Santorini, GreeceImerovigli
Iconic Santorini
Cliffside Cycladic cave retreat
Cliffside Cycladic cave retreat
Stepped down five cliffside levels, this adults-only hotel is built for quiet days looking straight out across the caldera.
“This old-meets-new hotel has been carved into Santorini’s ancient caldera wall. Set within Cycladic cave dwellings, the 22 terraced suites are whitewashed and Wi-Fi-equipped.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Whitewashed suites cut into volcanic cliffs with private plunge pools in the bedrock.
Notable
Private caldera terrace breakfasts and evening biscuits accompanied by philosopher quotes.
Notable
Restored Cycladic cliffside dwellings, including a suite preserving an original village bread oven.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Greece
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
At the highest point on Santorini's caldera rim, Iconic is built into the rock face at Imerovigli, its rooms following the island's cave architecture.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The caldera trail outside leads directly to the medieval ruins of Skaros Rock. Fira is a twenty-minute walk south.
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The rooms
Rooms sit in whitewashed cave vaults with polished cement floors. Higher categories have private plunge pools dug from the bedrock.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 11-meter heated saltwater infinity pool looks straight out over the caldera, with a jetted seating section.
The spa
Bedrock treatment rooms sit beside an indoor heated grotto plunge pool, where massages use Ariadne Athens products.
Icons Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Tables sit under a whitewashed pergola facing the caldera, serving local Greek dishes alongside volcanic island wines.
Santorini
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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.