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
-
In Conversation With Wellness Expert, Maria Holloway
We sit down with Maria to discuss her fitness and wellness expertise, touching on everything from her experience a as a personal trainer to her passion for nutrition and contrast therapy.
-
Spring Reset: The Beauty Treatments to Have on Your Radar
Kirsty Welsh dives headfirst into some of spring 2026's most popular beauty treatments. From polka dot nails to glass skin facials, these are the trends worth having on your radar...
-
What’s On Our Radar This Month: March 2026
From the hottest new collaborations to London's ever-evolving restaurant scene, here are 12 things on The Sybarite’s radar this March.
-
The Sybarite Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2026
Mother's Day is fast approaching. Whether you're looking to celebrate your mum or another maternal figure in your life, we've curated a luxurious gift guide spanning wellness, beauty, fashion, and everything in between.
-
Third Space Gym London: The Future of Luxury Fitness | The Sybarite
For our A/W 2025 print issue, Maria Holloway stepped inside the luxurious Third Space Canary Wharf to explore their latest offerings: a state-of-the-art Recovery Spa and a world class HYROX Training Space.
-
Where Londoners Are Actually Investing in Wellness This Winter
The new year tends to expose the limits of performative wellness. Cold, darkness and a packed diary make punishing workouts and cosmetic quick fixes harder to justify, and genuine benefits easier to spot. This winter, London’s wellness scene has shifted accordingly.
-
Five of the World's Best Literary Destinations
Sarah Rodrigues explores the concept of literary tourism and shines a spotlight on five global destinations linked to notable authors or protagonists.
-
Oscars 2026: Winners, Best Dressed, Emotional Speeches, & More
A galaxy of stars descended on the Dolby Theater for the 98th edition of The Oscars on Sunday. Keep scrolling for all the highlights....
-
Nine Long-haul Flight Essentials - From Sleep Masks to Electrolytes
Long-haul flights don't have to be a test of endurance. Sarah Rodrigues shares her tried-and-tested essentials for a more comfortable - and enjoyable - flight. Discover her carry-on picks below...
-
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort: A Luxury Jungle Escape Among Elephants
Unforgettable memories await at one of Thailand’s most quietly extraordinary retreats - Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Perched along a mountain ridge in Northern Thailand where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge, the resort is a hidden gem far removed from the country’s usual tourist circuit.
-
Palma de Mallorca Off-Season Travel Guide | The Sybarite
Baldwin Ho discovers a softer side to Palma de Mallorca during the off-season. Below, discover his guide to the capital of the Balearic Islands, covering everything from where to eat and stay to immersive cultural experiences.
-
In Conversation: Debbie Flynn of Club Avandra
Phoebe Tatham talks to Debbie Flynn, Club Avandra's Chair of the Advisory Board.
-
Bermuda - Beyond the Beach, a Rich Culinary Scene Awaits
Sarah Rodrigues takes a deep dive into Bermuda's culinary landscape to see how it's evolved and how traditions are being reimagined.
-
Nobu Marrakech: A Rooftop Sanctuary in the Heart of the Red City
Join Kristyna Jandova as she discovers the quiet elegance of Nobu Hotel Marrakech and explores the many layers of Marrakech, from serene rooftop views to hidden gardens and centuries-old palaces.
-
Immersive Indulgence: Twenty Years of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Sarah Rodrigues uncovers a slice of paradise in the Caribbean. Below, read her review of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where indulgence and activity-led experiences reign supreme.
-
The World’s Most Iconic Luxury Train Journeys
There is nothing more storybook-like, more romantic, or more exquisite than a train journey steeped in luxury. Discover some of the most extraordinary rail journeys in The Sybarite's guide below...
-
Out On The Wily, Windy Moors
Sarah Rodrigues travels to North Yorkshire, to explore the moors that shaped Emily Brontë’s classic novel, and the setting for the new film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
-
Where Music Becomes Architecture: Inside Aria Hotel Budapest
In Budapest, where history hums and beauty lingers, Kristýna Jandová discovers a hotel composed like a symphony. Below, read her review of the Aria Hotel.
-
Women Who Launch: Meet Interior Designer Portia Fox
In This edition of Women Who Launch, The Sybarite caught up with interior designer Portia Fox to discuss her fascinating career arc, why London continues to inspire her, and her trend predictions for the remainder of 2026.
-
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.