C
aves have always been
interesting to me, but I can’t
say I have ever had a desire
to spend too much time in
them, let alone sleep in one.
That has all changed since
experiencing the Iconic Santorini,
located in the picturesque village
of Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece.
I knew this five-star distinctive
boutique cave hotel had to be good.
After all, in 2014, it was awarded
the following: Travel Award 2014
Winner Greece’s Leading Boutique
Hotel; Certificate of Excellence
Travel Award; The Smith Hotel
Awards, Top Ten in the World;
and Tatler 101 Best Hotels in the
World – Tatler Travel Guide.
We arrived at dusk. Why was my
heart beating so fast when I looked
o n th i o th
iff
ith th
narrow passageways? How was our
luggage ever going to make it down
those stairs, let alone me? Met at
the top by the hotel manager, we
followed the stairs with well-placed
railings and signage to the cave
reception area. It was so welcoming
and comfortable. Before I could ask
about our luggage, we saw the
workers carrying down our luggage
by holding it over their heads. If
they do that on a daily basis, up and
down, they certainly do not need
strength training.
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Rooms
We were then led to our cave
hideaway room, carved out from
the rocks, where champagne was
awaiting. All the walls are painted
white, and its smooth curves relax
you. The rustic furniture, combined
ith a mo rn at r n t
i ion
is comforting. You may discover a
distressed rocking chair, a metal
shoe rack or clothes rack, but they
all add to the sense of place.
Instead of anything feeling old or
antiquated, it all seems welcoming
and comfortable, especially the bed.
Beds used throughout are COCOMAT® four layer oversize beds. This
i to
off ith on r
am niti an th
o
o
bath products, sheer luxury.
What may be in one room, won’t be
in another, as far as furnishings.
The twenty-two individualized cave
r i n
an
it
o r
levels, are designed to convey the
Greek-style, which complements
historic Cycladic architecture that
honors the original cave architecture
found throughout Santorini. During
the daylight hours, this architecture
was evident on the side of the
island. However each hotel maintains
its own personality, and the Iconic
Santorini is one we’ll never forget.
Restaurants
The Iconic has an authentic
home-stye restaurant that serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner. There
are also numerous private dining
areas and terrace seating and lounge
areas. They describe the food as
home-style, but it was well beyond
ordinary. After all, you are staying
in a
tar ro rty an
hat
i
r
i
to a
tar
standard.
We were able to enjoy our breakfast
on our terrace or in the dining room.
It was our choice and so was the
Classic Suite
Courtesy of Iconic
Santorini
timing. Our choice was to enjoy
our delicious breakfast, as we
relaxed on our terrace and imagined
the beginning of each day and
what it held.
Our dinner was so delightful in one
of the smaller dining areas. A second
night after being invited to go
to the other side of the island to
a lovely restaurant, we chose to
return to the Iconic and enjoy
Iconic’s peacefulness, as we
gazed out at the Aegean.
No matter what time of day or night,