Canaves Oia Suites

Canaves Oia Suites is the flagship of one of Santorini’s most celebrated hotel collections, and it earns the billing. It sits on the caldera edge just inside Oia’s pedestrian zone, every suite and villa has its own heated plunge pool, the spa is partly set in a converted 17th-century wine cave, and Petra restaurant runs from champagne breakfast to candlelit dinner. It is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member and it feels like one, polished without being stiff, and run by a team that clearly enjoys what it does.

The experience

The day here has an easy rhythm. Breakfast is a champagne buffet at Petra, or brought to your suite at no extra charge, and from there it is a gentle choice between your own heated plunge pool and the main infinity pool, where a built-in jacuzzi and a shaded cave corner give you options. A second, smaller infinity pool has sunken loungers right over the caldera. The spa splits between treatment rooms in the old wine cave and an open-air terrace above the water. Evenings bring cocktails at the pool bar, then dinner at Petra. The one real drawback is the stairs: the lift doesn’t reach every level.

The rooms

Suites climb from Junior and Superior through Honeymoon, Grand and Canaves suites to the Presidential and Executive suites at the top, with River Pool and Infinity Pool suites and private pool villas alongside. Every category has a heated private plunge pool on a caldera-facing terrace, which is the real luxury here. The Presidential and Executive suites run to around 60 square metres, and the two-bedroom Grand and Canaves suites sleep up to five. Pick a higher floor if you want the widest view.

Food and drink

Petra is the hub, open from 8am to 11pm: casual by day, gourmet Greek and Mediterranean by night, and open to non-residents in the evening, so book. Breakfast is a complimentary champagne buffet or an a la carte spread brought to your suite. For a big occasion, the Panorama Terrace seats a single table per night by candlelight, for an extra fee. It is worth every euro.

The neighbourhood

You are in central Oia here, on a marble footpath just inside the pedestrian zone, so the village’s galleries, boutiques and tavernas are right on the doorstep. The castle sunset point is around 15 minutes’ walk, the bus terminal about eight. Ammoudi Bay, the nearest swimming spot, is around 20 minutes downhill, though it is small and rocky. Taxis are scarce on the island, so book transfers in advance.