In Santorini, luxury hotels are expected to secure a dramatic perch on the caldera’s edge. But the 52-suite Andronis Arcadia instead, sits downhill of the pretty-but-crammed Oia village. The payoff: unobstructed sunset views and masses of space, which local firm Kapsimalis Architects has put to good use.
This includes Evexia Spa – the island’s largest – which comprises a Kneipp pool and a sprawling outdoor relaxation area; a rooftop restaurant inspired by Ancient Greek dishes, which uses ingredients like grains and grapes instead of cucumber and tomatoes; and the six-room Eden Villa, where a private fitness centre and two pools are spread over three storeys.
That’s not to say the rest of the suites are lacking. With their cooling forged-cement walls, soothing neutral colour palette and custom-made furniture like low-slung bed frames and simple wooden tables, they make for a calming retreat from the occasionally dubious DJs at the thumping pool bar. §
