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
-
Meet The Expert: Dr Jinesh Thakrar, Cosmetic Dentist at The Harley Street Smile Clinic
With a calm precision and an artist’s eye, Dr Jinesh Thakrar transforms smiles through subtle, ethical dentistry, where confidence begins long before the mirror.
-
Big Hair, High Society: The Role of Hair and Makeup in Palm Royale
Lucy Cocoran speaks to the hair and makeup leads behind Palm Royale, an Apple TV+ series where wigs, lashes, and satire collide in a swirl of pastel excess.
-
What’s On Our Radar This Month: November 2025
From buzzy new restaurant launches and themed events to the latest beauty releases, here are 11 things on the Sybarite’s radar this November.
-
From Farm to Face: Irene Forte on Her Eponymous Skincare Brand
Olivia Bennett meets with Irene Forte to discuss show she bottles the Sicilian countryside in her eponymous skincare brand.
-
Top Places To Relax with Sound Healing in London
The Sybarite has rounded up some of the best places to indulge in a spot of sound healing, from hotel favourites to small studios. Read our comprehensive guide below.
-
A Serene Spa Break at South Lodge
Olivia Bennett checks in for a restorative spa break in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Read her review below.
-
Luxury Things to Do in Paris in Winter
"The City of Lights" is renowned for its Haussmannian architecture, cultural gems, and fine dining. Keep reading to discover The Sybarite's guide to the most luxurious things to do and see in Paris during the winter months.
-
The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Arctic Cruises
Embarking on an Arctic cruise is an experience of a lifetime. Below, discover The Sybarite's pick of the best polar journeys.
-
Why The St. Regis Bali Defines Luxury Travel in Nusa Dua
The St. Regis Bali is not just another five-star property in Nusa Dua, it is a sanctuary where Balinese artistry, signature St. Regis rituals, and intuitive butler service converge to create a stay unlike any other.
-
What’s On Our Radar This Month: October 2025
From stellar new restaurant launches and pop-ups to upcoming sartorial drops, here are 13 things on the Sybarite’s radar this October.
-
An Icon Reimagined: Experiencing the Timeless Magic of Raffles Singapore
What began as a modest bungalow in 1887 has since transformed into one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage hotels, named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Declared a national monument in 1987, it remains the only hotel in the country to hold such recognition.
-
Happy Days on the Harley-Davidson 117 Low Rider Softail
Jeremy Webb takes the Harley-Davidson 117 Low Rider Softail for a scenic spin. Here's his honest verdict.
-
Barefoot Bliss: A Family Escape to The Ritz-Carlton, Fari Islands
Kerene Barefield embraces barefoot luxury in the stunning Maldivian Fari Islands. Below, read her review of the super slick Ritz-Carlton.
-
European Christmas Markets Luxe Tour: 5 Must-See Destinations
Discover The Sybarite's round-up of some of the best festive markets in Europe, from Paris to Bruges.
-
Halkidiki’s Design Haven: A Family Escape to Ekies All Senses Resort
Join Kristyna Jandova as she experiences the gentle rhythm of family life at this design-led haven, where pure luxury meets ease and children are joyfully welcomed.
-
A Whale of a Time: Exploring Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast
Sarah Rodrigues travelled to Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast to swim with whale sharks. Read more about her utterly unforgettable encounter below.
-
Checking In: Whatley Manor
Phoebe Tatham enjoys a wellness reset in the heart of the Cotswolds. Below, read her review of Whatley Manor's stylish rooms, The Dining Room's new menu and the Aquarias Spa.
-
The Best Luxury Hotels in Florence for a Stylish Italian Escape
Discover The Sybarite's guide to the very best hotels in Florence...
-
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.
-
First-Class Design
Meet Landmass, the leading design and property development company behind some of the world’s most visually arresting properties.