Errancy in the endless blue of the Aegean Sea; secret coves; pine, myrrh and olive-scented hills; Greece is heaven on earth whose mythology goes well beyond whitewashed villages and wild coastlines that’s the sum-up of our dreams. Sensual summer days that end in Hellenic nights on enchanting islands of the Aegean, in fact Greece is the epitome of Mediterranean escape.
Inside this heaven, there’s a shining pearl: Santorini. Santorini ‒ chic and cosmopolitan, rivaling with Ibiza for the first trendy island in the world ‒ is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. It is the Greek island with excellence, head and shoulders above all other islands. A small glamor town capturing in its charming streets posh hotels, smarts villas, elegant shops, taverns and liveliest restaurants. Churches with blue domes, suffusing romance and drama to contrast with the bright white shades of houses and the black sand beaches while the scent of lemon trees embalm the air along sinuous paths. Breezes swirl around the mills’ wings along the famous golden beaches languishing along the bay. The sunset from the top of the cliff of the caldera, falling vertically into the deep blue sea, is the big show of the night, followed by a festive atmosphere and bustling nightlife. Midnight is the best time for shopping for handsome boys and golden girls, loitering in their finery. This sort of self-adulation is perfect in the land of Narcissus.
Inside Santorini (Oia), though, there’s a secret spot, a locker for pleasures: the Katikies Hotel, where everything is done to make your stay as pleasant and luxurious as possible.
KATIKIES HOTEL
This hotel is a feast for the eyes: a white, modern architecture, housed on a traditional hill with steep slopes, a hundred meters high from the sea. Hanging on the edge of a cliff above the sparkling waters of the caldera in Oia, Katikies Hotel offers a captivating contrast between the turquoise sea surrounding it and the whitewashed villas inside; it’s a postcard setting for a perfect honeymoon or a romantic getaway, and for good reasons. You descend to it along a steep slope to a maze of white bungalows running down the promontory like a tangle of sugar cubes tumbling down the cliff. In the style of Santorini, it merges nooks and crannies, isolated terraces, dazzling white caves carved in the rocks, exposed beams and antiques.
Two duplex suites nestle in the former home of a noble family of the eighteenth century, with painted façades of a faded ocher, where Orthodox icons contrast with the pale blue walls.The lobby is inspired by minimalist aesthetic of unusual white furniture with lime and shimmering fabrics of the Aegean Sea. However, the decor wouldn’t distract your attention from the cyclopean caldera. In each room you will wake up in the morning with a breathtaking sea view and the most photographed pool in the world. Certainly you would come to for the unconstructive postcard views, probably the most impressive of Santorini and the region that you will never get tired of.
Location
The resort is perched on a 100 meters cliff above the sea, in the picturesque village of Oia, on the western tip of the island. The hotel is only minutes walk from the center of Oia , where you will find restaurants , bars , shops , tourist attractions and the bus station. The complex is located 5 minute drive (2 miles) from Baxedes beach, 20 minutes (9 miles) from Thira, and just 30 minutes drive from the International Airport and Port serving Santorini. This luxury hotel of Oia district is also within 10 minutes walk from sites such as Oia Castle and Naval Museum, enough to make the most of your stay!
How to get there
From the airport, head towards Messaria. At the crossroads of Messaria turn right towards Thira and pass through Thira to Oia. The Katikies complex is located at the entrance to the pedestrian street of Oia.
Arrival
From 14pm. Departure before 12am. Arrivals until midnightCheck-in information : An airport shuttle is available. Please contact the property in advance to arrange transportation.
Interests
Romance. Idleness. Honeymoon. Tourism
Best time to go
The weather on mainland Greece and the islands is dry and very hot during the summer months, especially July and August. Yet these two months are the favorite time for many tourists. If possible, opt for the end of April, May, June or September which enjoy a pleasant climate.
What to expect
The complex consists of 7 private bungalows (totaling 34 rooms), which all have been renovated and revamped in 2010. Elegantly designed, they combine traditional Cycladic architecture and contemporary style. This small cozy hotel is distinguished by its warm atmosphere and the charm of private residences, offering the benefits and personalized service of apartment luxury hotels where customers are assured of living unique moments. Hotel facilities include a reception service / check-out available 24h /24, a safe, currency exchange, café, bar and restaurant. It also offers Internet access (fee), laundry service and room service. In addition to providing 3 restaurants, this hotel offers outdoor pools and a wellness center. A free buffet breakfast and free valet parking are also provided. In addition, there is a lounge bar and a poolside bar available on site. Bike rental service is available. Pets are not allowed.
Villas (bungalows)
All the seven villas overlook the Aegean Sea. They feature a private veranda, a bedroom, a bathroom, air conditioning (thermostat), Cable or satellite TV on a 24 inches flat-screen, a CD player / radio , direct dial telephone, personal safe, mini bar , mini wine cellar, hairdryer and other amenities designed to enhance guest comfort . Double beds and Internet access are provided. Enjoy onsite perks such as Jacuzzi; among other common facilities such as landscaped patios, 24 hours room service.
Comfort
All the rooms are a credit to this ideal location: even the standard ones have private terraces, and best suites have four-poster beds facing the bay windows, overlooking the waters. Some have private terraces where you can dine, and in the case of the Katikies Suite, you have at your disposal a lounge that rivals the best bars on the roof of the hotel. The interiors are spacious and white, in the traditional style of the Greek Islands, clean minimalism with a touch of glitz, and a decor that is old and marbled, masterfully designed.
Meals
Breakfast with champagne is served on your private terrace every morning. Though, for lunch and dinner, a menu and a map are available; you can choose among the 3 restaurants available and treat yourself to the world-class Greek cuisine:
– The Kirini, located next to the pool with a spectacular view of the sea;
– The Katikies, a small à la carte restaurant where you can have a candle-lit outdoor dine;
– The White Cave restaurant in a natural cave overlooking the volcano with only three tables for an intimate dinner.
Spa treatments
The hotel’s spa has one treatment room. Services include deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, Swedish massage, Prenatal massage and Hammam. It also includes a hot tub and a steam room, manicures and pedicures, body treatments, body scrubs and a number of couples treatments.
Sports and EntertainmentThe Katikies complex has two swimming pools with terrace (fee) open daylong, equipped with deckchairs and parasols, where you can order anything you like from the pool bar offering a great selection of refreshers and cocktails. Other than massages, guests can also enjoy a sunbath in the outdoor hot tub. PaymentCredit cards: VISA, American Express and MasterCard.
Good to know
The many steps and the position of the pools and terraces are such that the hotel is not recommended for elderly people or those with reduced mobility; thus only adults and children over 13 years old are accepted.
Things to see and do nearby
It’s a good idea to rent a scooter, it’s not very expensive and you will be more independent than with the bus. You can go visit the small surrounding villages, wine cellars, the ruins of the ancient city where you will dominate the whole island and finally, if you like to walk, be sure to make the trail from Fira to Oia. The views of Caldera will not enchant you and they are different from the view from the volcano, which is also a must-see. You have about 3 hours walking unhurriedly and taking the time to take immortal pictures. If you are not interested in biking or walking there many other activities to enjoy: Kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing, mountain biking, windsurfing, boating; on site helicopter / airplane.
Awards and Affiliations
The Katikies Hotel appeared in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List (2010) among the best places in the Mediterranean, and in the list of Travel + Leisure 500 Top Hotels and Resorts (2013). Leading Hotels of the World group counts the Katikies as a member.