The bright blue and white paradise of Santorini has long been Greece's most visited island. In Santorini, the view is kind of the thing. There may be no better view than the one found at the 5-star Katikies hotel, which looks out over the island’s submerged volcanic caldera and the turquoise blue waters beyond. Katikies is a feast for the eyes! The hotel is a clifftop, sea-view haven for luxury loving adult travelers (children under 13 are not allowed), offering a prime position and spectacular view from every point on the property. Another location bonus: the hotel is situated at the foot of the town of Oia.
The property is comprised of a cluster of whitewashed buildings connected by stairways and arches cascading down the cliff. The steps are steep, so ask for a room near the top of the property if necessary. Each of the 39 rooms is unique in style and size, but all abide by a typically Cycladic aesthetic with a modernist twist of white-on-white interiors. Did I mention that all of the rooms have unbelievable caldera views and private terraces?
Since Santorini beaches tend to be rocky or offer limited space for laying out and relaxing, there’s need to leave the comfort of the hotel’s three expansive infinity pools. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular sea views while the uber-attentive Katikies staff indulge your every want. Katikies is all about feeling pampered. The hotel offers first-class service where nothing is off-limits or too much trouble. If you do feel like venturing off property, the hotel can arrange for a variety of activities that include a wine tour, or a private catamaran cruise.
My husband and I opted for the half-day sunset cruise which took off from Amoudi Bay. The 45-foot boat worked its way past the famed Red and White Beaches, along with stops along the caldera. Bright blue waters awaited us and jumping into the cool Aegean Sea for snorkeling was an adventure that shouldn’t be missed. After a few swim stops, the catamaran will either visit Palea Kameni or Nea Kameni, where you can experience the hot springs from the volcanic islands. Travelers’s tip: due to the sulfur in the water, white or light bathing suits are not advised since the coloring in the water will stain them.
I’ve always been a big fan of Greek food so finally getting to taste the fare in the place where it originated was certainly a delight! The food in Santorini is some of the best in the world, whether you decide on a fine dining option or a typical Greek taverna during your stay. Every restaurant visited proved to be quite the treat. Dishes were fresh, flavorful and full of healthy options.
Some dining standouts included Sunset at Amoudi Bay, where the lobster pasta is not to be missed. Ambrosia, in the town of Oia, offers a great view and romantic setting. Catch Bar, also in town, is a lively space with gourmet gastronomy. Last, but certainly not least, is Metaxy Mas, a restaurant that you’ll want to visit several times during your Santorini stay. The 25-minute cab ride is well worth the visit to Metaxy Mas, where both locals and tourists rave about the authentic cuisine. The tiny kitchen in the back churned out dish after dish to guests dining, drinking and laughing in a casual tavern setting. We asked the owner, Dimitri, to bring us his favorites and it was the best meal we had during our entire time on Santorini. Reservations in advance for a table on the outdoor terrace is recommended.
For those seeking some athletic activity, there’s a 9km hike from the Oia, where the Katikies is based, to the town of Fira, where the cruise ships dock. We decided to do this trek to catch the sun rise and it was definitely worth it. Once in the town of Fira, we quickly called for a cab back to the hotel to reward ourselves with cocktails by the Katikies pool. The Katikies hotel graciously provides each room with a cell phone to use when on the island, which is very convenient when you leave the property and don’t want to turn on your phone for international calls. The hotel rates also include a daily champagne breakfast which can be served by the lower infinity pool or on your private balcony, a bottle of Santorian wine and a basket of fruit upon arrival.
Oia is one of the prettiest villages on the island of Santorini, but is heavy on tourists around sunset. While the sky is filled with vibrant colors visible from the Katikies hotel, head into the tip of town to get the best view of the sun actually setting. The hotel can arrange for a front row view at Sun Spirit, where you’ll want to sip a fancy cocktail and enjoy the sky’s splendor.
