Limestone Santorini

Many of Santorini’s best hotels are located in traditional yposkafa, or cave houses built directly into the rocks of the caldera. Geography and historic preservation codes limit their size, which is particularly noticeable at Limestone Santorini, an intimate five-suite hotel in a beautifully restored cave house that dates back to 1925. The name refers to its traditional building materials, which include the island’s rich volcanic soil; great care has been taken both inside and out to harness the laid-back charm and rejuvenating powers of one of Greece’s most famous destinations.

Limestone is located in lower Fira, known for its quiet atmosphere, magnificent viewpoints, and easy access to town. All five suites feature dazzling vistas of the Aegean Sea, and most are angled toward the sunset, the evening spectacle visible from whitewashed private terraces with hot tubs. Inside, they’re calm and minimalist, outfitted in modern Cycladic design — rustic but elegant, with curving lines, stone walls, and a refreshingly all-white palette. High-end beds and built-in bench seating come standard, as do convenient amenities like espresso machines, regional snacks and drinks, beach towels, bathrobes, and all-natural products in the suites’ cavernous, romantically illuminated bathrooms.

With the exception of one room, which sleeps four and has an indoor hot tub and a separate living and dining area, all of the suites feature ample indoor and outdoor space and are very much intended for romantic getaways. An abundant Greek-style breakfast is delivered daily to each suite — best enjoyed on one’s terrace — and while there’s not a dedicated in-house restaurant, lively Fira’s many restaurants, cafés, and shops are just minutes away on foot.