lounge chairs. Adjacent is Santoro, the hotel's restaurant, which is open for all three meals and serves breakfast until late in the morning. The Grace Hotel Santorini restaurant menu focuses primarily on Greek and Mediterranean fare, with lots of fresh seafood and a good selection of wine, champagne, and cocktails. A sensational five-course breakfast is included in room rates, with courses consisting of items such as smoothies, Greek yogurt, daily pies, eggs, and sweet crepes. There's also the 363 Champagne Lounge, named as such because it's situated 363 meters (1,190 feet) above the sea. It's open from late afternoon until well into the night. Room service is available 24/7.

Wellness facilities here include a fitness center with TechnoGym cardio and weight-training equipment and training sessions are available, as are free daily yoga and Pilates classes. The hotel also offers in-room fitness kits with Pilates balls, yoga mats, weights, and a smattering of other fitness tools for those who prefer to work out in their rooms. A spa offers facials, massages, and other treatments. Wedding services are also available, and there are a variety of setups to choose from, all with views out over the sea. Other features include valet laundry, concierge services (the hotel can book all sorts of cultural and interactive experiences and even helicopter transfers), and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi.