Canaves Epitome

Rewilding Efforts Are Transforming Luxury Hotels

"A pollinator's paradise on Santorini, utilizing local flora and innovative planting techniques to create a thriving habitat for birds and pollinators amidst volcanic soil."

The 15 Best Hotels in Santorini of 2024

"A peaceful retreat blending into the natural surroundings, offering suites with private plunge pools and private sailing and yachting adventures." - Travel + Leisure Editors

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"The family favorite Space is rare in Oia; a commodity on the brink of consumption. Every square inch of cliffside here on the caldera, a giant’s bite into coastline, has been gobbled up by immaculately iced cake-like hotels jostling for a ringside seat. Yes, when it comes to Corbusier-lauded Cycladic minimalism, it’s poster-framed perfection. Yes, it’s all very pretty in a chaotic sweet shop kind of way—but a little claustrophobic. Canaves Oia Epitome turns its back on all of that. The fourth property from the Chaidemenos family opened in May 2018, a mile north at Ammoudi Bay, facing away from the caldera in a brazen flouting of conventional hotel wisdom. In 1985, Yiannis and Anna were among the first to lure travelers to the Santorini fishing village with views that captured the very curve and expanse of the planet. The two cliffside caves they converted into minimalist dens for neo-troglodytes became Canaves Oia, and then the all-white Cycladic hotel brand which set the tone of the island’s smart scene for the next three decades. Now in charge, their sons Markos and Alexandros bring a stylistic gear change. For Epitome, the group’s first family-friendly hotel, they called in K-Studio, the hip home-grown designers behind Mykonos’s Bill & Coo Coast and ultra-cool Scorpios. The open layout is liberating: almost all sky, sea, and pool with 24 quasi-neolithic, low volcanic stone cubes camouflaged into the rock face. These are brain-coolingly expansive villas. The huge Aqua Retreat has an aquarium-like window in the lower bedroom casting an ethereal blue light from the depths of the pool. There are plenty of places for families to escape one another; the black sands of Katharos beach are just a stroll away. Swirls of tangerine in the sky signal the time to regather. The lesser-spotted sunsets here are somehow better than the ones at Oia. The ones over the caldera no longer seem worth the price. —R.K.W." - Becky Lucas

