Above Blue Suites

Above Blue Suites is perched at the highest point of Imerovigli’s cliffs, 300 metres above the Aegean, and it has made a design decision that sets it apart from the white minimalism of most Santorini cave hotels: each of its ten suites is colour-themed, giving every room its own personality within the shared caldera framework. There is also a private villa with its own plunge pool. The Azur Cave Bar and poolside lounge add a social pulse, and champagne breakfast arrives at your door.

The experience

The experience here is shaped by elevation, colour and the Azur Cave Bar in equal measure. From the top of the cliff the panorama takes in the volcano, Thirassia and the open sea at once. The poolside lounge is the social centre, pouring Santorini wine, champagne and cocktails all day beside an unheated infinity pool. There is no restaurant as such, but the kitchen sends lunch, dinner and snacks to your suite, the dining terrace or the pool, and candlelit dinners can be set up on your balcony. Be aware that some terraces are not fully private, and one suite’s sitting area opens straight onto the pool deck.

The rooms

Ten cave suites, each with its own colour theme and name (Pearl, Felicity, Siren, Heaven, Rose and Harmony among them), plus the 130 square metre Above Blue Villa, which sleeps four and has a private plunge pool. Golden Echo is the largest suite at around 80 square metres, while the Caldera Standard Jacuzzi Suite is a snug 20. Eight of the ten suites have private hot tubs; Pearl and Felicity rely on the shared pool instead. The theming is confident rather than garish, though it won’t be for everyone.

Food and drink

Breakfast is a complimentary American-style champagne affair, delivered to your suite at a time you choose, and the French toast is the order. The Azur Cave Bar handles drinks from morning to night, and the kitchen serves lunch, dinner and snacks to your suite, terrace or poolside. For an occasion, ask about a candlelit private dinner on your balcony. Imerovigli’s restaurants are a short walk away.

The neighbourhood

Imerovigli is the highest of the caldera villages, and Above Blue sits at its top near the Oia to Fira trail. Local cafes and restaurants are a short walk. Skaros Rock, the old Venetian fortress headland, is an easy wander along the path. There is no direct bus from the port or airport, parking in Imerovigli is very tight and taxis are scarce, so book a transfer before you land.