Three Luxury Hotels in Santorini & Paros: My Highlights

One of the highlights of this trip was experiencing three very different luxury hotels across Santorini and Paros. Each property has its own personality, from intimate and understated to design-led and secluded, and finally the spectacular views and setting that Santorini is so famous for.

Istoria, Santorini

Has a wonderfully stylish and intimate feel, and feels much more understated and personal than some of the larger luxury hotels on the island.

Highlights:

• Stylish, intimate and beautifully designed.
• A relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Excellent service.
• A lovely setting away from the busier areas of Oia and Fira.
• Fantastic beachfront location.
• Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.

One of the biggest surprises was just how many restaurants are on the doorstep. There is a fantastic selection of beachfront restaurants and bars, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere. It actually brought to mind some of the beachside areas of Asia, where there is an abundance of places to eat and drink right by the water.

The location is ideal for experiencing a quieter side of Santorini, while still having plenty of options for dining and relaxing nearby.

Istoria has a particularly peaceful and romantic atmosphere. It feels personal, relaxed and sophisticated, making it an easy place to slow down and enjoy Santorini at a gentler pace.

Parīlio, Paros

Parīlio is a beautiful hotel, with an aesthetic that is hard not to love.

It is incredibly stylish and peaceful, with a wonderful Cycladic feel. Everything feels carefully considered, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere throughout the property.

Highlights:

• Beautiful Cycladic-inspired design.
• Stylish and peaceful surroundings.
• Excellent service.
• A wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
• Beautiful spaces throughout the hotel.
• A strong sense of privacy and tranquillity.

One thing worth knowing is that the hotel has a more secluded location. Naoussa is close by, but a taxi or car is generally needed to get there. The journey takes around 10 minutes, with a return taxi costing approximately €50.

This does add to the feeling that Parīlio is somewhere to settle into and enjoy, rather than simply use as a base for exploring.

The overall experience is very peaceful, with beautiful design and plenty of space to relax. For anyone who appreciates thoughtful interiors, Cycladic architecture and a slower pace, Parīlio offers a particularly lovely island escape.

Getting Around Paros

Island hopping is one of the great pleasures of travelling around the Greek islands, although the practical side of travelling between them is worth considering.

The ferry crossing itself is straightforward, but when travelling with luggage there are a few additional logistics involved.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Allow extra time around ferry departures and arrivals.
• Consider luggage when planning transfers between islands.
• Private transfers can make the journey more comfortable.
• Check the ferry route carefully, as services can stop at several islands along the way.
• Allow a little extra time on travel days rather than trying to pack too much into the itinerary.

The island-hopping experience is still fantastic and is very much part of the adventure. It simply pays to factor the journey itself into the overall pace of the trip.

Andronis Arcadia, Santorini

Andronis Arcadia was another standout.

The hotel has that spectacular Oia setting and the views are exactly what you imagine when you think of Santorini.

What makes the property particularly appealing is the combination of the incredible location with a feeling of privacy and tranquillity once you are back at the hotel.

Highlights:

• Spectacular Oia setting.
• Incredible Santorini views.
• Beautiful villas.
• Fantastic pools and outdoor spaces.
• Plenty of privacy.
• A wonderful place to spend time enjoying the hotel itself.
• A real sense of occasion and luxury.

The villas and outdoor spaces make it very easy to settle in and enjoy the property, whether that means relaxing by the pool or simply taking in the views.

Andronis Arcadia delivers that quintessential Santorini experience, with beautiful accommodation, spectacular scenery and plenty of those memorable moments that make a stay on the island feel special.

Final Thoughts

All three hotels offer something distinctly different.

Istoria feels intimate, relaxed and personal, with a fantastic beachfront setting and plenty of restaurants nearby.

Parīlio is all about design, tranquillity and a beautiful Cycladic atmosphere, creating a peaceful retreat on Paros.

Andronis Arcadia delivers the quintessential Santorini experience, combining beautiful villas and privacy with spectacular Oia views.

Experiencing all three was a great reminder of just how varied a luxury Greek island escape can be ,ven across two relatively close islands.

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