Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel

While following the traditional amphitheatric architecture common to many Santorini properties, Sun Rocks Hotel does it with more crisp, modernist panache than most. Carved into the sides of volcanic cliff, the hotel is spread over various levels, connected by several hundred steps that link the 17 guest rooms, pool terrace, and restaurant. The ambience is uncompromisingly relaxed; guests are greeted with champagne to a background of soft music, and the couples-only policy ensures a more sophisticated, grown-up vibe. With the signature gleaming soft-edged walls, the finish is close to perfection throughout. The showstopper, however, are the breathtaking caldera views that can be soaked up from practically every angle. Staff too are a real asset, offering top-class service and hospitality with a genuinely unobtrusive touch. The hotel is naturally popular with couples looking for a romantic hideaway, but also hosts frequent wedding ceremonies, which some visitors might find occasionally disrupting their pool time.

The hotel is located just off a cobbled sloping footpath a few hundred feet from the main square of Firostefani -- a pretty cliff-top village just north of Fira. While there are a few charming little restaurants to explore in the immediate vicinity, the bustling Santorini capital is a 10- to 15-minute walk away (though via numerous steps). Perched a thousand feet over the water, the setting also offers particularly expansive panoramic views over the iconic caldera. The property is around 15 minutes' drive from Santorini Airport and the main Athinios Port -- though the last few minutes must be traveled on foot.  

Hollowed from the volcanic stone, the hotel's 17 rooms are elegant whitewashed grottos with plenty of chic modern touches. Even standard Double Rooms (which clock in at 215 square feet, or 20 square meters) come with an impressive array of amenities, including Nespresso coffee machines, CD players, and bathrobes. All rooms open to private terraces with uninterrupted views over the sea. It's well worth upgrading to a Superior Suites for an outdoor hot tub and more spacious terrace, while the Sun Rock Suite features a gorgeous indoor-outdoor infinity-edge pool. Whirlpools in Experience Suites and Honeymoon Suites are inside, not on the veranda, but still have ocean views. Just note that the hot tubs must be pre-heated and the heating can be finicky. Bathrooms are all mosaic-tiled with roomy walk-in showers and high-end bath products, though given the prices here they could use a little sprucing up -- we spotted plenty of dirty grout. 

An excellent breakfast of continental and cooked-to-order items is served each morning by the pool -- accompanied by those stunning views -- or delivered in-room for a small fee (otherwise it's all included in the rate). With just four tables, the hotel's Elea Restaurant is particularly intimate and serves simple, quality Greek food for lunch and romantic evening dinners (reservations are often required). The swimming pool is just big enough for a few strokes and lined with loungers -- though not always enough for all guests at peak times. The poolside bar also provides regular tastings of local Santorini wines to be enjoyed with the spectacular ocean sunsets. There's no spa on the premises, but free transportation is provided for guests who book a treatment at A.SPA in Oia.