Why Santorini still casts its spell—and why the Grace Hotel, named Europe’s Finest Resort, is the perfect place to fall under it

Santorini is hardly an undiscovered gem. Those postcard images of whitewashed villages tumbling down volcanic cliffs into an impossibly blue Aegean have been seducing travellers for decades. Yet, even in an age when half the world seems to have ticked it off the list, the island retains an almost mythical pull. Why? Because few places on earth manage to feel both dramatically ancient and eternally romantic at the same time.

The answer lies in its very geology. Santorini—or Thera, as the ancients knew it—is the rim of a still-active volcanic caldera, the remnant of one of the largest eruptions in human history around 1600 BC. That cataclysm didn’t just reshape the Aegean; it buried an advanced Minoan settlement under ash (the extraordinary site at Akrotiri, often called the Pompeii of the Aegean) and, legend has it, may even have inspired the Atlantis myth. Today, you can stand on the caldera’s edge and feel the island’s primal energy: black-sand beaches, red cliffs, hot springs bubbling in the sea, and vines twisted into protective baskets to shield them from fierce winds and volcanic soil that produces some of the world’s most distinctive wines—crisp, mineral Assyrtiko whites that taste of the sea itself.

But it’s the light and the views that truly enchant. Sunsets here are not merely pretty; they are theatrical, turning the sky into a shifting palette of rose, gold and violet as the sun slips behind the caldera. And in 2026, with travel feeling more precious than ever, Santorini offers something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down, to walk ancient paths, taste exceptional food and wine, sail to hidden coves, and simply sit with a glass of Vinsanto watching the world turn crimson.

For independent travellers who appreciate sophistication without stuffiness—those who prefer a perfectly mixed cocktail at dusk to a crowded tour bus—the island rewards those willing to venture beyond. Walk the dramatic caldera trail from Fira to Oia (or, more sensibly, the quieter stretch from Imerovigli), explore the medieval village of Pyrgos with its labyrinthine alleys and Byzantine churches, or charter a catamaran to swim in warm volcanic springs and picnic on secluded beaches reachable only by boat. The food, too, has evolved far beyond tourist tavernas: Michelin-recognised chefs are reinterpreting Greek classics with local pistachios from Aegina, capers from the cliffs, and cherry tomatoes sweeter than candy.

And this brings us to the question of where to stay. In a destination overflowing with ‘infinity pool’ hotels, one property consistently rises above the rest—both literally and figuratively.

The Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, perched on the quiet cliffs of Imerovigli (the highest point on the caldera rim, mercifully removed from Oia’s evening crowds), is routinely voted Europe’s finest resort—most recently crowned No. 1 Resort in Europe and Greece in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025. It’s easy to see why.

With just 23 suites and villas cascading down the cliff face in signature Cycladic white, the Grace feels intimate rather than impersonal. Rooms are cool sanctuaries of minimalist elegance: smooth curves, natural stone, sunken lounges, and those all-important private heated plunge pools or terraces opening straight onto the endless blue. Interiors blend contemporary design with subtle Greek touches—think handwoven textiles, marble bathrooms vast enough for proper lingering, and outdoor showers where you can watch sailing boats far below while the sun warms your shoulders.

What elevates the Grace from very good to unforgettable, however, is the detail. The staff remember not only your name but your preferred pillow firmness and whether you take your Assyrtiko chilled to precisely 10°C.

Breakfast—included, naturally—is a leisurely affair on your terrace or by the spectacular infinity pool (the largest on the island), with just-baked breads, local cheeses, and eggs cooked to order. Come evening, Varoulko Santorini, overseen by pioneering Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, serves inventive Greek-Mediterranean tasting menus that pair impeccably with the hotel’s spectacular wine list.

Yet the real luxury is also space and privacy. While Oia heaves with day-trippers, Imerovigli remains serene—perfect for independent souls who want to wander down to Skaros Rock for a solitary sunset, return for a spa treatment using Greek botanicals, then sip cocktails at the 363 Champagne Lounge as the caldera glows gold.

In short, Santorini remains irresistible because it delivers drama without effort—Nature’s greatest show, framed by human ingenuity. And the Grace Hotel, with its flawless blend of seclusion, style and genuine Greek warmth, is quite simply the most civilised place from which to watch it unfold.

CountryClubuk Members, of course, enjoy privileged rates and those thoughtful extras that make all the difference. If this sounds like your kind of escape, do get in touch—spaces for peak sunset season fill remarkably quickly.

Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection
Imerovigli
Santorini
84700 Greece

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