Santorini Ikies hotel review
Plato’s account of Atlantis; “rocks of white, black and red were extracted from the hills and used to construct a great island city” holds a striking resemblance to the whitewashed abodes, cobalt-domed churches, and the black and red sand beaches which mark the isle of Santorini, an alluring Mediterranean oasis mired in mythology.
Some believe the Caldera Island may have been one of the possible locations of the fabled island of Atlantis.
Another legend has it, Euphemus, son of Poseidon, created the island following a dream where he made love to a nymph. Certainly explaining the island’s tendency of a romantic nature; one does not find a more beautiful view of the Mediterranean sea than from this Greek island, and the sunsets are the most photographed in the world.
Ikies Traditional Houses is a special type of boutique hotel; a five-star complex of dug-out cave houses, it’s elegant design comprising of honeymoon suites, maisonettes, and studios located at the edge and facing the picturesque village of Oia, which guests can watch as the sun rises and sets on the private terrace. The staff are incredibly helpful - attentive but inconspicuous, which only adds to the privacy of the hotel.
The minimalist troglodyte-style interiors include 11 dwellings or fisherman’s warehouses which have been artfully converted into delightful rooms descending in tiers at the caldera’s edge, each one with its own distinctive personality and name. We were lucky enough to stay in the Captain’s House – one of the luxury suites with a private hot tub accessed through the large bedroom windows, looking onto a secluded terrace where breakfast or room service is served. The living room has two comfortable traditional sofas, which can be turned into single beds if needs be, and a dining table. There is a lot of disused space through the suite’s curved interior which could have been used to build a bigger bathroom, but apart from that it was a complete and utter delight to stay in.
Ikies is a handy walking distance to Oia’s best dining and attractions, while remaining tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist core, which is great if you fancy an evening in. While there’s a medium-sized plunge-pool at the lowest terrace, overlooking the Caldera and the town which makes for fun photo opportunities, only light snacks and drinks are served to the pool area (or your room), but a continental breakfast is brought to your room terrace. The staff are also happy to make quality restaurant recommendations, we even ordered a takeout one evening to sit and watch the sunset.
Read More Hotel Reviews
The Avani Rio Novo, Venice - Review
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
A Champ at Tramp: Luca Maggiora on His Revival of the Iconic Venue
For our Autumn/Winter print edition, Phoebe Tatham spoke to hospitality heavyweight Luca Maggiora about his revival of Tramp and what comes next.
-
Why Women Are Flying for Facelifts – and The Luxury Alternatives Closer to Home
Niamh Walsh takes a deep dive into the rise of the surgical "escape" and explores the new generation of luxury 'tweakments'.
-
Clinic Led Beauty Comes of Age
Yvette Legge takes a deep dive into clinic-led beauty as skincare brand SkinCycles arrives at La Samaritaine in Paris.
-
For Families, Romantics, and Wellness Seekers: Why Ritz-Carlton Bali Works for Everyone
Nestled in Nusa Dua, The Ritz-Carlton Bali is more than a five-star retreat, it’s a sanctuary of holistic luxury where Balinese design converges with serene wellness rituals.
-
What's On Our Radar This Month: January 2026
From hyped restaurant launches and themed events to the latest in hair and beauty, here are 14 things on the Sybarite’s radar this January.
-
What's On Our Radar This Month: December 2025
From buzzy new restaurant launches and immersive exhibitions to the latest beauty releases, here are 12 things on the Sybarite's radar this December.
-
A Hidden Gem of the Orient: Discovering Penang & the Timeless Allure of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
For those mapping out an escape through Asia, one destination that continues to fly just under the radar is Penang - Malaysia’s storied island jewel where culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty converge.
-
In Conversation: Adam von Gootkin On His New Private Members' Club
The Sybarite sat down with the co-founder & CEO of Highclere Castle Spirits, Adam von Gootkin, to discuss the upcoming launch of his new private members' club, House von Gootkin.
-
Editor's Picks: Party Season Edition
Deputy Editor Olivia Bennett selects the fashion showstoppers and wellness essentials to carry you through the party season.
-
10 Best Places to Go in January 2026: Your Luxury Travel Guide
January is synonymous with starting anew. It's typically a time for setting goals, new ambitions, and fresh adventures. In this guide, discover some of the top destinations worth adding to your list to kick start 2026.
-
In Conversation With Le Haus Founder Ronald Ndoro Mind
The Sybarite sat down with entrepreneur Ronald to discuss his latest venture, Le Haus, and the future of luxury travel. Read our exclusive interview with him below...
-
The Sybarite Gift Guide 2025: For The Traveller
-
Island of Revival: Milaidhoo Maldives
Maria Holloway checked into Milaidhoo Maldives to discover an oasis of calm during the property's annual wellness month.
-
Why Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa is the Ultimate Spot For Beachside Bliss
The five-star resort opened its doors in the summer of 2025. From next-level dining and relaxed interiors to transformative wellness rituals, this Mallorcan resort ticks plenty of boxes.
-
Beguiling Boston
Sarah Rodrigues embarks on a sophisticated transatlantic escape, where culture meets political history.
-
Seville Is The Perfect Pre-Christmas Escape - Here's Why
Nestled in Andalucia, Seville has long been a honeypot for travellers seeking uninterrupted sunshine, gastronomic excellence, and a healthy dose of culture. Here's why you should add the soulful Spanish city to your list in December.
-
Basel Christmas Market 2025: A Luxury Travel Guide
As the snow begins to fall, covering the ground with a light dusting, the sound of music can be heard playing softly in the distance.
-
Phoenix: Why The Snowbirds Are Flocking To The Valley of The Sun
Discover Baldwin Ho's guide to The Greater Phoenix area, widely known as 'The Valley of The Sun'.
-
Women Who Launch: Meet Interior Designer Rebecca Hughes
In this edition of Women Who Launch, we spoke to Rebecca Hughes about her journey into interior design, her creative process, some of her key milestone moments, and more.
-
Luxury Living Aboard One-of-a-kind Residential Megayacht, The World, Residences at Sea
Baldwin Ho explores luxury living on The World, Residences at Sea, spotlighting everything from its fascinating history to its spectacular amenities.
-
Buy Your Next Property With The Sybarite
Discover Sybarite Stays, our new brand extension, and property division of The Sybarite.
-
Top 5 Hotels in New York for a Luxury Stay
New York Citys extravagant allure finds its zenith in our handpicked selection of the top 5 luxury hotels, where every whim and desire is catered to, to create an experience you will not forget.
-
Introducing Sybarite Stays
We sit down with Editor-In-Chief John Cofie to discuss what Sybarite Stays, our new brand extension, means for lovers of luxury.
-
Designing The Perfect Holiday Home With Thorps Founder
With over 40 years of expertise, Thorp Design is renowned for creating interiors that are both stylish and practical, blending luxury with a deep understanding of the spaces they inhabit.