Main Street, Fira 84700 Greece, Fira, Greece
Sunset views of the Aegean Sea and local caldera
Super-chic property with attractive island decor throughout
Some rooms have private balconies and whirlpools
Sparkling swimming pool with comfy loungers
Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and Fira shuttle service
On-site restaurant serves local Mediterranean fare
Room service available
Rooftop bar and lounge offers fun cocktails and great views
On-site spa offers massages and facials
Location not within walking distance of Fira or beaches
No fitness center
Room decor can vary, and some rooms feel less private than others
Lilium Villas Santorini is a medium-sized luxury boutique property facing the caldera side of the Aegean Sea on the island of Santorini. Prices can be high but breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and a shuttle service to the town of Fira are included. There's a gorgeous swimming pool with a nearby kids' pool that doesn't get much use and an on-site spa, but no fitness center. The rooms are spacious and airy but not as stunning as the well-designed restaurant and lounge area. Sunset views of the caldera are a major selling point, though you'll need a car or shuttle service to explore the rest of the island as the hotel is off the beaten path. Overall, it's a great option for a luxe romantic getaway for couples who don't require a ton of amenities.
Scene
Serene and sophisticated with white and neutral motifs
Pack sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glaringly white sun deck and sunshine bouncing off the sparkling Aegean Sea and swimming pool at Lilium Villas Santorini. This upscale property is popular with jet-setters looking for a quiet, stylish vacation. A black and white lounge and bar is partially open-air with a glass partition overlooking the water. The white motif continues around the pool with expensive-looking sun loungers and huge umbrellas. The large and airy lobby has a minimalist design with furnishings in neutral hues, while the reception and concierge desks are given a metallic treatment.
Location
Overlooking the Aegean Sea on the outskirts of Fira
Lilium Villas Santorini is located off of a quiet pebble-lined main road on the edge of Fira. Guests do walk to the town center, but it's a bit of a trek and a free hotel shuttle is more convenient. There's a bakery directly across the street and a Mexican restaurant nearby, along with a supermarket and bank. The hotel is built on the wildly popular caldera side of Santorini, which means epic views of the volcano at sunset. Santorini Airport is just over 10 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Clean and comfortable with some private whirlpools, though decor doesn't quite live up to the stylish public areas
The rooms and suites inside Lilium Villas Santorini are spacious and comfortable, but the design is less impressive than what's found in the rest of the hotel. Floors are lined with blue and neutral square tiles while walls are painted bright white. White furniture looks a little cheap, but pillow top mattresses covered with soft, lightly striped linens are obviously luxurious. Minibars and plasma flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are standard. Bathrooms could use a refresh; expect shower and tub combinations and single sinks. Book a room with a private balcony and whirlpool overlooking the Aegean Sea for a fabulous upgrade. Note that some rooms are accessible only by crossing a neighboring room's terrace.
Features
Mediterranean restaurant, spa, swimming pool -- and loads of freebies
Lilium Villas Santorini is one of those increasingly rare upscale hotels that doesn't tack on extra costs to the already high price of a room. Freebies include a daily breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice, Wi-Fi, shuttle services, and parking. There's a large swimming pool next to a smaller children's pool and an on-site spa. The restaurant serves Mediterranean gourmet cuisine with local ingredients. Room service is available and the bar is fully stocked. At this price point, we expect a fitness center -- but there isn't one.