Santorini's unique boutique cave hotel

Sugar cube buildings peer down at the deep blue Aegean from Santorini  (Courtesy: GreekTours.com)

SANTORINI, GREECE — Ever hear the expression "have you been living in a cave?" Well, now you can on the Greek island of Santorini and, rest assured, it will be the most luxurious "cave" you ever visited.

Some travelers say that arriving at Santorini by boat looks like snow-capped peaks from a distance. Others describe the Greek island as having "sugar cube" buildings nestled high above the deep blue Aegean Sea. Still others think Santorini looks like an open-air salt mine.

Looking into the caldera from Iconic Santini
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

All are accurate descriptions to describe the unique setting that is one of Greece's most popular destinations.

But if Santorini is unique, Iconic Santorini, is even "uniquer."

"Uniquer" may not be a real word (until now), but the ambiance of Santorini's boutique cave hotel deserves such an unusual description because it, like its island home, is one of a kind. And that's what makes it "uniquer."

Bold uncluttered Greek styling
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

Santorini is a fabled island destination that has been linked with the Lost City of Atlantis and other Greek legends for centuries.

As Dimitra of Iconic Santorini's reception team says, the idea behind the hotel is "to explore one of the world's most extraordinary destinations. There are so many diversions beyond its antiquities, beyond its centuries-old vineyards and our guests always seem surprised that there are so many ways to see them -- by wave-runner, sea kayak, helicopter, even by donkey.”

Stairway to paradise  (Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

What better way to begin a "once upon a time" journey than by staying in a deluxe setting atop the caldera of a legendary volcano?

With 360-degree panoramic vistas, Iconic Santorini is so special, it is oftentimes difficult to rouse guests from their personal balconies or the sun drenched terraces to get them to explore the island. Now that's "uniquer."

The definition of picturesque
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

Perched 1,000 feet above the deep blue Aegean waters of the caldera, 19 individually appointed cliffside cave homes with stone ceilings and local decor peer out from pure white buildings that make sunglasses necessary to take it all in.

Just because the residences are set within caves doesn't mean "roughing it" by any means. Not with flat-screen televisions, dedicated wi-fi, JBL sound systems, all-natural Coco-mat bedding and, naturally, air conditioning included in each and every "personalized" accommodation.

Dining high above the deep blue of the Aegean
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

For those who can be lured from their luxurious surroundings to explore Santorini's numerous attractions, there are at least a half dozen outings to entice visitors who share a sense of adventure and wanderlust.

Why not try SCUBA diving in tucked-away caves, one of which even boasts of a secret church?

Hiking is a favorite activity on the rim of the crater. With an ancient well-marked pathway connecting the villages of Fira and Oia, travelers can get their exercise fix with unforgettable views to guide them.

Don't forget the pistachios
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

By the way, don't forget to stop for some pistachio nuts along the way. Santorini may just have the best in the world.

Adventurous visitors who are exercise-challenged can opt for a helicopter tour over centuries-old vineyards and Santorini's distinctive white "sugar cube" villages.

Sea kayaks or stand-up paddleboards are another way to view the ancient volcanic cliffs. Have your camera ready on this outing because you will most assuredly witness cliff jumpers participating in a another of the island's favorite activities.

Outdoor pool
  (Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

Try powerboating to Nea Kameni, one of the caldera's islets. The popular thing here is a beach picnic preceded or followed by a dip in volcanic hot springs.

Rounding out the six insider tips, is a stop at a traditional Santorini vineyard to sample the island's distinctive Assyrtiko wines.

That's just a half dozen ways to begin. Shopping has long been an island favorite along with numerous sports shacks, parasailing, balloon outings, horseback riding, donkey tours, snorkeling and SCUBA diving to add to the choices.

Enjoy the "suite life" at the edge of a cliff
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

One of the rapidly growing trends in travel is hotels that are conveniently scattered throughout a destination without being located in a single high rise building. Iconic Santorini is taking that idea one step further and the result has been a new sense of freedom and independence for travelers.

With so much to offer, it is no wonder that Iconic Santorini has earned the World Travel Award as "Greece's Leading Boutique Hotel" for four years in a row.

Day's end with promises of a great new tomorrow
(Courtesy: Iconic Santorini)

In addition, TripAdvisor has also honored Iconic Santorini with its "Traveller's Choice Award" for 2018.

For more information contact Martha Morano  (212-860-5566)

Let yourself go. "Cave in" to Iconic Santorini and its "unique boutique" which is otherwise simply described as "uniquer."