Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini

Why book?

Santorini is a rare destination that is exactly as you pictured it. Meandering walkways built into the volcanic cliffsides, whitewashed houses with blue domes and unparalleled sunset views. The Grace Hotel is an effortless extension of this island’s famed mystique.

Set the scene

We arrive at the top of a cliff face, where the staff at Grace Hotel meets us. Our luggage is wisped away, and we enter the depths of Imerovigli, Santorini’s quieter, chic village. The view and endless pathways are awe-inspiring – revealing restaurants, bars and boutique hotels. Grace Hotel comes into view as we’re greeted by the lovely Athina, who instantly encourages us to take a seat, spoiling us with a glass of Champagne and enlightening us on the history of Santorini. We even get a Polaroid taken to commemorate the beginning of our holiday. The hotel sits directly in front of the famed Skaros Rock, and each level has unobstructed views. You’ll find the rooms peppered across the grounds, creating a real sense of privacy for each guest.

The backstory

Auberge Resorts is well-known for its much-coveted hotels spanning the globe – from Napa Valley to Florence. Each beautifully embodies the destination, seamlessly connecting to the aura of location and bringing that essence to life. Grace Hotel is one of three European locales and is the group's romantic sanctuary perched above the Aegean.

The rooms

Each room effortlessly blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces – further magnifying Santorini's natural beauty. We bedded down in one of the two brand-new Infinity Suites, an ultra-private addition to the boutique hotel. We make our way up the steps of our suite, and the infinity plunge pool slowly comes into focus with two plush loungers positioned for lazing the day away. We immediately take a dip and look out onto the horizon from the edge of the water. The interiors are pared-back minimalism at its finest, with calming greys and warm American walnut accents creating a relaxed ambience. Inside, there's a living area that funnels light through the volcanic stone, keeping the space cool in the afternoon sun and perfect for enjoying a tipple from the well-stocked mini-bar.

The bathroom is head-to-toe marble with a rainfall shower that doubles as a steam room and Apivita products, made with Greek plant extracts and essential oils. Not to mention guests staying in the Infinity Suites will be able to make use of a Boost LED Face Mask, Body Patch and Hydrogel Face Masks from The Light Salon – really upping the game in terms of private wellness offerings. The bedroom has sweeping sea views and opens onto the deck to enjoy sunbaked morning coffees. The upper level of the suite, found via the floating staircase, is home to the private dining area that doubles as a sunset viewing deck. We were lucky enough to enjoy the Mrs Alice Private Dining Experience from the comfort of our upper deck; the table was adorned with the new Mrs Alice Santorini Collection, inspired by Santorini's vistas and deep blues. To say we felt spoiled is an understatement.

Food and drink

Varoulko Santorini is at the heart of its culinary offering. Champagne breakfasts are a daily occurrence, with a six-course experience kicking your day into full gear. The poolside menu lists fresh fruit platters and crisp wine – perfect for hot summer days. The 363 Bar offers yet another incredible perch for watching the sunset. Baba Au Rum in Athens curated the drinks menu, creating exciting, refreshing cocktails for guests. My favourite was Les Fleurs Du Mal, the perfect combination of gin, mango celery and lemon.

Varoulko Santorini is the hotel’s shining star – overlooking Santorini's caldera, guests here can enjoy a menu led by Michelin-awarded Chef Lefteris Lazarou. You can eat à la carte (which must include a starter, main, and dessert) or let Chef Lazarou guide you through one of three tasting menus – Aegean, Coral, or Lava. We went with Lava (how could we not!), and it did not disappoint. Standout dishes included the scorpion fish with langoustine foam, oscietra caviar, and smoked eel paired with eggplant and basil. It was a meal to remember, made even better by the incredible team working at the restaurant – informed, passionate and attentive.

The spa

The spa is a small affair, sharing a space with pilates and yoga studios, but don’t let that fool you. There is a robust menu of wellness offerings ranging from a warm lava shell relaxing massage to a diamond mask facial treatment. I opted for the holistic aromatherapy massage with essential oils, which melted away the stress of city living. The space is serene with dim lighting and objets d’art, creating a sense of warmth as you’re eased into the holiday experience.

The service

The staff were incredible – nothing went unnoticed by the team at Grace Hotel. Our coffee orders were remembered, the wines we liked from dinner offered poolside the next day, and all done with an unmatched friendliness and warmth.

The neighbourhood

Imerovigli is perfectly placed on the island – a 30-minute walk to Fira and a 15-minute drive to Oia means you have all of Santorini at your fingertips. If we’re speaking honestly, though, it's unlikely you'll want to leave this haven – it’s quieter than other parts of Santorini and offers the best views, restaurants and bars on the island.

Eco effort

The hotel has little to no plastic, and guests will see very few miniatures in the rooms themselves. The restaurants also support the community by partnering with local farms and suppliers.

Accessibility

Santorini is not the most accessible destination – with steep, winding paths commonplace on the island. Grace Hotel does offer access ramps, and the service lift is available to all guests from the reception to the restaurant. However, I would not recommend this hotel for readers who are travelling with a wheelchair in tow.

Anything else to mention?

The hotel offers turn-down service – the first night, we were treated to moisturising face masks and lavender pillow spray. The element of surprise was a nice touch to an already excellent experience.