Why this Santorini escape is the picture-perfect backdrop for romance
When you think ‘Greek Islands’, what’s the very first thing that comes to mind? Blue sea? Blue sky? Blue domes? Santorini, then?
Santorini is arguably the honeymoon capital of the world – from sunset cocktails and lazy Mythos-fuelled lunches, to whitewashed houses and luxury hotels with private pools – it has everything you need for a holiday for two.
So, naturally, after seeing so many postcard-perfect images, I wanted to go myself. And just a few days after saying ‘I do’, I packed up my favourite white bikini (Away That Day is my new obsession) and headed to the island’s semi-circular volcanic caldera, with my new husband in tow.
What’s the vibe?
Set just a five-minute walk from the main strip in Oia – which is far enough away to escape the sunset-chasing hordes – the boho-chic Andronis Arcadia hotel offers island addicts a much quieter (read: uninterrupted) sunset experience. Stretch out by one of the peaceful pools, enjoy leisurely dinners at the Beefbar – which, as the name suggests, specialises in carnivorous street food – and practise your best ‘doing it for the gram’ pose against white-washed walls and tactile earthy tones.
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The rooms
We stayed in one of the aptly named Sunset Suites – which offers uninterrupted sunset views. At 42m2, it’s not the biggest suite we’ve ever stayed in – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style.
The contemporary vibe screams low-key luxury. Our room is decorated in a calming neutral palette, with rattan chairs, wooden wardrobes and a king-sized mattress placed directly on the elevated wooden floor. The whole aesthetic is incredibly calming. And gets our seal of approval as an ideal honeymoon lock-in.
Room facilities: Bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, safe deposit box, Karma Rituals | Apivita toiletries, mini-bar, Wi-Fi, internet access.
My favourite part of our room is, of course, the private terrace which has views straight out to sea. A private heated pool takes centre stage, framed by blue skies and waters. In fact, every room here (there are 114 suites in total) has its own heated pool so you can dip in and out of the Santorini heat.
What’s on offer in terms of wellness?
When I visited, the Evexia Spa hadn’t been completely finished, so sadly I didn’t try any of the treatments on offer. What did stand out, however, were the ‘Kneipp pools’ at the spa – basically two ‘L’ shaped shallow pools – one cold, one hot. The idea is you walk through the pools as part of a guided hot and cold water therapy treatment.
While I didn’t make it to the spa, I did head to the gym for a pre-breakfast workout. It’s small – but there’s enough equipment in there to get a sweat on; running machine, squat rack, dumbells etc – and completely empty. We had the whole room to ourselves.
And the food?
We arrived hungry, so while we waited to check into our room, we headed to the Pacman Bar and Restaurant, which serves a mixture of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine along with Sushi and Japanese dishes. A Greek salad, a side of french fries and an iced coffee is pretty much the epitome of a perfect ‘just-arrived-from-the airport-let’s-sit-in-the-Greek-sunshine’ kinda lunch.
After spending the afternoon, Aperol in hand, reading books in our just-right spot by the pool, we quickly change and head to the Beefbar restaurant – which is the second on-site restaurant at Arcadia – for dinner.
The restaurant manager at Beefbar surprises us with a mini-tasting menu – offering us a selection of their best-selling dishes. We start with a kale salad (yes, I know what you’re thinking – you’re on your actual real-life mini-moon and you’re still eating kale for dinner?! – but, in my defence, it’s a sharing starter and it’s huge). Think: a mound of avocado, kale, cherry tomatoes and parmesan, and so very salty.
This is followed by steaming bao buns, corn tempura, and miso black beef, which is served on a ‘robata’. At this point, we were both stuffed, but the food kept on coming. A pepper-crusted beef filet with pepper sauce was carved at the table and served with the creamiest mashed potatoes we’ve ever tasted. When asked if we wanted dessert, we said we’d share the smallest thing on the menu. A giant marbled chocolate with crispy biscuit, and melted caramel was then eagerly presented. We practically rolled back up the hill and collapsed into a food coma.
Breakfast at Andronis Arcadia is no simple help-yourself buffet, oh no. It’s table service here – so you can order eggs however you like, and also choose a bowl of something delicious from the ‘yoghurt trolley’ (my go-to was thick Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, chia seeds and honey). The only thing worth noting here is that the breakfast service can be rather slow – we gave up after waiting for two hours (yes, really) for our cooked breakie to show.
But if it’s impeccable service you’re after – then I can’t recommend booking a special dinner at Lauda Restaurant more. The Michelin-star Lauda is actually located at another Andronis hotel in Oia – the Andronis Boutique Hotel – which is situated just off the crowded pedestrian marble street, on the side of the famous caldera, and has a very different vibe to Arcadia.
Arguably the most romantic dinner I’ve ever had – featuring the most insane panoramic views – you take the steps down the side of the cliff face, where you’re met with the most attentive staff. Don’t know where the bathroom is? They’ll personally escort you. Accidentally drop your napkin? They’re hovering with a spare.
We opt for the six-course tasting menu (200€ per person) – there’s also a nine-course tasting menu and à la carte options, too. It’s very seafood-heavy – with clams, octopus and lobster taking centre stage – but given the setting, you’d hardly expect anything less.
What else can you do at Andronis Arcadia?
There is, of course, more to this northern corner of Santorini than bustling restaurants and Insta-worthy viewpoints. Andronis Arcadia can arrange sailing trips on catamarans, wine tours and archaeological site visits.
Go on then, how can I get there?
Santorini Airport is less than a half-hour drive away. If you’re coming from the UK, both EasyJet and British Airways offer regular direct flights to Santorini from London Gatwick, and London Heathrow. The hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Packing tips: If you don’t already own a wardrobe full of white linen and blue floaty summer dresses, now is the time to invest.
WH Verdict
Minus the slow breakfast service, it’s hard to find fault with Andronis Arcadia. For fellow honeymooners, it is worth noting that this is a family-friendly hotel (there’s a kids club), so if you’re looking for an adults-only space, that may put some couples off.
Location-wise, it couldn’t be better. Just steps away from the hotel, and you’re exploring Oia’s maze-like streets, the most famous spot for watching sunsets. And if you don’t like the crowds (even going in May, it was busy), then you know a peaceful escape is just minutes away.
Book now: Andronis Arcadia
Rates at Andronis Arcadia start from €584 per night Book now, search for flights at British Airways and on SKYSCANNER
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