The Tsitouras Collection

Stunning sunset views, check. Whitewashed walls and complimentary cocktails, check. What distinguishes Tsitouras Collection from the various other high-end lodgings on Santorini is the hotel’s structure: unlike the sprawling resorts with infinity pools, Tsitouras is comprised of just five freestanding cottages situated on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Each cottage is attended by a butler staff, and is individually decorated according to one Greek theme or another. The House of Porcelain, for instance, is full of Royal Copenhagen china, while the House of Nureyev contains original sketches of the famous ballet dancer performing in Athens. The interiors are anything but spare, however — Dimitris Tsitouras, the namesake art collector who restored the hotel’s main building in 1985, has filled guest quarters with an impressive array of antique treasures that complement each cottage’s theme. From Beidermeyer chairs to Byzantine icons to Yamaha pianos, the details within these mini-museums stand in sharp contrast to the minimalist style of many contemporary hotels.

Newly added is a swimming pool up on the Maria Callas terrace, supplying guests with another reason to languish in the sun. Lying poolside with a view as stunning as this one is remarkable indeed, but the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Santorini while sleeping in the presence of a Picasso ceramic piece, as you could in the House of the Sea, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Don’t be surprised if you see some of the hotel’s furnishings under glass in the future — Mr. Tsitouras is currently working on a museum to house some of his many artifacts.

Please note: The Tsitouras Collection is open seasonally from early April thru October.

How to get there:
Santorini (Thira) can be easily reached by plane or ferry. Flight time from Athens is approximately 45 minutes. Ferries from Athens' Pireaus port to Thira take approximately 3 hours.