Canaves Epitome - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

We recommend Canaves Epitome to honeymoon or anniversary couples seeking absolute privacy and happy to pay to meet no one. It's an address for wealthy thirty- and forty-somethings who prefer room service to the social scene, late rising to group excursions. Families with children will find better elsewhere, the hotel cultivates an adult, silent atmosphere.

The hotel occupies five traditional Cycladic houses renovated in 2019, arranged in tiers on the cliff. Typical Santorini troglodyte architecture: 60 cm-thick white limewash walls, barrel vaults, grey volcanic stone floors. Suites are carved into the rock, with private teak terraces and infinity pools hewn from the stone. Bespoke contemporary furniture (driftwood, linen, rattan), indirect lighting, Tinos marble bathrooms.

The Elements restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine on an 80-cover panoramic terrace, facing the sunset. Short menu (six starters, eight mains), Cyclades produce: grilled octopus from Amorgos, Santorini cherry tomatoes, island wines (Assyrtiko, Vinsanto). Breakfast served in-suite until 1pm, with Greek yoghurt with thyme honey, local feta, fresh juices. Cocktail bar open until midnight, cellar of 200 Greek and international references.

Canaves Epitome stands at the northern tip of Oia, 300 metres from the village centre, in a cul-de-sac ensuring absolute calm. The Byzantine castle ruins are a five-minute walk, the sunset viewpoint seven minutes. Oia remains Santorini's chicest village, with art galleries, designer boutiques, starred restaurants. The airport is 25 minutes by car (private shuttle included), Athinios port 20 minutes. The neighbourhood is residential, very quiet after 10pm, no car traffic.