The Suites
Each of the 37 suites has its own pool or hot tub facing the Aegean. Built from local stone and linked by narrow paths lined with pungent lavender and rosemary, they feel peaceful and private. Inside, the look is pared back, with tiled floors, king-size beds and wide glass doors that frame the sea like a painting. Book one of the bigger suites and you’ll get a deep stone bath by the window, which is the perfect spot for a glass of wine and a long soak as the sun goes down.

Dining
The main restaurant, Ālme, takes its name from the Greek word for brine, and the menu leans heavily on seafood brought in each day by the fishing boats in the bay below. We spent our first evening here enjoying Aegean dishes such as chargrilled octopus on a silky yellow split-pea purée with caper berries and caramelised tomatoes.

Breakfast turned out to be a highlight of the trip. The eggs were cooked in local olive oil yet never tasted greasy, and there was a spread of Greek yogurts, honey, fruit, beautifully presented traditional cakes that were almost too good to eat, and great coffee.

For a livelier dinner, head to Alios Ilios at Santo Pure, a sociable spot for Greek comfort food. Once a week it hosts a barbecue night, and we shared a generous platter of chargrilled steak, lamb, loukaniko sausages and chicken, with warm pitta and tzatziki on the side.

Cocktails such as the Amvrosia (ouzo, Aperol, kumquat, basil and sparkling wine) are the perfect pick to start the evening. There is also an extensive wine list backed by the hotel’s own cellar, so be sure to try the island’s signature Assyrtiko.

Spa & Wellness
Pnoē Spa has a sauna, a hammam and three candlelit treatment rooms, including one for couples, where therapists use the Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone. If working out is on the agenda, head to the breezy outdoor gym, which looks straight out to sea, or roll out a mat on the open-air yoga deck.

The Proposal Spot
If you’re planning to pop the question – Santo Collection runs a private space nearby called the 360° Spot, set on a quiet lookout in Oia with clear views across the caldera and no crowds. Soaking in that view without a single tourist in it is quite something. An hour costs €1450 and gets you the space to yourselves, a bottle of champagne and a photographer to capture the moment. Up to five guests can join, and you can add flower arches, live music, candlelit paths and fireworks for an extra special touch.

Beyond the resort 

It’s tempting to stay put and guests can even use the pools at sister hotel Santo Pure for a change of scene. Oia’s striking blue domes are a short stroll away and worth a visit – just go early before the day-trippers arrive. For a cheap and cheerful meal, grab a gyro at Pitogyros, then wander over to family-run Lolita’s for a scoop of gelato. We recommend walking down to Ammoudi Bay, a quaint fishing harbour at the foot of Oia’s cliffs for a seafood lunch as one of the tavernas. For something quieter, book the hotel’s half-day trip to Thirassia, a tiny island just across the bay that locals joke is Santorini as it was 50 years ago.

Santo Mine Oia, Suites start from £345.
www.santocollection.gr