Katikies, Beautiful Santorini's 5-Star Luxury Hotel/courtesy

Katikies, Beautiful Santorini’s 5-Star Luxury Hotel

By Ruth Perez

While staying at Katikies in Santorini is a dream come true for many visitors, it also offers unrestricted views of the caldera, the now-completely submerged volcano crater that is responsible for the island’s characteristic appearance. Even though the hotel is perched far above the sea, it is still possible to see the ocean from all the rooms, as well as the pool and the restaurant, thanks to its placement on a rocky outcrop. It’s simply a two-minute walk from your doorstep to the heart of Oia’s meandering alleyways, which are accessible through a pedestrian marble sidewalk. When the sun goes dark, it’s best to head back to the hotel to avoid the crowds and watch the sky turn a stunning shade of dusty pink. Travel to the airport or the port can be arranged via the hotel’s air-conditioned shuttles, which are both less than 15 miles away.

Style

The cliffside is dotted with white-glittering accommodations that are connected by stone-gray walkways and stairways. The magnificent blue sea below the hotel is reflected in the sun by green plants, which are used sparingly. The three turquoise infinity pools and light grey daybeds seem to dissolve into thin air. The restaurant’s classic Aegean Cycladic design has been accomplished beautifully since it opened more than three decades ago.

Service

At the restaurants and bars, the staff is always friendly and helpful, and they’re very welcoming to guests. There are three gorgeous infinity pools, each with a different view, at the resort. Guests can take advantage of the other Katikies hotels’ services and amenities, including the A.Spa (which has two treatment rooms), the MO’s boutique, and the library. A day aboard one of the hotel’s motor yachts, complete with swimming spots and a BBQ lunch on board, would be a very unforgettable experience. Please inquire with the concierge. The Katikies Club is a personal concierge service that provides clients with custom-tailored experiences created by lifestyle specialists, allowing them to experience the true spirit of Greece like never before.

Rooms

Several white-picket gates lead from the main road to large outdoor patios. The whitewashed walls and vaulted ceilings give the sensation that you’re in a cave on the cliffs, which is a great place to relax. Bathrooms feature rainfall showers or big jetted tubs in various room categories, and the beds are extremely comfortable. Decorated in a muted white, grey, and beige color scheme that matches the rest of the hotel, it follows the property’s minimalist aesthetic. Old-fashioned Greek romance is enhanced by the ornate design of the footstool, coffee table, and seats in the room. Air conditioning, television, Bose sound system and minibar are just some of the room’s other features. A hairdryer and a Nespresso coffee machine are also available. There are open-air plunge pools, jetted baths, and fireplaces in some of the more opulent hotel types and suites.

Drinking and Eating

The Katikies Pool Bar and Restaurant can bring snacks and beverages to your lounger, and Fleur de Miraval’s Seltz Champagne Bar and Restaurant offers a selection of sushi and Greek/Asian seafood to savor the sunset. When it comes to a special night out for supper, the romantic, candlelit Mikrasia is the clear winner. Even though there are only a handful of tables, the carved glassware and exquisite cutlery, and the sculptured walls and potted plants make you feel like you’re nestled away in an exotic location, the sea views extend for miles. Because of the cookbook’s attractive presentation and recipes influenced by Greek Anatolian cuisine, fish is a popular choice. The fisherman’s soup consists of cod, clams, and sea urchins in a delectable broth. The main players and more may be found on a fantastic breakfast buffet, which even has a dessert section. In the restaurants, you can order a la carte items like poached eggs on soft buns with tomato and cheese mousse.