Set among working vineyards on the island’s quieter northeast coast, this 59-room volcanic-stone retreat is open again from May 1 and makes a convincing case for a different kind of Santorini stay.
Santorini is one of those destinations that requires no introduction and, increasingly, very little imagination: the caldera, the white walls, the sunset at Oia. All of it is real, all of it is worth seeing, and all of it is extremely well attended. Magma Resort, which opened its 2026 season on May 1, makes the case for a different approach to the island entirely.
It sits on the island’s northeast coast in the village of Vourvoulos, surrounded by working vineyards rather than cliffside bars, with a quiet Aegean outlook and the kind of low-density design that makes a meaningful difference when the rest of the island is at capacity. It is ten minutes from Oia and Fira by car, which means easy access to everything Santorini is famous for, and an equally easy return to somewhere that feels considerably less like a bottleneck.
The property has 59 rooms and suites, 80% of which have private pools or hot tubs alongside expansive terraces and uninterrupted sea views. The architecture does what good volcanic-stone buildings do in the Cyclades: it sits quietly in the landscape rather than competing with it, with dark stone, natural materials and clean lines that feel calmer the longer you look at them. Consultant chef Lefteris Soultatos oversees a food programme built around seasonal Greek ingredients and regional diversity, from champagne buffet breakfasts overlooking the vines to private dinners under the stars with a dedicated butler. Wine tastings in the resort’s own vineyards and cocktail masterclasses at On the Rocks Bar fill out the evenings for those who want them.
The Lava Spa, by Aegeo Spas, is carved from volcanic rock and includes a heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, all complimentary for guests. Sunrise yoga sessions at the Astra Lounge, with panoramic Aegean views, are available for those who find the idea of an early start easier in a setting like this.
Magma Resort is open May 1 to October 31, 2026. Rates start from €350 per night, with a 15% early booking discount currently available. More at magmaresortsantorini.com