Reviewed by
Michael Cullen
It was the touch of something brushing past my toes that woke me from my reverie. I opened my eyes to see a black cat with golden eyes scampering off across the sun-baked stones. Behind this was a vista to beat any daydream: a turquoise pool slipping seamlessly into an aqua-marine sea far below; this dazzling azur, ringed by the brown and red of ashen cliffs, and topped by the white of myriad houses and a scattering of blue church domes.
Where else could I be but on the volcanic island of Santorini? Or, more precisely, stretched across a lounger by the pool at Perivolas, a collection of traditional vaulted houses perched above the sea-filled cauldron at Oia. With its organically curved terraces spilling down the slope, its cool white rooms and suites half-dug into the mountain-side, its carefully manicured gardens, and its infinity pool, this must be one of the most hallowed pieces of earth in the whole Med. Black cats clearly bring good luck in this part of the world.
Where else could I be but on the volcanic island of Santorini? Or, more precisely, stretched across a lounger by the pool at Perivolas, a collection of traditional vaulted houses perched above the sea-filled cauldron at Oia. With its organically curved terraces spilling down the slope, its cool white rooms and suites half-dug into the mountain-side, its carefully manicured gardens, and its infinity pool, this must be one of the most hallowed pieces of earth in the whole Med. Black cats clearly bring good luck in this part of the world.
Highs
- Swimming in the stunning infinity pool with panoramic views of the caldera and sea beyond
- The friendly and helpful staff who go out of their way to ensure you have a magical time
- The breakfast buffet: what a delicious way to start the day
- Watching the sun set over Oia’s rooftops from your private terrace, rather than jostling for space at Sunset Point
- Shopping in the boutiques of Oia and Fera (Thira)
- Exploring the lava islets by boat and watching smoke rise from the earth below your feet
Lows
- It’s expensive, even by Santorini standards
- It’s often full (but no large groups, thankfully), so early booking is strongly recommended
- The rooms are (deliberately) dark, but this keeps the blistering heat out in the height of summer
- It's on the outskirts of Oia - you're 10 minutes' walk from the bustling centre - but this could also be considered a plus point!
- Smaller rooms could be considered a little basic, but all have terraces with the most breathtaking views
Best time to go
The best times for reliable sunshine, without the heatwaves or crowds of midsummer, are spring (April - May) and autumn (September - early October). It is closed in winter (November to April).
Our top tips
Go for at least 4 days. Be sure to fit in a day-trip to the lava islands, a day visiting Akrotiri and ancient Thira, and a couple to chill out and explore Oia.