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Iconic Santorini, Loving Caves

Iconic Santorini, Loving Caves

Caves 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.

Property at Dusk - Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Property at Dusk – Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

We arrived at dusk. Why was my heart beating so fast when I looked down the side of the cliffs with the 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.

Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

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 with a modern flat screen television, 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 COCO-MAT® four layer oversize beds. This is topped off with wonderful amenities and the use of Aēsop® bath products, sheer luxury.

Grotto Suite Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Grotto Suite Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

What may be in one room, won’t be in another, as far as furnishings. The twenty-two individualized cave residences and suites, over five 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.

Classic Suite Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Classic Suite Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Restaurants

Kitchen Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Kitchen Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

The Iconic has an authentic homestyle 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 five-star property and what is served lives up to a five-star standard.

Terrace Breakfast Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Terrace Breakfast Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

We were able to enjoy our breakfast on our terrace or in the dining room. It was our choice and so was the 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.

Entree - Photo Maralyn D. Hill

Salad – Photo Maralyn D. Hill

No matter what time of day or night, the view was breathtaking. Another couple we spoke with commented that they had been there seven nights and eaten on site five of them. The gentleman said, “You can’t beat the food, service and view.”

Pergla Restaurant - Lunch Courtesy Iconic Santorini

Pergla Restaurant – Lunch Courtesy Iconic Santorini

Staff

I’ve dwelled so much on the rooms, I’ve failed to comment on the terraces, lounges and pool areas, making up the hotel that carved from the volcanic wall of the caldera. This tranquil retreat provides one breathtaking view after another of the sparkling azure waters of the Aegean Sea from all five levels; there are no bad rooms or terraces.

Iconic Staff Photo Maralyn D. Hill

Iconic Staff Photo Maralyn D. Hill

All of this sounds good, but would be daunting without the absolutely wonderful staff that all provided exceptional service. The hotel was full while we were there, yet each and every guest felt like a good or close friend or family. As a people watcher and someone who watches service staff, the service was amazing. This was a unique luxury Imerovigli hotel, where guests were the priority. Its Hellenic hospitality focuses and ensures magical moments.

Elevated Property - Afternoon Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Elevated Property – Afternoon Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

The Iconic Santorini Concierge staff was terrific and well-experienced ambassadors for the island of Santorini. They were available all day and evening to assist with any need. They assisted us in lining up a tour of Santorini. As much as lingering by the pool, or sitting on the verandah, reading and relaxing, sounded good, we were here to discover Santorini.

Iconic Pool Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Iconic Pool Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Arrangements were made for us to have a private tour with “Your Greek Friend,” www.yourgreekfriend.com. Tours are customized to your own desires. We visited a market, cooking school, restaurant, village, winery, etc. Individuals who live and know the area guide you. Guides are available who speak Portuguese, French, Spanish, English and Greek.

Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

Courtesy of Iconic Santorini

When you experience Greece with a local friend, it brings insight that enables you to relax and enjoy the various areas you visit. Our complete day was a total delight. As those from Your Greek Friend say, “Don’t just be a tourist, become an explorer, traveling this ancient land and experiencing the hospitality of its people.”

Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

One of the mornings, rather than take a taxi into the nearby village, we walked the rocky path to get our exercise. After our two-mile excursion and walk around the village to make some purchases, we opted for the taxi back to the hotel.

Other Guest Services

These include: Outdoor infinity pool with jetted tub seating; complimentary use of gym with professional quality exercise equipment; spa providing single or couple massage with indoor grotto pool; complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access throughout property; multilingual and staff.

Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

The stairways that intimidated me at first sight became second nature. Moving up and down levels to reach different areas of the hotel was welcome. Other guests seemed like friends, and, again, the staff rate as some of the best we have ever experienced. Since Norm and I have now stayed at the Iconic Santorini, when we see another award pop up for it, it will not shock us. Instead, we’ll know it is well earned and deserved. If you find yourself trying out the Iconic Santorini, let us know what you think by writing a letter to the editor.

Terrace view - Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Terrace view – Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

For your information: The property is closed during the winter period from November to April. This is an annual closing and the property is completely given a thorough once-over, to be sure every aspect is up to standards. In the meantime should you require any information or booking assistance please contact us at reservations@iconicsantorini.com. The office responds rapidly.

Norm and Maralyn Hill at the Iconic

Norm and Maralyn Hill at the Iconic

Iconic Santorini

Imerovigli, Santorini 84700, Cyclades, Greece

reservations@iconicsantorini.com

http://www.iconicsantorini.com

The Iconic Santorini is part of the Mantis Collection. It is the only hotel group that has properties on all seven continents. In their words, “Mantis is a family run collection of award-winning, privately owned, five star properties located around the World. Divided into five distinct groups, its specialist areas include Boutique Hotels, Game Reserves, Eco Lodges, Ski Lodges and Chalets and Yachts. All of the properties represent the finest example of its kind and celebrate the culture, gastronomy, architecture and nature of the locations in which they are found to offer guests a truly authentic experience. Officially founded by Adrian Gardiner in 2000, Mantis is committed to the spirit of conservation and restoration, and each property is sensitive to its surroundings in respect of the building, environment and local community. The diverse portfolio of handpicked properties link up to create journeys, which offer guests the ultimate life experience and the opportunity to experience the essence of the location.”

Having experienced the Iconic Santorini, Norm and I look forward to featuring more of their properties.

About The Author

Maralyn Hill

Maralyn Dennis Hill is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and is known as The Epicurean Explorer. She was born to travel and loves to tell the tale. As a professional travel and food, writer, Maralyn is intrigued by all aspects of spa and culinary tourism. From local cuisine to Michelin Star, simple to gourmet, she thrives on discovering flavors, spices, and trends worldwide. Not only does she love to share the tales of unique customs, Maralyn also believes that her passion for global travel is the greatest geography lesson. The best part is meeting people along the way and hearing their stories. From Bocuse d’Or to being a judge at the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival and the Oregon Chocolate Festival and more, Maralyn is truly a world traveler. She is a frequent guest on radio shows and editor and contributor to more than eight print and online publications. Maralyn continues to reach an audience of several million in the United States and abroad. Her adventures don’t stop there. She has co-authored three books and from 2002 to 2006, she hosted a cable television show on Time-Warner. Maralyn is the past president of The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (12-2008 to 12-2012) and continued her work as a board member and co-chair of its Conference and Media Trip Committee through 2014. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the Society of Professional Journalists. When she’s not jetting to her next destination, Maralyn enjoys coaching individuals on writing and marketing successful projects. And although she lives to travel, she enjoys quiet time exploring. Specialties: Culinary tourism, luxury and spas, but loves all travel. Food judging is enjoyable and Maralyn enjoys using her conference, incentive, and meeting planning skills.

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