Even when staying in a hotel as classy, pampering and dramatically located as the Iconic Santorini, you have to set aside time to get out and explore this amazing island.
Perched 1,000 feet above the sparkling bay of a volcanic caldera, Iconic Santorini is an extraordinary boutique hotel carved into the island’s dramatic cliffs. The 19 air-conditioned rooms and suites reflect the island’s unique style — white vaulted caves notched into the cliff and skillfully restyled. Traditional fabrics and décor blend with luxury amenities like flat-screen televisions, JBL sound systems and 4-layer Coco-Mat bedding. All guests have access to a dreamy infinity pool, a traditional Greek taverna with sky-box views of the caldera and a tranquil spa with its own jetted grotto pool.
The polished concierge staff makes a point of contacting guests ahead of their arrivals to confirm they are prepared to assist with any special preferences or requests. They also offer suggestions for sightseeing tours and make reservations ahead of time to make sure visiting friends of Iconic Santorini always get the finest attention.
Here are six insider tips from Iconic’s dedicated team of concierges:
1 | Rent a Quad Bike: The four wheels keep you stable on the sloping terrain, the gas-powered motor gets you up the steepest hills, the rates (say, $35 a day) won’t break the bank.
2 | Visit a Working Archaeological Dig: Ancient Akrotiri is an authentic dig where you’ll see archaeologists painstakingly, shard by shard, unearth cobblestoned streets and squares of a city of the 17th century b.c.
3 | Marvel at Treasures: Visits to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum remind you how long and rich a history can be found in collections of golden statuettes, sculptures and Archaic Roman inscriptions.
4 | Sip an Assyrtiko: Sample your way through a 4-hour vineyard tour with a sommelier (and driver!), sip a glass or two of Santorini’s distinctive assyrtiko wine – then show off your knowledge of wines over lunch in a seaside taverna.
5 | Cool off on Red Beach: Yes, it really is red (from metallic acidity) but it’s better for relaxing, picnicking and photographing than for swimming.
6 | Cruise the Caldera: It’s not every day you have a chance to cruise aboard a 74-foot catamaran across the surface of a volcanic crater. Let the Iconic Santorini’s concierges show you how to combine cruising with visits to a volcano and thermal springs.
Summer rates at Iconic Santorini start at 595 Euros (approximately $680) a night for two.