When your favourite cousin unexpectedly flies to Europe and demands you show him all around Greece, I couldn’t resist adding Santorini to the itinerary.

After staying at the Rocabella hotel in Mykonos last year, I couldn’t wait to experience the sister hotel on this trip. I knew the Rocabella Hotel Santorini was going to be amazing as it’s a very popular destination for weddings and honeymoons. But to be completely honest, the Rocabella Santorini really blew my expectations out of the water.

ROCABELLA HOTEL SANTORINI

The Rocabella Santorini spans some 11,000 square meters in the idyllic village of Imerovigli. The all-white Cycladic architecture style hotel is a 10 minute drive from Thira, and overlooks vast views of the volcano and the Aegean sea.

My cousin and I were mistaken for a couple and had been generously upgraded to a deluxe room with a private jacuzzi. We both laughed at the comment of Mr + Mrs, but nevertheless, we lapped up the generosity all the same.

SANTORINI SUNSETS

Santorini is renowned for it’s amazing sunsets that sink over the blue and white domed buildings. The sunset at Oia is definitively one to check out, but the afternoon sunset at the Rocabella Santorini was the best I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen my fair share of jaw dropping sunsets).

Sitting in the infinity pool, cocktail in hand, the sunset slowly sinks over the 180 degree view of the caldera and the sea below. The pool bar attendant tops up your champagne as you nibble on the complimentary fruit platter that has been laid out before you.

Watching the goosebumps worthy view, my cousin and I looked at each other and laughed, it didn’t seem like real life. With over 47 countries up my sleeve, I could easily say, this was the most idyllic and luxurious moment out of all my travel experiences. 

THE ROOMS

The rooms at the Rocabella Santorini are well appointed, light filled and exude a romantic vibe. The interiors are simple yet elegant and have a rustic homey feel throughout. Choose from multilevel residences, honeymoon suites and deluxe jacuzzi rooms. Our all-white room was fitted with a comfortable bed crowned with a cascading mosquito net that resembled some type of wedding cake. We were sure to put a nice big pillow between my cousin and myself to act like a barricade, just in case we rolled onto each other’s side of the bed. There was also ample wardrobe space, spacious bathroom and separate sitting space with a minibar and Nespresso machine. 

BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW

Breakfast is served on the terrace each morning over looking the expansive view – one of my highlights of the day. The breakfast buffet spread includes fresh greek yoghurt, cereals, fruits, hot options, cakes and juices. You can also order your eggs/omelette to order as well as your almond milk cappuccino (yes please!). 

WELLNESS WITH A VIEW

The hotel has a perfect walking/running path that hugs the edge of the cliff and we managed to squeeze in a run before breakfast each morning. It was one of the best running views I’ve had on my travels. In addition to a morning run, a yoga class can be organised by request. I didn’t have time to check out the spa but I read they have a full range of wellness services including a hammam.

THE RESTAURANT

Lunch and dinner are also served at the same restaurant as breakfast and I can let you know- the food is excellent. I had the lobster fettuccine and it was next level. The pieces of lobster were sliced like a chicken breast – so you got your fare share of lobster meat. The staff helped us select the perfect local wine to match our meals. And the wines matched perfectly.

POOLS, POOL + POOLS.

There are four main pools at the hotel, however the infinity edge pool is my favourite. It’s the best for an afternoon sunset view and of course because of the pool bar.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

The staff at the Rocabella Santorini go beyond and above the necessary niceties, and are happy to organise quad bikes, airport transfers or a table with a better view for breakfast.

WEDDING DESTINATION

If you are looking for a destination wedding, this is your place! During our stay, the Rocabella Hotel hosted two weddings and they looked like a whole lot of fun. The setting was absolute magic, super intimate and saying ‘I do’ with the sunset behind you would be picture perfect.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This place is pretty amazing. Actually, it’s beyond amazing. I would definitely save it for a special occasion. Honeymoon, engagement, wedding and the likes. I travelled in August and it was super hot and pretty busy in most of the tourist traps. If you’d prefer a more quieter/cooler experience I would suggest to travel in the shoulder season.

Does this make you want to book a trip to Santorini next Summer? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. For more information about Rocabella Hotel Santorini, head to their website.

x

Phoebe