If you're looking for some last of the sizzling sun away from the hordes, Santorini is hard to beat. Known as the honeymooner's spot, the island of winding, cobbled streets with whitewashed sugar cube houses is an Instagrammer's paradise featuring jaw-dropping sunsets crowded with tourists and loved-up couples.
But there's a hidden paradise where you can retreat from the TikTok posers and find some peace and chic solitude. The Andronis Arcadia is a 5-minute walk from the famous town of Oia, celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets, curved caldera and iconic blue domed churches.
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosQuick tip - it's best to explore the streets early in the morning before the coachloads descend or late at night. With 114 suites and villas, two restaurants, spa and kids club, the Andronis Arcadia also boasts views of the cerulean Aegean Sea, and the famous sunsets.
Suites
We retreated to our serene pool suite which had its own private plunge pool, neutral shades, polished floors, boho rattan and an enormous bed on a wooden platform and a pillow menu. But there's no point hanging out there for long when the incredible hotel boasts the largest pool on the island.
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosSpace is at a premium on Santorini but you wouldn’t have guessed at the size of the enormous lagoon-sized Grande Pool with huge beanbags, shaded areas with giant daybeds, cabanas, and plenty of sun loungers.
It never felt crowded - as for bagging sunbeds at 6 am, this is most definitely a firm no. It was absolute bliss for a long, cooling swim after roasting in the sun.
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosThere was literally not a cloud in the sky during our stay on the most photogenic Greek island. There is also a swim up bar for afternoon cocktails and a snack menu of pizzas, salads and tacos.
Food
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosBreakfast was table service and we tried pancakes, waffles, French brioche toast and wellbeing juices. Don't dive in too quickly to the basket of warm pastries as it will totally fill you up when there are traditional Greek eggs and feta, omelettes and pretty much anything you can think of on offer, plus pick and mix jars at the restaurant entrance.
For dinner, we went to the hotel's famous Pacman Sunset restaurant where there’s a Greek, Mediterranean and sushi menu. We shared beef and lamb kebabs with pita, Greek salad, shrimp orzo, tomato sauce, feta cheese and a chocolate dome dessert.
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosThere's also a Beefbar restaurant for the carnivores with huge steaks, lobster tacos and street food.
Spa
The Evexia Spa is a chilled, discreet oasis of 5 star relaxation. I had a Kneipp Path pool treatment which consisted of alternating between a hot pool and - yes, you've guessed it - a freezing pool.
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosA cold water aficionado I am not and despite the spa therapist assuring me I would be buzzing and feeling fabulous after the treatment, I bailed out towards the end when I started to feel very dizzy.
A lie down on a spa bed and warming herbal tea and delicious homemade biscuit rallied me. The spa also has daily yoga classes but I didn’t manage to peel myself off the sunlounger.
Activities
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosLittle golf carts whizz up and down the hotel and if you’re lucky, you can hitch a ride. This is always a good idea after tackling Oia's famous steps to gasp at the legendary sunset and indulging in some post dinner shopping.
The aesthetic at the hotel is chic chilled and quiet luxe. It's child-friendly but the ones I saw were definitely in the seen and not heard camp. There is a kids' club, family cooking and family yoga sessions can also be booked.
© Tryfon GeorgopoulosIf you can drag yourself away from the oasis of luxury, Oia has divine boutiques and restaurants. The hotel can also arrange trips on their own yacht, guided hikes, wine tasting and even a private photoshoot around the island with a professional photographer.
A word of warning - it's not an island of white sandy beaches, but rather black sand and rocks. But it's the crispest and clearest sea I've ever swum in.
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© Ben DurlingVerdict
Andronis Arcadia is a chic, minimalist, serene resort that is next-level dreamy on a beautiful island. Bring a white bikini, the blingiest sarongs and shades and your best poses for the divine sunset snaps.
Rates at Andronis Arcadia start at £560. For more information visit andronis.com.
