Perivolas

At Perivolas, the decor and ambience are understated, in keeping with the property’s history. Once the homes of local fisherman and farmers, more than 50 years ago the Psychas family transformed these cave dwellings into 20 separate suites or “houses” that make up the hotel today. Guests enter through a gate that leads them down a path lined with low stone walls to the hotel's cliffside perch. Buildings are designed in traditional Cycladic style, with white stone and soft rounded edges. The steepness of the cliffs offers a kind of drama to the exteriors, creating a perfect setting for the views of the famous Santorini caldera from the terrace at the infinity pool. Stark white walls and sofas are punctuated with bright pink and purple pillows and rugs giving the place just enough style to merit its luxury rating. Children under 16 are not allowed, and it’s pretty clear that Perivolas is generally geared toward couples with a taste for rustic charm and in search of a postcard-perfect vacation. 

Perivolas settles into the cliffs on the caldera side of Santorini, near Oia, the largest town on the northern part of the island. While there are other hotels nearby, the center of Oia is about a 15-minute walk away. While some guests might enjoy the relative serenity of being a bit removed from town, others can find this less convenient. Oia itself is known for being sleepier than its southern counterpart, Fira, the capital of Santorini, which is about a 20 minutes away by car. It’s also possible to hike the distance in a scenic two-and-a-half hours, or take a bus which stops close to the hotel. Shuttles to the airport can be arranged with the hotel and the trip takes about 35 minutes.

At Perivolas all of the rooms are cozy and sparsely decorated cave suites, and each one is unique in terms of layout. The suites are referred to as “houses,” having been converted from centuries old cave dwellings, and there is a distinct feeling of privacy in each. Suites are decorated in the same style as the rest of the hotel, with whitewashed walls and pops of fuchsia and lavender, and beds are tucked into nooks. Interiors lack windows, given the cave topography, so some guests might find them claustrophobic. Each “house” also has a private terrace with lounge chairs and umbrellas for taking in the caldera views, and some have private pools. Bathrooms are simple, but clean, with contemporary fixtures like vessel sinks and roomy walk-in showers plus robes and toiletries. All rooms have a minibar, electric kettles and/or coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and safes. There are no TVs, as Perivolas believes that the experience there should be a true escape and an opportunity to relax and take in the surroundings. There is, however, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and some rooms have sound systems.

Perivolas offers the standard features of a Santorini luxury hotel plus a few extras. A gorgeous infinity pool facing the Aegean is one of the best spots on the island for views of the caldera and sunset, and drinks and snacks are served at the pool bar. Perivolas Restaurant is popular for its contemporary Greek cuisine that incorporates seasonal local produce, and the converted wine cellar setting only adds to the charms. A wellness studio includes an outdoor whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and massage room for various body treatments. A small 24-hour gym has views of the caldera, and while there are only a few machines, it's worth noting that it’s unusual to find a hotel fitness center on Santorini at all. Perivolas can arrange tailor-made island tours or guests can opt to join of of the hotel’s own Perivolas Boat Tours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.