Kivotos Santorini

Plenty of very fine Santorini hotels allow their impressive views of the caldera to do all the heavy lifting, elevating their whitewashed spaces into something that approaches the sublime. Kivotos Santorini, in contrast, isn’t afraid to engage the landscape and seascape directly: dark gray stone and shaded, cavern-like rooms directly refer to the black sand beaches as well as the volcanic forces that created this spectacle, and at the same time lend an extra measure of elegance to this extravagantly luxurious hotel.

Even the most (relatively) humble junior suite comes with direct sea views visible from your bed, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi. The higher-end suites spread across two levels, tucking their bedrooms into rounded cave-shaped spaces; the Spa Villa adds a steam room, while the two- and three-bedroom villas are practically self-contained residences.

There’s a common infinity pool with an uncommon view of Santorini’s caldera; the restaurant’s arrestingly modern tables and chairs line this dramatic outdoor space, beneath distinctive black umbrellas. Butler service means you’re never truly on your own, unless you want to be. And the setting, in Imerovigli, positions the hotel for sunset views all year round, and is both conveniently located and splendidly secluded.