Santorini Secret Premium β Suites and Restaurant Review
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Wow, I just returned from an unforgettable vacation at Santorini Secret Suites + Spa, located in the breathtaking town of Oia, Santorini, Greece. This premium hotel is situated on the main pedestrian walkway and boasts a stunning panoramic view of the ocean. As a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World community, Santorini Secret Suites + Spa stands out as an anti-chain and anti-same property, offering a unique and authentic experience for guests. I had the pleasure of staying at the Santorini Secret Premium location, which exceeded my expectations in every way. The Secret Hotels brand truly lives up to its name by providing opportunities to create secret moments that are exclusively your own, allowing you to fully immerse your senses in the luxury and elegance of this hotel. From the exceptional amenities to the impeccable service, Santorini Secret Suites + Spa is the ultimate destination for a dream vacation in paradise.
Location
Santorini Secret Premium is on the Caldera side of the island. That means it is facing inward to the bay formed by the crescent-shaped island. Such an incredible location. Santorini Secret is in the town of Oia (pronounced E-ah) known for some of the most iconic views in Greece - an instagrammable dream if youβre into taking photos!
Transportation
We arrived in Santorini at the port via ferry since we were coming from the island of Crete. We took the budget-friendly option of taking the bus from port to the hotel which took about an hour with one transfer. It only cost us about 6 dollars per person and we had no trouble with our 3 suitcases.
The easier option is to plan your transfer with the hotel. They will make things easy for you regardless of how you arrive on the island. I advise you to look at all of the options because an airport transfer can cost you up to β¬100 for a private car when you could just take a taxi for β¬25 or even the bus for β¬6. Those who fly into JTR airport can expect a 10-15 minute drive to get to Oia, about 7km.
Oia, being the most northern city in Santorini, is connected to Thira down the scenic coastal walking path. Caldera view Santorini is one of the best Greek islands for couples and this adventure is perfect for those who love to hike.
*A note for anyone with mobility restrictions, I encourage you to fully understand the particular conditions of any hotel you planned to visit in Oia. There are often many flights of stairs within any given hotel and I did not see a single elevator or ramp throughout the entire duration of my trip.
Arrival
Because of the narrow streets and pedestrian-only paths of Oia, you canβt get dropped off at the front door of the hotel. We had a few minutes walk to Santorini Secret after arriving in Oia. Our luggage was whisked away by friendly staff as soon as we got to the property.
After our breezy check in, we were shown to our room where our bags were quickly delivered to us. We were greeted with unique passionfruit welcome drinks and a snack plate. We also had a very romantic bottle of bubbly on ice that we saved until we had a chance to soak in the private pool - Iβll get to that later.
Our suite was located towards the top of the property. The entire hotel impressively spans nearly the entire cliffside which makes for outstanding views. There are many local cafΓ©s and restaurants located within seconds from this location. Since the property is split into two sections, above and below the main pedestrian highway, there are private roped-off entrances. It felt very luxurious and exclusive every time we came back to our suite and entered what felt like a VIP section.
Accommodation
There is a choice from three room types: Prestige Suite, Master Suite, and Maisonette Suite. All options are located at the top of the Santorini Secret property and have a king bed and private hot tub. Most suites in Oia lack privacy in the crowded cliffside, but because these rooms are above nearly everything in elevation, there was a sense of privacy that you probably wouldn't get in other suites.
In addition to our private oasis, there was a main pool below the lobby, as well as a semi-private pool specially for those staying in the Santorini Secret Rooms. We chatted with some other travelers from the US in this common area and made some new friends while enjoying this gorgeous pool. Did I mention the panoramic views, literally these are jaw-dropping?
Inside the suite was perfect too - upon entry there was a king bed, master bath, and closet space. The lighting was particularly special with decorative fixtures as the centerpiece to the space as well as inlaid LED lights hidden throughout the room. We had spent the two weeks before our visit traveling Greece and I can honestly say that this was hands down the most comfortable bed we slept in. Soft white sheets, multiple pillow choices, and a very expensive feeling comforter did the trick.
The bright and spacious upstairs area was divided by an open concept staircase that complimented the smooth architecture of Santorini. Upstairs opened up to a quaint living/dining area with a sofa-bed, and table with two chic bean-bag chairs. A small kitchenette area with a mini-bar, snacks, coffee maker, cups, etc. was also on the second floor.
The front balcony had a patio set for breakfast, which was served to your room or suite each morning. There was also a bonus balcony on the opposite side of the room, which could serve as the perfect sunset overlook if you so chose to stay in the room instead of venturing into the crowded streets at that time.
There was a good sized TV and Wi-Fi in the room. The Wi-Fi was spotty on the second floor but we had no trouble with the connection while on the first floor with our bed. If you are traveling from the US you will need a power adapter. This is the one we have been using and it works great with multiple outlets!
Back on the first floor, the bathroom had a large walk-in open rain shower, (one) sink on a vanity unit and WC. Toiletries were provided by Mugler (shower gel, shampoo,and body lotion) then all other accessories (like dental kits, cotton buds and pads, and shower caps.). Everything was spotlessly clean and the suite was serviced twice daily delivering complimentary bottled water. We never found ourselves dehydrated on this trip.
The new norm with Covid, all precautions were taken care of, with all staff wearing masks throughout. There were QR codes to access menus in the room rather than paper copies. Download the App Exclusivi to access all of the hotelβs amenities from your phone. We found that a lot of high end hotels in the area use this service and it made getting on Wi-Fi easy.
