Serene, romantic and super central: these Santorini resorts have the perfect location…

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

It’s the Santorini fantasy: dipping in and out of enchanting and energetic Oia as you please. There’s no need to commute as it’s right there, around the corner from your dreamy resort. But you could never tell, with all that space, and the restoring quiet. It’s entirely plausible that the set-up of Santo Pure Oia Suites and Villas and Santo Mine Oia Suites by Santo Collection are Santorini’s top hotel contenders.

Here’s what makes their location hard to beat, plus other reasons why they’re hilltop-high in our books, from delivering gastronomy delights using local produce to wellness that honours the island’s volcanic landscape and explores beyond its borders, plus superior sunset views of the famous caldera. The best part? Whichever you choose, you can experience the exceptional offerings at both hotels.

A calm yet central location

On the northwestern edge of Oia, Santo Pure is spread across six Cycladic neighbourhoods overlooking the silky Aegean Sea instead of hugging the cliffside like most caldera hotels – and this small shift changes everything. There are no conversations overheard from rooftop terraces; there is only the rhythmic rolling of distant waves, the breeze’s soft sigh fanning Mediterranean herbs from the resort’s gardens and the subtle sweetness of bougainvillea, and soft jazz from the hotel bar.

A secret tunnel connects Santo Pure to its sister property, Santo Mine, carved into a former pumice stone quarry, high above quiet Ammoudi Bay and far below Oia’s blue-domed churches and meandering alleys. Looking up at the village feels like a silent film, the light lapping of water and gentle rustling of wind acting as live musical accompaniments to a private screening of whitewashed terraced houses cascading down the cliffside.

The vibe of both properties is sophisticated and slow-paced serenity. If you stared straight ahead into the depths of the Aegean, you’d never guess Oia’s bustling boutique-lined lanes are just a short stroll away.

For spaciousness and style

These elegant resorts have so much space. They not only minimise sounds to nature’s sweet nothings, but your neighbours feel as removed as the buzz of Oia.

Santo Pure is laid out like a miniature Cycladic village that’s divided into six neighbourhoods – each with its own freshwater pool. Stylish suites (there are 83, plus two private villas) are spaced far apart, and smooth, curved walls and olive tree–filled gardens add to that ‘just you and paradise’ feeling. Equally roomy are the open-plan interiors: expect soaring ceilings and huge windows, a glorious king-sized bed, a lounge area and a private terrace (opt for one with an all-yours plunge pool or Jacuzzi). And style comes in spades here, too, from Bohemian accents such as artisan-made throws to splashes of ochre and basaltic grey that lean into Santorini’s volcanic landscape. The village is also designed for mobility ease, with golf buggies available to whisk you about.

Meanwhile, Santo Mine is structured across tiered storeys that are linked by narrow, cobbled paths. Raw, textured exteriors nod to the area’s mining heritage and are balanced by traditional Cycladic curves and ‘living rooftops’ replete with local herbs and succulents blending into the landscape. Thirty-seven airy, open-plan suites, all with a private terrace (high stone walls give a sense of solitude), include either a plunge pool or a Jacuzzi. For supreme spaciousness, the Majestic Sunset & Seaview suites feature separate living areas.

Authentic Greek fare

Santo Pure’s Greek comfort restaurant Alios Ilios has been named one of the best in Greece by the Greek Cuisine Awards, and for good reason. The menu celebrates Cycladic flavours and hyper-local ingredients (many from the hotel’s own gardens) and is spearheaded by executive chef Vaios Koukoumtzis, who combines his Greek roots with international techniques.

Every dish, made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reflects the essence of Greek culture and hospitality. The elegance takes place on a terrace high above the dazzling deep blue sea, so you can add spectacular vistas to your list of reasons to visit. Alios Ilios Bar & Restaurant also deserves a mention for its cocktails: sit by the infinity pool, savour a Grandee cocktail (Champagne infused with hints of violet, rose, pine and sea breeze) and watch the sun’s orange blaze soften into the sea.

Just as tempting is the sea-to-table dining at Santo Mine. Ālme Restaurant, named after the Greek word for brine, is all about the sea, combining the catch of the day with fresh, local ingredients. Here, timeless recipes from the Aegean are elevated through a contemporary lens. Every dish tells a story of the Greek waters and their enduring bond with local cuisine, while the panoramic view of the horizon turns dining into a sensory journey.

Afterwards, head to Santo Mine’s atmospheric Rhoē Wine Bar for botanical cocktails crafted from hotel-grown herbs. Or treat yourself to tastings focused on native Santorini wines at its Wine Cellar (the mineral-rich vintages are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced).

Wellness wanderlust

On top of multiple outdoor pools, walking paths and peaceful nature, Santo Pure offers numerous experiences, including adventure sports, nature tours and boat trips, and the Concierge Team is there to craft the perfect vacation for its guests. Looking to bring Zen inside? The Anassa Spa has an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam bath and cryotherapy, plus spa rituals centred on skin regeneration and sensory experiences. And for those who don’t want to break away from routine too much, there is the fully equipped gym (make sure to reward yourself with the hotel’s Greek breakfast, which has earned a certificate from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels for its authenticity).

If you’re keen to work out amid the Aegean breeze, Santo Mine has a gym and yoga sessions outside, but the real draw is its bijou Pnoē Spa. Three candlelit rooms bring bliss in the form of urban detox facials and volcanic scrubs, and you can strip any stresses from your pre-Santo life at the wood-panelled sauna, or with a traditional hammam steam bath.

Those views (but seriously)

So, do uninterrupted, 360° sunsets across the caldera and Aegean even exist? They do – magnificently – in these resorts, which have been designed for maximising the views. Everything is positioned for the spectacle of dusk: Santo Pure’s infinity pool and chic bar facing west towards the blushing sea, the terrace-pointed tables at Alios Ilios Bar & Restaurant, and Sunset and Sea View suites that come with private verandas and pools.

Santo Mine’s tall-walled terraces feel like your own sky-spangled gallery, while romantic Ālme Restaurant sits on the cliff’s edge, and poolside Rhoē Wine Bar is made for golden hour. Feeling adventurous? Find the small chapel on the edge of the property, and prepare for a tranquil transition from brilliant amber to fiery fuchsia and a finale of lulling lilac.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas or Santo Mine Oia Suites holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.