Canaves Oia Epitome

"Why book? Built from volcanic rock, with an earthy aesthetic and striking organic-modern design, the lush and spacious Canvas Oia Epitome (the newest hotel from Canaves Oia) is a welcome departure from the traditional white-washed buildings and tight quarters that dominate the Santorini hotel scene. Set the scene Canaves Oia is a family-owned-and-managed collection of luxury resorts on Santorini, each offering its own unique dining concept, original design, and stunning views. The Chaidemenos family was among the first to introduce tourism to the sleepy fishing village of Oia with their 1983 opening of the 18-suite Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel, their inaugural property. Husband-and-wife Yiannis and Anna Chaidemenos transformed 17th-century caves that were once used to store wine (called canaves), into refined hotel rooms. The birth of the Canaves Oia brand, led by an all-white minimalist concept, redefined the meaning of luxury accommodation in Santorini. Since then, the Canaves Oia collection has expanded (under their two sons’ discerning leadership and exquisite design sensibility) to include five luxurious properties on the island: Canaves Oia Epitome; Canaves Oia Suites; the flagship Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel; Canaves Oia Sunday Suites; and a three-villa complex called Eden Villas. Perched above the picturesque fishing village of Ammoudi Bay, Epitome is a chance for the Canaves Oia collection to forge a new path in the island’s luxury market. With sprawling grounds, stunning gardens, two infinity pools, and spacious suites and villas (all of which boast sunset-facing views and private plunge pools), the tourist bustle of Oia feels lightyears away. But in reality, a short walk or shuttle places you smack dab in the center of the village. The rooms From the deluxe suite (the most affordable option) to the sprawling villas, each room option is bathed in natural light and decorated with elegant minimalism. The suites offer a generous living room and bedroom with king-size beds, and a bathroom equipped with a rain shower. The sliding glass doors open to reveal a patio with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the small island of Thirasia in the distance. You'll also discover a heated plunge pool, sitting area—the perfect place to enjoy an in-room breakfast spread—and comfortable sun loungers. Suites start at $635 per night in the off-season. Villas range in size from one-to-five bedrooms, all with the same beautiful natural light and refined design. What really sets the villas apart are the outdoor spaces, which include a large private terrace with a heated pool, sun loungers, an outdoor shower, as well as dining and sitting areas. As the size of the villas increases, so too does the outdoor space. Food and drink When Epitome opened for the season in April 2023, it debuted Omnia Restaurant, specializing in freshest seafood and gorgeous sunset views. Meaning “everything,” Omnia's menu has influences from South America to Hawaii and Japan to Italy—yet manages to remain predominantly Greek. From ceviche and poke to pasta and tacos, the menu revolves around the catch of the day, which is sourced from local markets. The grilled octopus, shrimp, saganaki fondue, and Greek salad are stand-out dishes, as are the Santorini-focused wine pairings. The light and slightly effervescent dry assyrtiko from Gavalas Winery—one of the oldest wineries in Santorini—is a can't-miss. Poolside breakfast is also served at Omnia; don't miss the Greek omelet and traditional bread basket, with a mix of sweet and savory homemade baked goods. For lunch, try the Nicoise salad served in a deconstructed arrangement with seared tuna. For a fine-dining option there's a second restaurant, Elements, which offers some of the best sunset views on the island. The neighborhood/area Epitome is located less than a mile from Oia, a classic Santorini fishing village with white-washed buildings and blue domed churches hugging the cliffside overlooking the caldera. This once-sleepy coastal village is now a hot spot for tourists, with legendary sunsets that attract crowds. The village's pedestrian-only strip weaves through small shops, restaurants, and boutiques, and there's a Naval Museum housed in a 19th-century captain’s mansion that highlights the island’s maritime history—and is worth a visit. The Castle of Oia is also lovely—though the sunset-seeking crowds can be intense. Head down to the waterfront, which is reachable by boat or a long stairway from town—where you’ll find Armeni Restaurant, a classic Greek taverna serving up the freshest seafood on the island. Order the catch of the day, a side of hand cut fries, a Greek salad (of course) and let the waiter determine the rest—they won’t steer you wrong. The service The service can best be described as prompt and attentive, without being over-the-top. The staff is warm and friendly, and their passion for hospitality shines through. Small details are attended to with flawless execution—when the night is chilly, blankets appear at the dinner table; housekeeping and pool maintenance is timed so as not to interfere with your presence; transfers and shuttles are booked with ease. For families Santorini is known as a honeymoon destination, so family-friendly resorts are few and far between. While Epitome welcomes families, the setting is luxurious—so it's a bit hard to imagine children splashing away in the sleek infinite pools. However, the brand new five-bedroom villa—with room for 14 guests, expansive indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, and a private infinity pool (and a private chef and butler services available upon request)—is ideal for multi-generational families and groups of friends seeking seclusion, privacy, and unparalleled luxury. Eco effort The landscape design at Canaves Oia Epitome showcases a breathtaking array of natural beauty and diversity, including fragrant herbs like rosemary, oregano, and centuries-old olive trees. The majestic gardens are adorned with a medley of flowering plants like lavender, bougainvillea, hibiscus, and many more splashes of vibrant hues, as well as ornamental grasses, succulents, and resilient Mediterranean shrubs like myrtle, thyme, sage, and lavender. This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth. The landscape designers have ingeniously utilized desalinated water from the nearby sea, ensuring a sustainable water source. Pollinators and birds have found a welcoming haven here, is a spot that was previously barren, rocky ground. Accessibility Oia, with its plentiful stairs and cliffside location, is notoriously challenging to navigate—it's not uncommon to have to climb down several sets of narrow steps to access a hotel. Epitome is the exception, however: its location just outside of Oia allows for spacious grounds and gentle topography, creating accessibility for those with mobility issues." - Christine Chitnis

"Inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, Canaves Oía Epitome’s exterior and interior combine natural and earthy materials with a modern aesthetic. Comprised of 24 villas, the hotel offers guests both sea and sunset views for the ultimate Greek vacation. For those on a romantic getaway, experience the private yacht sailing tour that will take you to the village of Oía."