Remezzo Villas

Casually marked off the road, Remezzo Villas may be easy to miss with its waist-high whitewashed wall and unassuming hotel sign. Upon entering the gate, guests must immediately head down a long, steep set of stairs down a cliff toward the main building. Reception is a small desk within an alcove of the cave-ish lobby. Here, the ceilings are low, the walls are textured, and the area is lit by hanging ceiling lights and glass skylights. The lobby, the only indoor public space at the hotel, has a few wooden seating areas and a bar.

Containing an old winery, the property reflects a traditional aesthetic with curved edges and exposed rock. The distressed nature of the outdoor walls, complete with bubbled holes, gives the grounds a historical feel. Additional details include a sea-foam colored picket fence and distressed pottery.

Remezzo Villas is located down a hefty amount of stairs from the main road, but within walking distance to Imerovigli village and its restaurants, bars, and shops. Fira's town center is reachable by bus, car, or foot, with the latter option taking half an hour or so. Other nearby attractions include Skaros Rock, which has an ancient castle fortress where visitors are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views. Those interested in a slightly more challenging walk/hike can travel up the old path north toward Oia, which takes a little under two hours. Santorini Airport is less than 15 minutes away by car.

Remezzo Villas has 12 rooms in eight categories built in traditional style and serviced twice a day. Most have lower ceilings and are individually decorated, with styles ranging from basic and country to contemporary. Some even feature eclectic details and decor, such as the Honeymoon Suite's massive charcoal cave-like bathroom with a pod bathtub. Because of the architecture, some rooms or areas in rooms are not as light-filled as others and space can seem tight. Features found across the board include flat-screen TVs, comfortable king or queen beds (with down comforters and pillows), work desks , and Wi-Fi. All the bathrooms are modern, but decor varies. Just in case, remember to bring your own washcloths and bar of soap.

With a caldera-facing pool equipped with a fair amount of seating, Remezzo Villas has much of its communal space outdoors. The pool is slightly small and, unlike most pools in the area, isn't an infinity. Save for guest rooms and the lobby space where a tiny bar is also hiding, a reprieve from the sun is hard to come by as most of the property’s outdoor seating is out in the open. Although there’s no official on-site restaurant, the hotel does have a very generous American-style breakfast served for a fee. This pet-friendly venue also has a concierge desk that can arrange activities, book private tours, and set up guests with in-room massages or babysitting services. Although the town is within walking distance, there’s also a shuttle service available for a fee.