Review: Santo Mine Oia Suites

Why book?

Because this discreet all-suite hotel offers a big slice of Santorini lifestyle along with exclusive access to the volcanic atoll’s sultry sunsets, without those maddening Oia crowds.

Set the scene

Backed by a line of pumice stone and volcanic rock gruyere-d with holes like the ones used to make Santorini’s cave houses or yposkafo, this adults-only resort clings to a thyme-spiked hillside just outside of Oia town. It’s reached via a tunnel which cuts through the cliffs from sister property Santo Pure to emerge on the flank of the mountain’s other side beneath Oia town’s dazzling white blaze of cave houses, windmills, and winding alleys teetering high above. Linked by narrow cobbled paths, suites hewn from local stone have living roofs and small gardens. Unusually for such a well-situated Santorini hideaway there are no other hotels close by, which means that the resort’s earth-toned suites and cliff-edge fine dining restaurant Alme have untrammeled views of the world’s most celebrated volcanic caldera, but without any of the noise, fuss, and popping flashbulbs that are the norm in most Santorini hotels.

Backstory

This is the second Santorini venture for family-owned Metaxa Hospitality Group, one of Greece’s leading independent hotel owners, which was founded in the 1970s. They also own several properties in Crete. The resort was carved out of the cliffs on the site of a former pumice quarry and there are plenty of nods to these origins in the suites. The resort’s cozy wine cellar has lava black and faux pumice statement walls (so cleverly recreated they look like the real thing) that blend with mountain stone and mineral earthy colors to create a harmonious style that’s perpetuated by exteriors planted with hardy local herbs and spiky succulents which match the moonscape of gruyere-d cliffs behind.

The rooms

The decor is inspired by the Mediterranean’s rugged landscapes and streamlined seascapes. There are 37 spacious open-plan suites, reached via winding alleys lined with sweet-scented shrubs and fronted by small private gardens, which seem to melt into their uncluttered surroundings. There are barefoot-friendly tiled floors and breezy brine-kissed sea views from plump king-size beds; some suites also have standalone bathtubs framed by grainy pumice statement walls that perpetuate the resort’s sultry volcanic vibe. Best of all are the blissfully private terraces framed by high stone walls, where plunge pools or whirlpool baths offer the same idyllic sunset vistas as Oia’s famous castle viewing spot above, only without the crowds. Best for older families or friendcations are the larger Majestic suites, which have spacious lounge areas and vast terraces with hot tubs and infinity pools that just cry out for sunset prosecco sipping.

Food and drink

Alme, which translates as brine, perfectly reflects this fine-dining restaurant’s focus on seafood in all its forms: straight from one of the kaiki fishing boats bobbing down below in Ammoudi’s taverna-ringed harbor, of course, but also dry-aged to create complex flavours that are paired with Greek wines—mineral Assyrtiko wild ferment, PDO Santorini 2021; thick tannin-laded Kir-Yianni, Kali Riza, Xinomavro—and served up in a series of elegant—occasionally over-fussy—meze-style bites that pair equally well with sweeping views over the volcanic caldera. Herbs plucked from the resort’s organic gardens and ingredients sourced locally or regionally are used to produce standouts, such as the fizzy, bubbly prawn celeriac foam spiked with powdered bottargo and sprinkled with powdered gold from Kozani’s saffron fields, and the melt-in-the-mouth black sesame meringue served up with a tangy dot of prickly pear and a nutty blob of tahini ice cream floating on a velvety cloud of Santorini chloro goat’s cheese.

Vine lovers can also indulge in a guided Greek wine pairing with cheery knowledgeable sommelier Despina Moschaki in the Rhoē Wine Bar overlooking the resort’s sunset-reflecting infinity pool.

The spa

Small but perfectly formed, Santo Mine’s bijou basement Pnoē Spa helmed by local experts Aegeo has a wet area with sweet-scented sauna, and a hot and steamy hammam. There are three candlelit treatment rooms where strong-fingered male and female therapists (be sure to ask in advance if you have a preference) deliver face and body treatments and restorative therapies using high-end Italian (comfort zone) products. A rich melding of aromatherapy and digital dexterity, my Tranquillity Face and Body Ritual delivered hydrated luminous skin and left me floating-on-air relaxed.

There’s also an alfresco gym and a dedicated space for yoga. Guests can also use facilities in sister hotel Santo Pure.

The neighborhood

It’s just around the corner from Oia’s famed castle sunset spot, marble pathways, and cobbled alleyways lined with stores selling everything from Greek designer wear to tacky souvenirs. Island-capital Fira’s lively bars and tavernas serving Greek and international fare are within 20-minutes drive when there’s not much traffic—expect double that when the roads are crammed with ATVs and transfer buses in high season.

The service

Although service is prompt and generally efficient, this is Santorini, the Cyclades glam-haven where awe-inspiring sunsets and spectacular sights vie with stifling crowds and snarling traffic, so don’t expect the laidback friendliness encountered on other islands.

Who comes here?

Peace-loving couples and older families seeking a haven within easy reach of Oia’s sights.

For families

Santo Mine is adults-only (12+).

Eco effort

Buildings have living roofs and chunky local stone taken from the surrounding hillsides was used to construct the resort. They’ve also banished single-use plastics and have their own organic gardens irrigated with recycled water.

Accessibility

There are two adapted suites, ramps throughout the property, and club cars to whiz guests around, although slopes between suites and pool are steep and there are no designated pool facilities.

Anything else to mention?

They offer half-day hiking retreats on Thirassia, the lost-in-the-past island opposite described by locals as ‘Santorini 50 years ago’.

Is it worth it?

Simple rather than spectacular, suites are not necessarily the most stunning that you’ll find on the island but the huge advantage here—and one that’s really worth paying for—is being so close to island-magnet Oia whilst remaining at a serene distance from the town’s frenetic elbow-jabbing summer hustle-bustle.