The chic sleep: Grace Santorini
No matter how many pictures you’ve seen of this incredible island, nothing can prepare you for the real thing – and this hotel is the perfect viewpoint. By CAT TSANG
Is Santorini the most photographed place in the world? It certainly takes the title among the Cycladic islands. More accessible than Paros, more dramatic than Mykonos, its warren-like passageways, charming cobbled streets and iconic blue-on-white composition draws in crowds season after season, all looking for that perfect feed-worthy selfie or sunrise panorama. But even aside from those surreally beautiful, never-get-bored-of-looking-at-them views across the caldera, Santorini’s popularity is more than justified – a fabled history, scenic hiking trails and delicious indigenous food and wine make a vacation here much more memorable than any photograph ever could.
To avoid the biggest swell of cruise-liner day-trippers, visit in October, just past peak season, and head to Imerovigli in the quiet end of main harbor town Fira. It’s here you’ll find Grace Santorini, a boutique cliff-side hotel in perfect harmony with the rest of this white-walled island and yet a standout in every way, from the seamless service and award-winning restaurant to the stunning infinity pool. It takes the ‘personal touch’ very seriously: the Bespoke by Grace service lets guests pre-arrange everything from a schedule of activities and Champagne for their arrival to their room diffuser scent and pillow type (from a menu of seven options). And while the fitness studio and complimentary yoga sessions might take your mind off of that vista for a little while, we guarantee you won’t be indoors for long – those sunsets aren’t going to post themselves.
THE DETAILS
Drink
As the sun sinks into the middle of the caldera, the Fira side of the island is treated to uninterrupted, hour-long watercolor skies. So, if there’s one rule in Santorini, it’s that sundowners are a non-negotiable. Pre-sunset every day, tourists and locals alike flock to get the best seats in the house, meaning that Fira’s bars can often be overrun and ‘reserved’ signs ubiquitous. Avoid the disappointment of missing golden hour by heading to the wide terrace of Grace’s 363 Champagne Bar: built 363ft above sea level with a view that includes the island’s famous Skaros Rock, it’s the ideal place for a pre-dinner cocktail, accompanied by a short but impeccable bar snack menu.
Must do
The hotel’s concierge service takes pride in being able to arrange any number of activities for its guests, from private helicopter charters around the caldera to horse riding, water sports and excursions to the Akrotiri archaeological ruins. If you’re only staying for a few days, the Santorini Wine Tour is a great option to see more of the island. You’ll be driven around to award-winning wineries and unique vineyards, learn how the island’s volcanic terroir affects the production and taste of the grape, and try some of the best wines that Santorini and Greece have to offer.
Dine
Consistently named as one of the best places to eat on the whole island, the Grace’s Santoro restaurant is a gleaming white temple where local produce is god. From the seabass moussaka to the fava bean gyoza, Greek classics are retold with a distinctive twist by Executive Chef Spyros Agious, who previously trained under Michel Roux Jr. at Le Gavroche and Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. Breakfasts are delicious and indulgent by design (following an unlimited, fresh-made bread and cake basket, pick and choose from 5 courses or work through them all); nab the secluded, grotto-like table by the pool and settle in for the long haul.