Food & Drink
In Suite Breakfast
The day started with your choice of breakfast items, delivered to your suite at a time of your choosing, served starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 11 AM. There were menu sheets in the room for you to order your breakfast spread. You simply fill out the sheet and either deliver it to the lobby or leave it outside your room and call someone to come pick it up the day before. *
Breakfast Tip: the 9am slot is a popular choice so get your order in early to secure that delivery. We ordered breakfast at 7:45 both of our mornings and enjoyed what was the most vast and beautiful sunrise I had ever seen while sipping on our morning Lattes.
There was a full choice of teas and coffees with different milks, freshly squeezed orange juice, and grapefruit juice. There was a full list of pastries from the Boulangerie: Mini breads, bagel, sweet and savory croissants, and traditional items like Tsoureki + Tiropita etc. Charcuterie and cheese were options as well. For eggs there was everything from build your own omelettes to eggs-benny with other options. You could go with a sweeter fare and go with the pancakes or Tsoureki which is greek sweet bread. So many lovely side options like salted cucumber, olives, yogurt, granola, and toasts.
Our breakfast was delivered on time each morning, and it was honestly the highlight of our stay. Friendly staff brought our entire spread all the way up to the top floor where we simply rolled out of bed and sat down to enjoy the meal. Excuse the zillion photos - but dang breakfast was nice.
Santorini Secret has their own restaurant that I urge you not to overlook. βBlack Rock Restaurant will take you on a gastronomic journey between the old and new, the familiar and surprising at the same time; it is a culinary voyage revelation of indulgence against a stunning backdrop of Cycladic perfection.β
The walk down to Black Rock set the tone for the entire meal. Pure elegance found in the smooth white visage of the santorini skyline was truly the perfect precursor to the meal ahead. With million dollar yachts docking just below and the glowing lights beginning to illuminate the surrounding cascade of architecture; there is nowhere else in the world that I would have wanted to celebrate our 3 year anniversary.
βThe menu is both refined and wholesome. Extraordinary ingredients, cherished recipes and exceptional talent all come together to form a new creative identity, that of post-modern Greek cuisine. Traditional meets contemporary and all-time favourites meet new surprises; playfully gourmet.β
Our experience started with a beautifully set table for two with Covid precautions taken in the QR Code menu as well as sanitized and individually wrapped cutlery.
Drinks were served first. I ordered the yummiest cocktail called the Pink Lolita containing N.0.S. Mastiha, vodka, fresh basil, blood orange liqueur, vanilla bitter, cherry soda, fresh lime & sugar syrup. Colin ordered the Wild Garden which was interesting to say the least. With strong cucumber flavor it contained London dry gin, chamomile spices syrup, cucumber water, italicus, fresh lime & sugar syrup. Each ran β¬20 which is pretty standard for any upscale restaurant in Santorini.
The meal began with a variety of warm homemade breads, served with a special butter blend, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We were also presented with a very homey but elegant, fall soup topped with lardons and crouton. Our last starter was Taramosalata, a Greek fish roe dip. It had a rich flavor and paired very well with the fresh bread. I will never forget the nearly black bread in the basket, so airy, warm, and subtle notes of rye and cranberries.
Appetizers consisted of pork dumplings served around a large serving of greek yogurt. We also had the king crab topped with caviar which was extremely light and fresh. I was not a big fan of the avocado-vegetable salad served on the side, but Colin loved it.
The main fair really stole the show. Colin had the Lamb which had been oven roasted for 11 hours and prepared with gruyere cheese, mustard, honey, garlic, baked celery root and demi sauce with greek coffee. The aroma was intoxicating and the pairing of flavors were ultimately Greek but with a very contemporary sweet twist. I had the catch of the day and I am kicking myself for not remembering what kind of fish it was. It was so light, flaky, and paired deliciously with the sweet potato gnocchi & vegetables. Everything was so tender and cooked to perfection.
The final act was hands down my favorite dessert I had all across Greece. A mango cream with pineapple sorbet and fluffy buckwheat cake created the perfect finale for the meal. As a bonus, we also had some small sweet bites that included two different chocolate truffles and a sugarcookie + mouse garnished with beautiful edible flowers.
Facilities & Service
Other than everything already mentioned, like the suites, pools and restaurants, there wasnβt anything like a gym, nor were they needed. I have yet to mention the Spa which we did not get the chance to visit. Harmonia Day Spa. Harmonia, in ancient Greek religion, is the immortal goddess of peace harmony, and concord. They offer personalized spa treatments and services to relax your mind, nourish your body, and renew your spirit.
The hotel could also organize car/ATV rental, boat trips, dry cleaning or ironing, as well as airport transfers. Service was exemplary throughout, from being welcomed upon arrival, being shown to and around our suite; as was the breakfast and dinner service. Housekeeping was attentive and the suite was restored to pristine condition every day.
Any areas for improvement?:
Wi-Fi consistency throughout the entire suite could be helpful
A luggage stand could have been a nice addition but there was plenty of space to get organized
Highlights:
In-suite breakfast is a luxury I wish I could have every day of my life.
The panoramic view directly from our room in the warm private hot tub- wow!
Black Rock cuisine was truly a delight.
Useful Links:
Hotel:
Santorini Secret Premium https://www.santorini-secret.com/premium
Secret Hotels | https://www.santorini-secret.com
Restaurants:
Black Rock Restaurant | https://www.santorini-secret.com/restaurants
