1 Destination, 3 Ways: Santorini, Greece


When you close your eyes and imagine a quintessential Greek island, you might see the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean lapping quaint ports below rolling cliffs and white stucco houses. It would be a place of history and warm hospitality woven into every fiber, with exceptional traditional cuisine and distinctly local flavors. The island would feel at once untouched and decidedly modern. When you open your eyes and find yourself here, it’s no exaggeration to say that Santorini is exactly the charming Greek isle you have likely called to mind.

This volcanic isle rests in the Aegean sea with cinematic, sweeping ocean views, immaculate beaches, classic Greek architecture, and some of the finest epicurean discoveries you’ll find in the whole country. The magic of Santorini lies in its charisma; it’s a pleasure to spend hours getting lost wandering down tiny streets, sampling an olive or a tomato from a local vendor, or drifting cove to cove on a sun-bathed boat. There are many ways to experience the island where, from sunrise to sundown, each experience is a delight.

On The Water

There’s no better way to experience the destination than from the cradle of your own private catamaran during a sailing tour of the Caldera organized by Opens in a new windowMystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Let the captain be in charge of gathering fresh seafood straight from the surrounding ocean while you enjoy a sumptuous picnic infused with local touches and views of the setting sun.

Grilling fresh fish on the deck of the boat

Enjoying the afternoon sunshine

With Locals

A superb meal with locals is the ultimate way to taste sublime Greek seafood—an ideal solution for those who don’t have their sea legs. The concierge at Opens in a new windowVedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, recommends taking a cooking class with Petra Kouzina—a cooking school located within the lovely home of two long-time island residents. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner (that you yourself helped to make!) before wandering out into the streets for ice cream.

Inside Petra Kouzina

Cooking lessons hand-in-hand with locals and indigenous ingredients

Private Dining

The island is known for its unparalleled cuisine full of heart and soul. Let the concierge at Vedema arrange a private, curated dining experience at Opens in a new windowNafsika Estate, a secluded villa adjacent to the property with stunning views. Or, if you’re partial to experiencing the famed caves on this spectacular volcanic island, opt instead for a cozy dinner arranged by Mystique in a 150-year-old wine cave—truly one of the hotel’s best-kept secrets. Regardless of which view you choose, indulge in all that the island has to offer when it comes to seasonal produce, fish served fresh from the ocean and the warmth of genuine Greek hospitality.

Private dining experience inside a 150-year-old wine cave

The incredible sunset views from Nafsika Estate