by Windswept cliffs, sea views and blue-domed chocolate box villages: Santorini is heaven for those looking for a bit of sun.
And for those who want to make the most of it, there is Santo Mine. Located right next to the picturesque town of Oia, it still feels off the beaten track. a tranquil oasis to relax, sunbathe and explore.
The recently opened 37-suite Santo Mine joins its sister property Santo Pure and is the latest addition to Santorini’s thriving hospitality sector. Part of the Santo Collection, the hotels are wonderfully romantic, secluded (a must on this most touristy island) and elegant: the perfect setting for a Greek summer holiday. Here you will find everything you need to know.
Where is it?
Santo Mine is located at the northernmost point of Santorini and is arguably one of the best places on the island. A five-minute walk from the whitewashed (and famous) streets of Oia, it still feels secluded thanks to its location on the edge of a rugged cliff overlooking the sea.
However, what makes it such a great place is the perfect location to catch the sunset. Most tourists have to flock and jostle through the streets of Oia to get a good view. At Santo Mine, guests can watch the night fall in peace – ideally with a cocktail in hand.
style
Think chic minimalism with a bit of Greek flair. The hotel itself is a study in white stone, with winding streets winding through a series of terraces all the way to the sea. It’s the little details that matter: the fresh fruit in the rooms, the gracefully designed buildings that blend into the landscape, the impeccable service from the smiling staff.
In the rooms, the same stone makes everything feel cool and peaceful: a respite from the blazing sun. White and beige tones dominate, artfully placed sculptures add flair and the whitewashed walls reflect the sun and create a light, airy atmosphere. And who needs color when you have the blue of the sea and sky right outside your door?
Which room
All rooms look similar, but for maximum value we recommend one of the cave suites with sunset and sea views. It has a secluded pool, but the real winner is the view, which offers sweeping views of the sea and the island of Therasia. It doesn’t get much nicer, and the beds don’t get much more comfortable: the mattress swallows you up and makes a good night’s sleep an actually achievable goal.
Food and Drink
Yes, it looks beautiful, but Santo Mine’s secret weapon might well be its excellent food. At the top of the list is Alme: a seafood-themed gourmet restaurant right next to the infinity pool. Stop by after sunset and be served several jewel-like courses from a menu: octopus pasta in a delicious umami broth, prawns three different ways, traditional Greek puddings and handmade pastries.
This abundance continues into the morning with the breakfast buffet of dreams. Think fluffy croissants, Greek salads, cheeses, meats and omelettes served with all kinds of eggs, Greek sausages and traditional local breakfast ingredients. It’s the equivalent of an adult walking into a candy store, and we highly encourage you to let off steam.
Next door (actually just a few steps away) is the Rhoe Wine Bar, which is the perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitif (or an after-dinner digestif). Built over a small pool, it’s cool, breezy and shaded, and offers a great cocktail menu that ranges from classics to house specialties like the spicy, spicy Fire Opal (which incorporates both tequila, mezcal and strawberries to create something surprising ). yummy).
For the truly connoisseurs there is also a wine cellar. Located next to Rhoe, it is decorated with wine racks and rough grout walls that give the feeling of being underground, even as the windows open onto the Aegean Sea.
Take part in one of the hotel’s unique wine tastings: Santorini is famous for its wine. Here you can sample a selection without leaving the building while also deciding what you want to have for dinner. And if you fancy something different, sister hotel Santo Pure’s Ilios Alios restaurant serves à la carte dishes in a more relaxed atmosphere next door, and there’s also some excellent seafood on the menu.
Facilities
Worried about missing out on the Sunday Park Run? The Greek heat may put paid to dreams of morning jogs by the sea, but there’s a well-equipped outdoor gym (particularly shaded – although sister hotel Santo Pure has an indoor gym) with lovely sea views and for those who want more There are regular courses on the topic of relaxation and of course there is also a spa.
It’s called Pnoe and it’s hidden underground, away from the blazing summer sun. Step in and be greeted by smiling staff and a glass of pomegranate molasses – and although the spa’s hammam and steam rooms can be booked for a little TLC, we recommend you go all out and treat yourself to one of Pnoe’s extensive treatments .
There are facials, volcanic peels and Himalayan salt baths, but for an all-rounder we recommend the Tranquility Face and Body Ritual: a 45-minute massage followed by a facial. Leave feeling rested and relaxed. Which work emails?
Extracurricular
There is a lot to do here. Santorini itself begs to be explored: take a bus or taxi to the nearby towns of Imerovigli and Fira and stroll through the small, winding streets with an ice cream in your hand. A particular highlight is the cliff hike between Oia and Fira. Although good footwear is essential, the breathtaking views of the caldera rim are worth it.
This is also wine country, and there are dozens of vineyards in the center of the island, most of which offer special tastings and can be booked through Santo Mine reception. And for those who’d rather have it all taken care of, the hotel offers several day trips, including hikes on Therasia and an archaeological tour that takes in some of the island’s impressive Greek and Minoan ruins. Make your choice.
What about Instagram?
The view at the infinity pool as you sit down for dinner: Catch a snapshot of the sun baking over the deep blue sea as it crosses the horizon. Ideally with a cocktail in the foreground.
Best for
Honeymoon. Although the rooms aren’t large, the gorgeous views and secluded plunge pools make this the perfect spot to kick back and crack open a bottle of bubbly. Toast your romantic vacation and sit back in the sun.
How do I get there?
Luckily, Santorini is a firm favorite with British tourists, so getting there is relatively easy. Flights depart from Gatwick and airlines such as Easyjet fly there most days: the flight takes around three and a half hours.
When should I go?
There’s good reason to go in July and August, when the sun is at its peak and the plunge pools offer a welcome respite from the scorching heat. However, for those who are less concerned with sun worship and more with exploring, the shoulder season is ideal.
Visit in September and experience clear blue skies but slightly more travel-friendly temperatures: 25-28 degrees. This way you can get a tan and at the same time take one of the walks that Santorini is so famous for: a win-win situation.
Where to book
Room prices start from £357 per night; For more information, see santocollection.gr/santo-mine
