Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas

There isn’t a bad view of Santorini’s caldera anywhere on the island, but Oia, on the northern branch of the island, is something special. Its elevation provides a stunning perspective, and its orientation makes for dramatic shadows across the water at sunset. It’s also more or less the heart of Santorini’s luxury hospitality industry — but from within the walls of Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas it’s possible to feel like you’re just about alone on the island.

Much of this has to do with the adults-only policy, which is the single most romantic gesture a hotel can make. But it also benefits from a location just outside of town, and no fewer than six swimming pools for its 85 suites. Of course, many of the suites, and both of the villas, come with private pools of their own. And in every category you can expect jacuzzis, espresso machines, and spa-like bathrooms — no comfort is spared.

That there’s an elaborate spa almost goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. There’s also a typically lavish Greek breakfast, a poolside bar, and a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant called Alios Ilios — the name is Greek for “the sun that rises and falls in the sea,” and from the restaurant terrace it’s not hard to see why.