Andronis Arcadia, Santorini: Cycladic Bliss At Its Finest

Santorini is undeniably a tourist hotspot, particularly during the summer months, when its pretty cobbled streets are crammed with visitors queuing up for snaps of those world-famous sunsets. But amid the chaos, there are pockets of respite, where you can enjoy the island’s magic without having to battle through selfie stick-wielding crowds. One of these is Andronis Arcadia, an idyllic all-suite hotel which offers space and privacy – despite being just a ten-minute walk from Santorini’s most desirable town, Oia. 

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Review: Andronis Arcadia, Santorini

STAY

Andronis Arcadia is the newest property in the Andronis hotel group, a collection of five-star hotels across Santorini and Paros. All have exceptional facilities, but a slightly different focus: Andronis Concept is a dream for wellness lovers, while Andronis Boutique Hotel is a hotspot for honeymooners (with no children allowed). 

What sets Arcadia apart is the sheer size: the hotel has the feel of a chic luxury resort, with 112 suites and villas dotted around the sprawling property, alongside two restaurants and a standout spa. It’s family-friendly, but equally well-suited to young couples seeking out the glamorous and romantic side of Santorini. The hotel is particularly popular with American visitors, who flock there for a taste of the quintessential Greek island experience. 

All suites come with their own pool and sun loungers, and whichever room category you go for you can guarantee it will feel spacious – with some offering views of the glittering Aegean. If you’re travelling with children, opt for one of the family suites, which have two separate bedrooms – or there are a selection of palatial three, four or six-bedroom villas to choose from: private havens with ample space and top-notch facilities. 

We stayed in a Natura Suite, a beautiful room with a king-sized bed which looks out onto a private pool and veranda, with the sea in the distance. Interiors feature neutral tones of beige and brown, with rattan detailing and wicker chairs creating a beachy, peaceful feel, plus a huge indoor hot tub.

DO

Relaxation is the order of the day here. The hotel’s epicentre is a gigantic infinity pool – the largest on the island, decked out with floating daybeds and a swim up bar, giving it an Ibiza beach club-style feel, without the pumping music. Take your pick from shaded cabanas, beanbags and sun loungers (no need to worry about rushing down at 8am to save yourself a spot here), and settle in for an afternoon of pure, sun-drenched chill. There is an abundance of staff at this hotel, meaning your every whim is catered for – moments after you’ve started thinking about your next poolside cocktail, a friendly waiter will swoop in beside your sunbed to take your order, as if by magic.

Andronis Arcadia is also home to the cavernous Evexia Spa, home to the signature Kneipp water therapy pools: two L-shaped pools, one hot and one cold, lined with stones igniting reflexology in your feet. An array of treatments are available to book, which utilise Andronis’ own essences, made from an organic farm in Crete. Choose from a menu of holistic massages, facials, body wraps, manicures and more. 

There’s also a large, well-equipped gym, plus a programme of wellbeing classes including sunset yoga, HIIT and ab workouts. If you’d prefer to exercise outdoors, the Andronis team can organise guided hikes from Oia to Imerovigli – a great way to see the island, finishing with breakfast at Andronis Concept.

The hotel is a short walk away from the dreamlike town of Oia, where white-washed buildings with blue rooftops cascade down the cliffside. It may be busy but it’s well-worth a visit nonetheless: wander through its picture-perfect cobblestone streets, explore the local boutiques, and enjoy a Mediterranean meal at one of the many restaurants, most with terraces overlooking the ocean. There are endless spots to choose from but we had a lovely meal at Roka, a traditional restaurant set a little outside of the madness of the centre.

EAT

Andronis Arcadia is home to two restaurants: Pacman and Beefbar Santorini. The first is an indoor-outdoor, boho-chic space open from morning until late at night, which offers one of the best sunset views on the island. It serves an impressive array of both Mediterranean and Japanese fare, with the menu spearheaded by chef Stefanos Kolimadis. 

Begin with Greek-inspired starters of grilled octopus topped with oregano, spicy feta cheese, and pita dipped in Santorinian fava beans. Next up: delve into the sushi menu, which includes an array of appetizers, rolls and ceviches. For mains, there’s spanakorizo (Greek risotto with spinach and fresh herbs), lobster with homemade linguine, slow cooked wagyu short rib, shrimp orzo and much more. Pair with wines from the extensive menu, which includes varieties from all over the world including many from Greece.

Breakfast is a la carte, and includes an eclectic selection of dishes ranging from poached eggs and avocado on toast to continental breakfasts and freshly made waffles, plus a range of juices and smoothies. Pacman is also a lovely spot for a pre-dinner drink: nab one of the floating pool decks and enjoy a sundowner – our top pick is the Golden Sunset cocktail, made with tequila, pomegranate cordial and edible gold. There’s often live music here too, which creates more of a party atmosphere.

Beefbar, meanwhile, is predominantly a steak restaurant: head here for premium cuts of beef alongside comfort dishes such as wagyu bolognese and cheeseburgers. For a more relaxed dining experience, you can also order salads, pizzas and nibbles from the pool bar.

THE FINAL WORD

Unsurprisingly, all this luxury comes at a cost: the island is notoriously expensive, and Andronis Arcadia is up there with its top hotels. But if you’re up for splashing out on a five-star Santorini experience, this is the place to do it. 

BOOK IT

Rooms from £560 per night. andronis.com