The hotel

Canaves Oia is a unique and world-famous hotel group located in Santorini, Greece. It consist out of several luxurious boutique resorts and offers accommodation, service and gastronomy of the highest standards. Santorini is one of the most spectacular islands in Greece – if not Europe – and is located about a 45 minutes flight from the country’s capital Athens. There are also many direct flights from all over the world to this wonderful island, famous for its white houses and blue chapels, perched dramatically on the island’s cliffs. The island got its unique shape because of volcanic eruptions, which created a large crater or caldera in Greek. The breath-taking natural landscape combined with the picturesque, white and blue coloured towns, set on the cliffs above the ocean, made Santorini famous as one of the most romantic destinations in Europe.

The Canaves property was founded in 1985, when the Chaidemenos family transformed two 17th-century caves, formally used to store wine, into luxurious hotel rooms. Expansion of the hotel followed rapidly and the two rooms became eighteen in just a matter of time. Canaves Oia Hotel quickly gained a reputation and became an iconic destination for couples seeking for the ultimate romantic getaway. The second hotel, Canaves Oia Suites, opened its doors in 1995. For more information about the beautiful Canaves Oia Suites,please consult our separate review. In 2017, a third property, Canaves Oia Sunday Suites, followed.

In 2018, the fourth Canaves Oia property was opened: Epitome by Canaves Oia. This remarkable hotel is located near the picturesque fishing village of Ammoudi. The hotel lies within walking distance from Oia centre and offers views over Ammoudi Bay to Therissa. The star views at this property, however, are the frontal views on the mesmerising sunset. Epitome even is the only property on the island that offers both sea and sunset views from every room. The hotel enjoys a secluded location, making it ideal for those that seek romance, luxury and tranquillity. The ambiance and design at Epitome by Canaves Oia is somewhat different from the other Canaves properties as well. At Epitome, an elegant and bohemian design prevails, combined with a natural Mediterranean atmosphere.

Suites and Villas

The suites and villas at Epitome by Canaves Oia are luxurious, very spacious and all offer mesmerizing views on the famous Santorini sunset. In the rooms, natural wood is combined with white and beige colours, natural bricks and Cycladic rendered walls. The bathrooms are modern and form a nice contract against the natural elements. All of the suites and villas offer indoor as well as outdoor areas. Guests have the choice between several options:

• The Deluxe Suite offers 45 square meters of space, an outdoor terrace with heated private plunge pool, a spacious living room and a bedroom with King Size bed. The bathroom features a big rain shower and double wash basins.The honeymoon suite ( 45 square meters) adds more romance and baths in natural light. The suite offers a private balcony with heated plunge pool and stunning views on the Aegean Sea and Thirasia island.
• The one bedroom pool villa also measure 45 square meters with a spacious living room, bedroom with a King Size bed, a bathroom with rain shower and double wash basins. Ron the outdoor private terrace there’s an open air heated pool and dining area.
• The two bedroom pool villa measure 90 square meters and features two spacious living rooms, a Master bedroom with King Size bed and en-suite bathroom with rain shower, and a second bedroom with King or twin beds, with separate bathroom with rain shower and a separate bathtub. There’s also an outdoor area with heated pool, outdoor shower and sitting areas.
• The Aqua retreat two bedroom pool villa is one of the most unique villas on the island of Santorini. It offers 100 square meters of space on two different levels. Two spacious living rooms, a Master bedroom with King Size bed and bathroom with rain shower, a second bedroom with King or twin beds with bathroom with rain shower and a separate bathtub. There’s a big heated pool, too, and several outdoor areas for lounging and dining. The most remarkable feature of the Aqua Retreat Villa is a unique see-through glass wall pool view from the lower level’s bedroom.The Epitome pool villa offers 55 square meters of space, with a Bedroom with King Size bed and separate spacious living room, as well as an en-suite bathroom with rain shower. Outdoor there is a spacious private veranda around the heated swimming pool, with fire pit. Definitely one of the most luxurious suites on the island of Santorini!

Hotel assets

Canaves Oia Epitome features a beautiful infinity main pool that is already known as one of the best spots for a mesmerising sunset. Enjoy it with one of the hotel’s excellent cocktails to start your night. Around the pool there is also the breakfast restaurant, the sunset lounge bar, and the sun terrace.

The property features a small spa with a treatment room for massages and facials. All treatments are also available in the privacy of the own suite and villa. There is a gym and yoga studio to sooth body and mind as well. Service at Canaves Oia Epitome is five star plus and every staff member will make you feel as a royalty.

Aqua Retreat 2 Bedroom Pool Villa – Interior

Aqua Retreat 2 Bedroom Pool Villa – Exterior

Aqua Retreat 2 Bedroom Pool Villa – See Through Bedroom Window

Gastronomy

Your Canaves Oia Epitome gastronomic experience already starts upon arrival with tasty welcome snacks and chocolates. Top it with 1 or more of Yiannis’ delicious signature cocktails or a glass of Santorini wine on the main pool terrace and you know your holiday will be unforgettable.

Champagne Breakfasts can be enjoyed poolside as well at the outdoor or indoor seating area. In-suite or in-villa breakfasts are possible as well – also topped with a complimentary glass of bubbly! In room dining (lunch and dinner) offers an extensive menu with international, Greek and more fine-dining inspired dishes.

The Elements fine dining restaurant is the cherry on the cakes and offers fine dining from the highest level. Executive Chef Tasos Stefatos gained experience in some of Greece’s most famous restaurants and presents a sophisticated and creative menu to its guests. For more information about Elements, please consult our separate article.

Champagne Breakfasts

Restaurant Elements

Why Go?

Canaves Oia Epitome is one of the newest and most remarkable properties on the romantic island of Santorini in Greece. The boutique hotel offers spacious suites and villas in a Bohemian, Mediterranean style, all with luxurious indoor and outdoor areas with private (plunge) pools. Canaves Oia Epitome is one of the only properties that offers frontal sunset views from each room and hotel area. It is a hotspot for gourmet lovers as well. At Elements restaurant, Chef Tasos Stefatos offers international fine dining from the highest level. All topped with stunning views, this is an excellent property – plain and simple!

Written by Sven