Why go?
Quite apart from anything else (we'll come to the stunning interiors, unbeatable sunsets and food later), the location of the newly opened Andronis Arcodia is everything. Just a half hour from the airport, it is a little slice of calmness a five-minute walk away from the picture perfect town of Oia. Explore the bustling clifftop streets and take in the traditional whitewashed buildings, tavernas and shops selling local crafts, then head back to the hotel to experience the famous sunsets from the peace of your terrace, it'll be much less crowded.
The vibe
The hotel is luxurious, and offers a modern and minimalist take on traditional Greek villages. Basically, every corner is Instagram gold. The exteriors are all terracotta and white plaster walls that calm the mind, with rock gardens filled with sea glass, cacti and succulents.
In the two restaurants, you'll experience a chilled beach club vibe, where you can sip cocktails under the crochet parasols by the infinity pool, which is the longest on the island. The entire hotel, be it the rooms, spa or restaurant, is west-facing, so that wherever you are, you don't miss out on the sunsets the island is known for.
The rooms
As with the outside decor, the bedrooms have been well thought out. Clean white walls blend in tastefully with wooden furniture and rugs and art in neutral shades of beige and cream. The bathrooms are equally paired-back yet luxurious, in caramel tones with dark marble double sinks and a rainwater shower. The natural local toiletries are a welcome addition.
Each room has its own private pool and terrace for you to enjoy the sunset from, so it'll honestly be a drag to tear yourself away from it.
The food
If you thought the interiors were great, then just WAIT until you try the food. For a special occasion, head straight to Opson Restaurant, which offers a dining experience unlike anything you'll have tried before. Head chef Stefanos Kolimadis, in consultation with a classical scholar, has created a tasting menu based on the dishes enjoyed by philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato and Omiros, with a modern twist (a running theme).
The tasting menus include such dishes as Poseidon’s Trident (a fish trio highlighting ancient Aegean food preservation techniques with smoked), Fresh White almond soup with sea urchin, grapes, mint & flowers, and Sunset of Santorini (marinated egg yolk rests in the middle of sweet peas & surrounded by a light sauce with morel mushrooms). You'll be coming back for more.
Pacman restaurant has a slightly less formal atmosphere and is great for more traditional Greek dishes, as well as an extensive food menu.
If you feel like a stroll, then head to Oia and walk all the way down to sister hotel Andronis Luxury Suites's restaurant, Lycabettus (just don't think of all those steps on the way back up). It overlooks the Aegan Sea so offers another perspective of the aforementioned sunset, and the elegant food is another elegant take on local cuisine.
While you're there
If you're sick of all the sightseeing, then you'll be pleased to hear the hotel's spa is there to relax you into oblivion. The signature treatment is the water path, which involves a deep lymph-drainage massage, an application of cold cold bandages with curative property, walks in the Kneipp pool (hot and cold) and natural foot reflexology, finished off with a special herbal tea.
How to book
Arcadia Andronis rooms start at 660euros per night. Book here.
