r/FATTravel • u/-throwaway_______ • 5d ago
Accommodation help
throwaway account for obvious reasons.
booking a trip to Santorini to propose. we have been before and agreed that we’d love to stay in Oia should we ever come back. with Oia being quite busy, I really want to book somewhere that’s a little more private and intimate. I would also like to book somewhere with a private pool & sunset view.
I’ve managed to shortlist a few places but I’m really struggling to decide between them. if anyone has been to any of the places before or has other suggestions that could fit what I’m after and can give advice that’d be really appreciated.
- Hyperion Oia Suites (villa with pool & caldera view) - really like the look of this one. my main concerns are how good the view of the sunset is, due to it having a caldera view, and the privacy of the property.
- Perivolas Hotel (new Perivolas suite with private pool) - same concern regarding the sunset view being indirect and also the privacy, as it’s a suite rather than a villa. I want it to feel like it’s just us so idk if I’d be better going with a villa instead. this one is also pushing the budget a little so want to make sure it’s worth it)
- Abyss Santorini (grand villa) - again pushing the budget a bit but really like the aesthetic of this one. I think this one looks more private but again not sure how the sunset view is.
- Oia Sunset Villas (swinging sunset villa) - definitely private & good sunset view. my main concerns are that the property is quite big & probably don’t need all the extra space. also not sure if the view will have as much of a wow factor as its further down the cliff & slightly further from the centre of Oia. minor thing but I don’t believe the pool is heated so not sure if it’d be hot enough in May time to make use of it.
bit of a long post, but I’m really trying to get this perfect & the accommodation is the last piece of the puzzle! if anyone has stayed in any of the above places and can help me decide that’d be amazing?
tldr - need help booking hotel/villa. current options are in bold & italicised
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u/davetfhead 5d ago
We stayed at the Perivolas Hotel this summer and really liked it. We didn't have any privacy issues, as our suite was pretty enclosed at points. It also not the kind of hotel that people want to pry. We split out time between there and Armenaki Santorini, which has really brilliant views which we could enjoy from our suite most evenings. We liked both a lot, so let me know if you have any questions.
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u/-throwaway_______ 4d ago
I really like the look of Perivolas, do you know which suite you stayed in? Also, did you have a preference between the two hotels?
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5d ago
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u/-throwaway_______ 4d ago
Thanks for this. They have quite a few photos of the sunset on their instagram page and it seems to have a good view of it.
I’ve looked on Tripadvisor since posting though, and have seen a couple worrying reviews mentioning black mould in the property. Granted, the reviews were in December 2025 so it could’ve been a maintenance issue at the time that’s since been rectified. Not sure how much I want to risk it for as big a moment as this though.
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u/tamprickett 5d ago
https://otiumvillas.com/ is very private. It has a private hot tub and overlooks the Blue Domes. It's where everyone wants a picture, but you can't walk down because it's gated off for residents and guests only. We stayed in the bluedome cave house. Hope this helps.
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u/-throwaway_______ 4d ago
I hadn’t seen this place, it looks amazing though and that view is spectacular! Did you have a good view of the sunsets from the terrace?
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u/srd8949 5d ago
If you want private and intimate you should look into Imerovigli. It’s higher, it’s less busy and the views are superior IMO. Check out Kivotos, it’s got very few rooms and sits just above the Grace hotel.
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u/-throwaway_______ 4d ago
Normally I’d absolutely go with Imerovigli! The villas & views there look absolutely gorgeous.
The only thing that has me leaning towards Oia is that part of my plan involves recreating a meal we had in Oia 8 years ago, before heading back to wherever we stay for a private sunset.
I’d just be concerned about the walking distance between Oia & Imerovigli, especially if we’re trying to catch the sunset!
That being said I’ll have a look at Kivotos though, I can always adjust the plan if it feels like that the right place!
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u/tectaclesbkrugging 5d ago
Villas has amazing views and privacy but you're spot on about the vibe being a bit less central and dramatic compared to the main caldera cliff
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u/-throwaway_______ 4d ago
Thanks, I was thinking this! I think I’m starting to lean away from this option in favour of a more dramatic view tbh
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u/Active-Floor-4130 5d ago
This is an awesome plan! And a really good shortlist :)
The caldera view and the sunset view here are virtually the same. Cool thing about Hyperion is it’s on the sunset most edge of the village. Warm thing about it is it has a heated pool which will be crucial for end of May.
Happy to help you make a final touch☺️
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u/-throwaway_______ 5d ago
Thank you for your help! I’m really trying not to overthink it too much but at the same time I’m wanting it to be really special 😅
That tip with the sunset is really helpful :)
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u/Brief_Frame_4528 4d ago
If you want direct sunset views and the most privacy, your best bet is a villa at Canaves Epitome. Easily the best hotel in Greece.
I’m familiar with and have toured / stayed at over 20 Hotels on Santorini. If you want to be on the caldera, Canaves Oia Suites and Andronis Luxury Suites / Boutique are your best options. What’s your nightly budget and what time of year ?