When Santorini’s whitewashed, blue-domed vistas start to feel repetitive (the definition of a first-world problem), Adronis Concept Wellness Resort is the remedy.
16 September, 2021
With an ochre-hued structure that resembles the galactic mounds in Tatooine desert (Star Wars fans, take note), Adronis Concept is uniquely positioned to take in both sides of the island. The sleek main pool (the longest on the island) looks out over the rocky landscape, while the suites offer views of the caldera towards Oia.
Natural colours, judicious use of stone and a lush vegetable garden and vineyard create a vibe that is worlds away from the island's crowded hotspots. Serenity is the name of the game here. It's a wellness resort after all, but with a holistic approach - you might do a bit of yoga but no one is going to enforce bootcamp-style 7am starts or juice diets.
All 29 suites are positioned to take in Santorini's famed sunsets and caldera views, and perhaps most importantly, each comes with its own private pool. Decor is clean and modern, and the memory-foam beds are a nice touch. Showers are kitted out with full-size, refillable toiletries - a refreshing change from plastic miniatures. Order from the pillow menu - the attentive staff are perfectly happy (or pretend to be) if you want to try a different one each night.
Take it on your private terrace. The menu has both healthy and indulgent options and plenty of choice for vegetarians.
Throubi is contemporary with nods to Greek tradition, and seasonal produce from the garden is at the heart of the menu. The crab gazpacho, beef tartare, and scallops in kefir milk were standout dishes, and the staff were friendly and professional. The sweeping views are a real draw, attracting diners from around the island.
The room-service menu is packed with local wine and fantastic cocktails, but we say go louche with a glass of champagne on the Throubi terrace before dinner instead.
The Kallos Spa is the crown jewel of the resort. Begin in the pebbled hammam area and then choose from an extensive treatments menu whose focus is on inner wellness, sleep and natural healing. For those who are really going for it, there's a hair-profiling treatment where your follicles are analysed and translated into a set of health recommendations.
A few minutes' walk uphill is the small village of Imerovigli, with its smattering of bars, restaurants and shops. If you're in the market for a proper hike, the path at the front of the hotel leads all the way to neighbouring Oia. The trip will take around an hour-and-a-half.
This is one of the few caldera-view hotels that is family-friendly. But you won't get a bottle of wine for less than €100 euros.
