Perivolas

Style

Gaudí-contoured caves

Setting

Dream lava

Set within an amphitheatrical landscape of curves stepping down to a black stone terrace, hotel Perivolas stands out from Oia’s whitewashed cliffside. Once the homes, wineries and stables of Santorini's fishermen and farmers, this group of 300-year-old caves has been transformed into a complex of serene private houses, with a spectacular pool flowing over the edge of the cliff into an Aegean horizon.

Facilities

Rooms

22, all with a sea view.

Checkout

11am. Earliest check-in, 3pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.

More Details

Rates include a Mediterranean buffet breakfast with made-to-order omelettes. Return transfers from the airport or port and included.

Also

The Psychas family, who set about restoring these ancient caves in the Sixties, once traded wine with Odessa; don't leave without sampling a selection of Santorini finest vintages.

Hotel Closed

The hotel is closed from November to May.

Fitness Center

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pet Friendly

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

Spa

At the Hotel

Spa, steam room, sauna, gym, outdoor Jacuzzi, charged laundry service, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: speakers, minibar, air-conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle, Rituals toiletries. The Perivolas Suite, New Perivolas Suite and Deluxe Suite with Pool have a private steam room and pool, two Deluxe Suites have a private outdoor Jacuzzi.

Our Favourite Rooms

The cave-carved rooms are bright and breezy, with whitewashed walls, smooth vaulted ceilings and clever skylights that let in plenty of light. Splashes of fuschia and lilac echo the bougainvillea dotted around the grounds. The Lifestyle Studio makes a perfect little bolthole with big windows looking out to sea and a downstairs bathroom. Suite 15 (a Deluxe Suite) has a big, secluded outdoor terrace. Two of the Deluxe Suites have their own Jacuzzi. The Perivolas Suite is a true rock-star retreat, with its steam room, indoor hot tub big enough for ten, and a private pool extending out from a cave to a wow-worthy terrace.

Poolside

The unheated infinity pool is all curves and startling Aegean views – a knockout splash of bright blue against black volcanic rock that's graced the cover of many a magazine. Claim a poolside lounger for front-row seats to Oia's famed sunsets, far from the selfie-loving crowds.

Spa

When you tire of watching the graceful ballet of ships across the bay, retreat to the 60sq m spa, carved right into the cliffside. The steam room, sauna, massaging jet showers and outdoor hot tub make short work of travel-weary limbs; for total indulgence, try a holistic massage, detoxing body wrap or sea-lavender-infused facial. There's even a range of anti-fatigue eye masks for the seriously jet-lagged. Luxurious Rituals products are used, and the therapist is in high demand, so it's best to book a week in advance. A super-size gym has everything for your cardio, core-strengthening and weight-training needs. Pilates and yoga sessions are held here too (for an additional charge), and there's a stash of mats and a pilates reformer machine.

Packing Tips

Bring a pair of Havaianas: the terraces' black volcanic stone can get hot in the sun.

Children

This is a haven for grown-ups – no under-16s allowed.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

The outside terrace only has six; book one by the pool. Inside, the best tables are those nearest the entrance.

Dress Code

Carefree kaftans, draped dresses, light linens.

Hotel Restaurant

Dressed in crisp linen and the warm glow of candlelight, the restaurant's tables are set beneath a converted cellar's arched ceiling and the poolside terrace, turned towards the sea beyond. Feast on fresh local seafood – grilled seabass, octopus carapccio and ravioli with langoustines – or sample lemon-braised lamb, proscuitto salad with roasted walnuts and the decadent chocolate soufflé.

Hotel Bar

Gather around the candelit pool for a cocktail or a glass of chilled Santorini wine.

Last Orders

Breakfast is served 8.30am–11.30am and lunch 1pm–4pm, after which a snack menu is available until dinner (7.30pm–11.30pm). The last tipple is poured at midnight.

Room Service

A selection of the restaurant's contemporary Greek cuisine is available from 8am until midnight.

Planes

In the summer, Santorini airport serves direct flights from London Gatwick and Heathrow, as well as many other European destinations. Connecting flights from Athens take about 45 minutes. From the airport, it's a 20 minute drive to the hotel. There are limited taxis on the island, so it’s best to organise transfers in advance.

Automobiles

Perivolas is a 20 minute drive from the airport and the port; take the twisting ‘high road’ if you want to see views on both sides, or the ‘low road’ to follow the coast. There's free parking at the hotel.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Get up early to take in the view from Perivolas, a quiet stretch of undisturbed blue sparkling peacefully in the rising sun. If you’re itching to tour the caldera, the hotel can set you up with a private catamaran or a traditional boat charter, as well as scuba diving, horseback riding and hiking excursions. Nearby, Koloumbos and Baxedes beaches offer otherworldly landscapes and quiet swimming spots. With its popular beaches, picturesque windmills and archeological sites (Homer is rumoured to be buried there), the nearby island of Ios makes a worthwhile day trip; a high-speed hydrofoil will take you there in about 45 minutes.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .