ASTRA APARTMENTS AND SUITES

Boutique hideaway with bewitching views on Santorini’s clifftop

CLINGING TO THE CLIFFTOP ABOVE THE DEEP BLUE AEGEAN, Astra Apartments and Suites boast bewitching views over Santorini’s caldera. And those pinch-yourself views are not all that make this boutique Greek island hideaway a winner.

Astra’s heart-stopping views, intimate style and impeccable service are up there on the top rung. Astra means “stars” in Greek, and this place is definitely a bright star in Santorini’s hotel constellation.

Astra is everything you imagine a Santorini caldera hotel should be. Far below, toy-sized ships glide across the indigo waters of the island’s wide volcanic bay. Sunsets – best savoured over a glass of wine from your balcony – can’t be bettered. And the small but inviting infinity pool is just the place for serene days on a daybed or lounger, with an iced cocktail rustled up by Astra’s obliging barman. It’s all tailor made for lazy Greek island days.

Cyclades style

Built in the style of traditional Greek island cave houses, suites and apartments are literally carved out of the side of a cliff. Choose from comfortable apartments decorated in traditional Cyclades style, or luxury suites with private jacuzzis or pools. All have a balcony or verandah offering spectacular views of the sea, volcano and sunset.

Inside, the mood is one of pleasing simplicity, with whitewashed walls, arched doorways, polished tiled floors, and a minimalist feel. There’s a spacious lounge as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Walls are hung with works of local artists, shelves are dotted with candles and most units have a CD/DVD player. Poolside rooms are just feet from the water, though rooms higher up are more private. 

Stylish suites offer a stylish and sophisticated edge, with fabulous views of the caldera. Giving added privacy and space, they are elegantly decorated in contemporary style.
You can breakfast poolside or on your terrace each morning.

Happy to push the boat out? Sprawling deluxe suites come with their own outdoor jacuzzi or even a private infinity pool with spellbinding views of the Aegean. You can’t beat soaking in your hot tub or pool in the twilight, sipping chilled Santorini wine, watching the lights of ferries and fishing boats twinkle in the sea below.

Starlit dining on the terrace with views over the Aegean makes dinner at Astra a must. And if all this isn’t indulgent enough, you can raise the pamper rating yet further with a session in Astra’s very own spa, where a menu of massage and treatment options await.  

Set on the quiet side of the island, the village of Imerovigli is nicely tranquil, yet close enough to the action. You’re a scenic 20 minute walk from Fira – Santorini’s capital – with its shops and nightlife, and a short cab ride from Oia, with its chi-chi boutiques and bars. It’s easy to rent a scooter, jeep or car to get around.
 
Astra is definitely not a place for kids – or for those who hate lots of steps –  and it isn’t cheap. But with impeccable attention to detail and the warmth of manager George and his super-hospitable team – it definitely delivers.


Astra Apartments and Suites was reviewed by Room for Romance

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Dining in
Starlit dining on the terrace with views over the Aegean and the island’s twinkling lights makes dinner at Astra – Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist – a must.  House specialities include zucchini fritters, and there's an excellent Greek wine list. You can dine by candlelight on your private balcony if you prefer, then round off your evening with a nightcap at the pool bar. There’s room service day and night, with breakfast served poolside or on your private balcony.

Dining out
Try Dimitri’s in Oia for some of the island’s best fish. A little closer to home are Selene and Koukoumavios in Fira.

See & Do
The walk to Fira is a beauty, with ocean views, pretty churches and tavernas strung along the way – though with plenty of steps on the island you’ll want to leave the stilettos behind. There are some beautiful beaches on the island’s north coast, and others where you’ll find colourful volcanic sands and pebbles.

Book a sunset tour aboard a yacht or spend a day exploring the islets of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia, where you can hike up the volcano and swim in the hot springs. You can also go horse riding, visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiti or book a private winery tour.

Shop
Check out Replica for local artefacts, Mati for fabulous art and Ammos for designer labels.

Spa
Bliss out with the signature aromatherapy facial, or unwind with some massage therapy and a steamy sauna.

After dark
You won't tire of stargazing from your terrace - but for some extra buzz, Fira has plenty of bars and clubs. Enigma is probably the best.

Dates
Summer
Throughout the summer months traditional music and dancing goes on late in to the evening.

August
August
Held in an open air cinema, the Santorini Jazz Festival hosts international acts ranging from bebop to funk.

September
Party into the night at the Santorini Music Festival.

GETTING THERE

Location
Imerovigli, 84700 Santorini

Parking
There is free guest parking. Cars, jeeps and scooters can all be hired locally.

Ferries and hydrofoils
Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries operate regular services from Athens and neighbouring islands. The port is 25 minutes from Astra and you can pick up taxis and hire cars there.

Trains
There are no trains on the island.

Taxis
EUR 20 from the airport.

Airport
Santorini – 10km.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 250 - 800

Open/closed
Closed November to March.

Check-in
14:00

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
Three nights for a suite. Do book well ahead at Astra – especially in high season.

Breakfast
Tuck in to Greek omelettes and home made marmalade until midday.

Room service
Available morning and evening.

Children
Welcome

Pets
Welcome

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Wedding license?
Ceremonies with up to 25 guests can be catered for, based on exclusive hire.