Santorini is one of those dreamy islands; people want to stay forever watching the breathtaking sunsets and white cliffside buildings.  Canaves Oia Hotel & Suites offers a wonderful getaway with a feast for the eyes and the other senses. These 17th century canaves that are carved into the cliffside have been modified and transformed into elegantly designed luxury suites. Everywhere you turn in this glorious setting is a post-card perfect view of Oia and the  Aegean Sea.

My husband and I spent  3 nights here on our recent trip to Greece. We snuck it in at the end of the season and while it was a little chilly, the Canaves Oia Suites sparkle like a jewel on the hillside offering a spectacular view of the caldera.

It is a family owned hotel that has been around since 1985.  They have two adjacent properties: their all suites Canavas Oia Suites and the Canavas Oia Hotel. They treat you as special from the moment you arrive. They arranged a pick up for us at the airport, with a sign, cold water, and a Mercedes minivan awaiting.  It made getting to Oia easy just a 25 minutes car ride.

We were met by a guy who took our 2 big suitcases and my heavy computer bag down the 25 steps to reception area.  I tried to grab the computer bag from him to help only to be told “you are on vacation”. If the steps are to much to walk down, they have an elevator that goes from the reception area to the lower level. They are the only property in Oia with an elevator.

Upon checking in, we were told that are room was upgraded to the beautiful Canaves Suite.  Before taking us to our room, they showed us around the pool area and offered us a welcome drink from the bar.  The restaurant and bar are located inside a cave opening.  We sat in a table admiring the view of the pool and all our surroundings.  The attendants were all personable, fast, and willing to please us for the moment we arrived.   We felt like royalty.

We were a little hungry and had just missed the breakfast buffet so we decided to order a few appetizers from the restaurant menu while we waited for our room.  I ordered the feta roll, which was delicious.  They served four little rolls which were just the perfect bite.

Breakfast each morning was wonderful and combined with the view was an experience in and of itself. They have an assortment of fresh meats, cheeses, muffins, and omelets made to order.   It was one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve ever had.  Mariusz, the Manager, and his team do everything to make your experience perfect and unforgettable. Simply the best!

Once we were done with our lunch they escorted us up the steps to our wonderful Canaves Suite room which had a beautiful view of the caldera – (all their rooms have an ocean view).  The moment we walked up the steps our first glance was the plunge pool on the right.  It had a few lounge chairs around the patio area.

Rooms are situated in cave houses, but they’re laid out along flat terraces like a traditional hotel, with just one wide staircase leading down from the road above.  Inside our Canaves Suite we had a nice bottle of wine and fresh fruit waiting for us.  The Canaves Suite is a two level suite. A bedroom is located on the first level, with a bathroom near the spacious living room and the dining area.  The second level loft had a queen size bed and another full size bathroom.   All the rooms are decorated in white.  Beds were perfect, choice of pillows, robes, slippers, great hot shower, mini bar, comfy coach and table/chairs with a walk-in closet.  Our suite even had a sauna.  We decided it was easier to stay downstairs. The cave-like feel of the accommodations is relaxing and mades us feel like we were the only people in the hotel.

In the the early evening the skies in the town of Oia start to change colors.  It’s one of the best locations to see the famous sunsets of Oia.  The pink and blue skies against the white buildings of Canaves Oia make for a romantic evening.

On our first evening we dined at the Canaves Suites Restaurant.  We had a special treat of dining in the cave opening and looking out into the pool area and the sunset.   The food was delicious and we especially enjoyed the chocolate dessert with strawberries.

Oia is the best place to stay in Santorini – shops, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance. The pool, the delicious and fresh breakfast, and the workout facility made the Canvaes Suites especially suitable for us (sun, food, and exercise).

Canaves Oia is the benchmark of luxury and relaxation, paralleled with immaculate hospitality and views of the caldera that will forever ink the surreal paradise of Santorini in your mind and heart. Of course, you will also take many photos, but don’t forget to stop and simply enjoy one of the most beautiful scenic views the Canaves in Oia offers.

Canaves Oia is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and operates from April to November.

• Children 13 and under are not permitted at the property
• The property offers a sunset Catamaran Sailing tour and runs daily caldera cruises
• There is a small parking lot, which is rare in Santorini.

Disclosure and Thank you.  The Canaves Oia Suites provided us with free dinner and upgraded our room.  But the opinions expressed above are my own. A special thanks to Markos for all his hospitality.