Thiras - Ias, Oia, Greece
Quiet, lower caldera location with uninterrupted views
Within walking distance to Oia via rock-carved steps
Cave-style rooms offer various amenities like outdoor whirlpools and terraces
Free Greek breakfast made with local products
Outdoor infinity pool with free towels and amazing views
Pool bar serves breakfast, snacks, and drinks
Room service available from the pool bar
Airport transfers available for a fee
Free Wi-Fi
Small pool with only a few sun loungers
Not many shaded public areas to escape sun
No full restaurant or fitness center
A lovely boutique property, Pezoules is set into Oia's lower caldera cliffs, giving guests sweeping views of the Aegean. With only six rooms -- many designed in a cave-like style -- it is a small, quiet, and personal property ideal for couples. Rooms mimic the hotel's chic blend of traditional architecture and minimalism and feature ergonomic Dimstel mattresses. Slim on the features but with more than the nearby Aris Caves, this property has a small infinity pool with an even smaller deck and a tiny pool bar serving snacks and drinks. The experience is best suited for travelers who want to explore the surrounding area but come back to a quiet room, and overall this is a gorgeous property with upscale rooms and an authentic Greek island vibe.
Scene
Updated traditional Cycladic style with minimalist decor, a relaxing vibe, and caldera views
Built into the cliff rock toward the base of the caldera, Pezoules is set up for breathtaking views. As many people prefer to stay higher up on the cliff, the area is quiet with only a few people (and donkeys) passing via the nearby path. A classy blend of traditional Cycladic style and modern minimalism, Pezoules features whitewashed walls with smooth edges and tons of curves and cave-like alcoves. The decor creates a feeling of openness and relaxation, and the scent of a cool sea breeze helps to round out the vibe. A communal terrace facing the sea stretches around the property and is peppered with folding chairs and umbrellas. A small pool bar with indoor and outdoor seating where couples congregate has views across the caldera.
Location
A few steps down from Oia, along the lower caldera cliffs
Settled in the lower caldera cliffs of Oia, Pezoules is away from the noise of the village. Separated by a handful of steps carved into cliff rock, guests can make the moderately easy climb up to Oia within minutes. There they can access restaurants, shops, bars, and the historical blue-domed churches. Art lovers can check out the Mnemossyne Gallery, where local artists' work from photography to jewelry is displayed in a cave-like building. Oia is also a starting point for the scenic old pedestrian path found along the cliffs, connecting the village with the capital Fira, which is a two-hour walk south.
Rooms
Contemporary decor and special features, with most rooms offering cave-like design
Of the six rooms at Pezoules, four sport the area’s traditional cave-like design of smooth whitewashed walls and curved edges. All rooms have the same contemporary decor in neutral colors and feature Dimstel ergonomic mattresses, Korres toiletries in the bathroom, and personal bathrobes with slippers. Stocked kitchenettes and minibars are also provided along with views of the caldera. Friends traveling together may want to snag the standard Matzourana and Valeriana rooms as they share a lovely terrace. Those wanting a more unique feature may enjoy the Althaea and Louisa, both with showers carved into rock. Although it is impossible to reach the village without climbing at least a handful of steps, upper-positioned rooms have fewer to contend with.
Features
Small infinity pool and bar with room service
For such a small hotel, Pezoules has a fair amount of features, although it lacks public area seating, especially in the shade. The small infinity pool has a small deck with only a fraction of the necessary amount of seats to cover a full house. While the Mastiha Pool Bar is a convenient place to grab a snack or beverage, its indoor seating capacity is limited. In case you can't get a seat, the pool bar provides room service in addition to its free Greek breakfast. Besides free Wi-Fi, guests can also take advantage of the property's 24-hour reception services.