Santorini is one of those holiday destinations that is hard to beat. It offers its guests some of the most magnificent sunsets in the world, perfect weather, fresh seafood and a healthy dose of Greek charm. It’s a destination that guarantees some rest and deep relaxation, and millions of people flock to Santorini each year to experience it.
Admittedly, this can detract from the tranquil experience visitors seek, especially when cruise ships pull up to the shores of the island and offload thousands of tourists. But fret not, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites and Spa is a luxury hidden gem close to the action, yet peaceful enough to ensure you experience the tranquillity of the island in a luxurious environment.
A Luxury Resort in Oia, Santorini
As the name suggests, Santo Maris is located in Oia (pronounced ee-yah), in the north western part of the island of Santorini. The centre of Oia is located a mere 5 minutes away on foot, and it’s here where all the restaurants, bars and boutiques can be found. It is also located just north of notable attractions including Byzantine Castle Ruins and the Maritime Museum, a 12 and eight minute walk away respectively. Its unique location offers some spectacular views of the sun setting over the Aegean Sea, although the caldera sunset can be seen from just 500m away.
It is important to remember that Oia struggles with huge crowds of tourists, particularly in the afternoon. The fantastic thing about Santo Maris is that guests are able to wake up early and easily explore the town before the crowds get in. Oia is not very big at all, yet during the peak month of August, it can sometimes have around 50,000 tourists envelop the village, particularly around sunset. Whilst indeed close to the action at Santo Maris, guests are completely cut off from this hustle and bustle happening in the centre of the village.
Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites and Spa: What You Need to Know Before Booking
| Hotel Star Rating | ***** |
| Address | Oia, 84702, Santorini, Greece |
| Location | The north western part of the island of Santorini |
| Transport Links | Car: taxis are available, however given the small number of taxis on the island, it’s worth either booking a private airport transfer through Santo Maris Oia or renting a car. Booking a rental car is the best way to get around the island. Any taxi ride on the island should not cost more than €25/€30. |
| Nearby Attractions | The heart of Oia village, Amoudi Bay, the Byzantine Castle Ruins, the Maritime Museum |
| Distance from Airports | 17km from Santorini Airport (JTR), roughly a 20 minute drive |
| Suitable for Families? | The resort is ideal for couples, honeymooners and families with children over the age of 12 |
| Pets Allowed? | No |
| Hotel Parking? | Free parking is available for guests |
| Smoking Rooms? | No smoking is allowed inside any of the suites or villas, but is permissible outdoors on the private verandas and common areas. |
| Contact Information | Phone: +30 211 2340063 Email: [email protected] Website: santomaris.gr |
Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites and Spa is one of the most beautiful places you could stay in Santorini – an imposing and spacious all-suite hotel, with stone white washed buildings that ooze understated luxury. Built within the last few years, Santo Maris is an adult-only tranquil oasis that was named Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort in 2019 at the World Travel Awards.
Upon entering the resort, guests are treated to a Greek welcome drink of lemon juice, honey and sparkling water whilst checking in. A buggy then collects both luggage and guests to escort them to the room, just like at Qasr al Sarab and Park Hyatt Mallorca.
Luxury Suites and Villas
The vibe is best described as laid-back Mediterranean glamour, with minimalist decor and high ceilings, and most rooms offer stunning sunset and sea views over the Aegean. Guests can choose from a number of luxury suite and villa options, however rest assured that one thing is guaranteed: every suite has an outdoor, heated jacuzzi and all guests are treated to a bottle of Santorian wine and sweets upon arrival in the room. The villas and some suites also come with a private, heated pool. Sunbeds and outdoor furniture allows guests to kick back on the veranda and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets.
The bottle of wine and sweets can be found in the private kitchenette in each suite or villa, a kitchenette that is complete with a fully stocked minibar and a Nespresso machine. In the bedroom area, a pillow menu is available and a turn down service is offered.
If travelling to Santorini for a special occasion such as a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary, be sure to book the Exclusive Sunset Junior Suites Sea View for the most spectacular views of the picture perfect sunset that we have all learnt to expect from Santorini. The hotel itself is already brand new, but the section where the Exclusive Sunset Suites lie has only been open to the public since 2018, so guests will be one of the few people in the world who have the pleasure of enjoying their beauty.
For those travelling as a group of friends or as a family, Santo Maris offers a 2-bedroom Royal Suite Sunset Sea View or Luxury Villa Private Pool Sunset Sea View. The Royal Suite can sleep up to 6 guests, whereas the Villa (despite being double the size) can sleep up to 4. The Villa also includes a full-sized kitchen rather than kitchenette, butler’s quarters (guests are welcome to bring their own or hire one from Santo Maris), outdoor jacuzzi and private pool. The suites on the other hand, “only” have an outdoor jacuzzi.
Overall, the hotel has five sections, each with their own communal pool and sun loungers. The pool in the Exclusive Sunset Suites section is particularly beautiful. Not only is it a stunning infinity pool, but it has unobstructed spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. If walking from one section to another gets a bit tiresome in the heat, remember that there are buggies available to help you get around. All you need to do is pick up the phone and request one from reception.
Santo Maris Amenities
For a little bit of pampering, the hotel boasts an award-winning spa which comes highly recommended. Treatments can also be booked in the privacy of guests’ suites and villas and mini treatments can be booked by the main pool. The spa offers numerous facilities including an indoor heated pool, hydrotherapy baths and cryotherapy, as well as a sauna, hammam and various Greek and international treatments using divinely-smelling aloe vera and olive oil-based products. Whilst the hotel does offer gym facilities, these are relatively small in comparison to some large international chains. Yoga tutors are available upon request.
The main pool is where guests can relax, read or just enjoy the Greek sunshine. The pool bar offers a selection of tasty cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that are either recognisable classic names or masterfully mixed creations by the resident bar expert. All cocktails have a Santorian or Cretan flair or influence, so be daring and try something that is inspired by local flavours.
Alios Ilios
Santo Maris’s restaurant is the jewel in the crown. Located just by the main pool, Alios Ilios is a fine dining restaurant where guests can enjoy local cuisine whilst listening to live piano, harp or saxophone being played against the most stunning views of that famous Santorini sunset. Guests can order à la carte, or indulge in a 7-course tasting menu with sensational local wine pairing. Complimentary breakfast is also served here each morning.
Whilst there are thousands of excellent restaurants around the world, it is not every day that one can have a wonderful meal whilst admiring a burning red sky in the distance. Be sure to check out our full review!
Have you been to Santorini? Share your favourite hotels in the comments!
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Sarah is a syndicated freelance writer and editor of Dukes Avenue. She founded Dukes Avenue in 2018 as a creative outlet while working at a London hedge fund. What initially started as a small blog has become a widely read luxury lifestyle online publication targeted at the modern woman, with content curated to inspire readers to live their best and most fulfilled lives. Sarah has lived in London, Malta, and, most recently, the United Arab Emirates and uses her travels and experiences to inspire much of the content.
