Santorini, GreeceOia
Canaves Oia Suites
Sculpted cliffside suites
Oia Santorini, Greece
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
The house
Canaves CollectionSculpted cliffside suites
Whitewashed suites step down the volcanic cliff, trading the crowded village above for quiet terraces open to the Aegean.
“Pale marbles, natural stone, soft linen drapes and earth-toned accents mirror the tones of the island’s terrain and the shifting blue light outside.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Whitewashed cliffside suites by Kapsimalis Architects integrate curved showers and private infinity pools.
Notable
Restored seventeenth-century volcanic wine caves form the foundation of these clifftop guest quarters.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Greece
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*.
The look is modern Cycladic, with whitewashed walls, clean lines, and gently curving archways framing the sea and the sky.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The entrance opens directly onto Oia's marble pedestrian walkway, a short stroll from village boutiques and cliffside viewpoints.
The rooms
Every suite opens onto a terrace with its own private plunge or infinity pool facing the caldera.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The freshwater infinity pool stretches out to the cliff edge, flanked by sun loungers and an open-air cocktail bar.
The spa
Treatment rooms occupy a restored seventeenth-century volcanic cave, extending out to an open-air massage terrace above the water.
Petra Restaurant
The poolside terrace serves Greek seafood and evening degustation menus beneath whitewashed arches overlooking the caldera.
Designed inside a natural cave, Canaves Spa located at Canaves Oia Suites features two treatment rooms, a nail studio, a steam bath, sauna, and external couple’s treatment room with ocean views.
At the table
A private balcony on the cliff edge hosts candlelit dinners and Greek wine tastings high above the Aegean.
How it began
Founders Yiannis and Anna Chaidemenos opened their first cave rooms in 1985, when Oia was still a quiet fishing village.
Santorini
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.