If you’re going to splurge anywhere in the Cyclades, Santorini is probably the place. The views, the sunsets, the cliffside patios – it’s the stuff of postcards and Pinterest boards. We were wrapping up our Greek Island adventure with a quick 24-hour stop in Santorini, and decided to go all in for one night in Oia. It felt like the perfect way to end our trip on a high note. We booked a night at Oia Spirit Boutique Residences, and wow, did it deliver.

We didn’t want to spend the evening weaving through crowds trying to catch the sunset – we wanted to enjoy it from our own little perch, wine in hand, no chaos in sight. And this place was romantic, peaceful, and perfectly positioned in the heart of Oia. We stayed in their Exclusive Suite with Outdoor Plunge Pool and Caldera View, and it was exactly what we hoped for: a cozy, beautifully designed space with one of the best views on the island.

From the moment we checked in, we felt like we had our own private piece of Santorini, just steps from the action but somehow removed from all the noise.

Planning your own Greek island trip? Check out my complete Greece Travel Guide for island pairings, travel tips, and how to make the most of your time.

Looking to book it for yourself?
Snag our suite at Oia Spirit Boutique Here

Location

Oia Spirit is located right in the center of Oia, but it somehow manages to feel tucked away. You’re less than a minute from the Blue Domes and the cliffside promenade, and you can easily walk to all the restaurants, shops, and photo spots. It’s one of those places where you step outside and you’re instantly reminded you’re in one of the most iconic places in the world – whitewashed buildings stacked along the cliffs, bursts of bougainvillea, and the Aegean stretching out in every direction.

Despite the prime location, the property itself feels quiet and calm. You don’t hear much street noise or chatter from tourists. It’s kind of the best of both worlds: you’re in the middle of everything, but your room and patio feel like a peaceful retreat. You don’t need to plan much here – everything you could want to explore in Oia is just outside your door.

How to Get There

You’re most likely coming from a ferry into the south part of the island, but it’s possible to also fly directly into Santorini. If you arrive via ferry, it’s 1000% worth it to book a pickup with Oia Spirit – there are so many ferries coming in and out of the island, and only one way up and out of the port. You don’t want to be lost there, trust me. You can also arrange pickup directly from the airport, or grab a taxi for the short 20-min drive.

Santorini’s roads don’t go all the way into Oia, so you’ll be dropped off just at the edge of town. But don’t worry – Oia Spirit makes it super easy. Two of the staff members met us at the drop-off spot, helped carry our bags, and led us through the winding paths to the property. It was about a five-minute walk, but having someone there to guide us and handle the luggage made it stress-free. And, wow, it would been chaotic without them!

Once we got to the hotel, they gave us a quick tour of the suite and the rest of the property, including some of the shared pool areas and viewing terraces. It was a smooth check-in experience from start to finish, and they even had a complimentary bottle of dessert wine waiting for us in the room – such a nice touch after a long travel day. We popped it open later that night while watching the sunset from our patio, and it honestly made the moment feel even more special.

Oia Spirit Boutique Review

Ambiance & Vibe

Oia Spirit feels like the kind of place you book when you want a true Santorini moment – something quiet, romantic, and incredibly scenic. It’s minimalist in the best way, with clean lines and whitewashed walls that keep the focus on the caldera view. The vibe is intimate and boutique, perfect for couples or anyone looking to slow down and take it all in. Even though it’s in the center of town, it doesn’t feel overly touristy or commercial.

We only stayed one night, but it totally captured that dreamy, cliffside atmosphere that people fly halfway across the world to experience. There’s something about sitting in your own plunge pool, watching the sky change colors over the sea, and knowing that all the crowds are packed onto one tiny path to get the same view you already have. It was romantic, peaceful, and exactly the kind of recharge we needed before heading home.

The Room

We booked the Exclusive Suite with Outdoor Plunge Pool and Caldera View, which is one of their higher-end options. The room itself was definitely on the smaller side, but the layout was smart and made the most of the space. Plus we knew we would be outside on the patio the whole time! The design was modern but still had that traditional Cycladic cave feel – think white curved walls, built-in furniture, and soft lighting. Everything felt clean, cozy, and very thoughtfully put together.

The highlight, though, was 100% the outdoor space. Our private patio came with a plunge pool and panoramic caldera views. We spent most of our time out there, whether it was coffee in the morning or dessert wine at sunset. I actually couldn’t believe my eyes when we first walked out onto the patio. It was a real pinch me moment, and it immediately made the high price tag all worth it.

It’s worth noting that while the patio is private, you can see other terraces nearby, and some people walking by might glance over. Most were far enough away that it still felt peaceful and relaxed. That’s just the nature of having a patio in the area. You get the views, but it’s not completely private. But we truly didn’t mind.

Amenities & Experience

Outside of the room itself, the property includes a few shared areas with a cave pool and lounge seating. I actually couldn’t believe how close this space got us to the blue domes – you literally can almost touch them! It’s a must to go down and check out the area, get some photos and explore all the different view points of the iconic domes. And, if your room doesn’t have a pool, you can hang out in the big cave pool on one of the main levels.

Just note, to get to the shared space, you do have to walk through the streets of Oia. The entrance to the shared space is right next to a very popular photo spot, so you will have to make your way past the long line of tourists waiting for their perfect shot. Just be kind, and let them know you are staying at the property. Everyone was nice and made room for us to pass.

To be completely honest, at golden hour, it’s definitely a bit tough to get to the shared space. But, just behind the doors and the crowds, you’ll have a private access to the view those people are all waiting in line for – which make it so worth it!

What really made the experience memorable was how easy it was to enjoy Oia without any real plan. We grabbed gyros from a local spot down the street, Pitagyros, and picked up a bottle of wine from a shop around the corner (both recommendations from the staff), brought it back to the room, and just hung out on our terrace as the sun went down. No dinner reservations, no rushing – just simple, relaxed bliss with a killer view.

Another nice perk? Complimentary breakfast is included with your stay – and it’s served at a charming restaurant just across the street from the hotel. It’s not your standard buffet; it’s a sit-down spot where you can order off a set menu and enjoy your meal with a view. It was the perfect way to ease into our morning before checking out. We had coffee, eggs, pastries – the works – and loved that it felt more like a proper local meal than something you’d find in a big hotel chain. And, it was all delicious. Definitely a little detail that added to the overall experience.

Staff & Service

The service here was low-key but thoughtful. From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, helpful, and completely on top of things. They helped with our bags, walked us to the property, showed us around, and gave us suggestions for food and drinks nearby. We also messaged them a couple times during the stay and got quick responses, which made everything super convenient.

What we really appreciated was how personalized the service felt – like they actually cared about making your short stay special. That little bottle of dessert wine was such a sweet gesture, and their gyro recommendation ended up being one of our favorite casual meals of the whole trip. For a one-night stay, it felt like they went above and beyond.

Pricing

This place definitely falls into the “treat yourself” category. Our suite was around €600 for the night, depending on season, but honestly, we felt like it was worth it. If you’re only doing Santorini for a day or two and want a front-row seat to everything that makes the island famous, it’s hard to beat this experience. You’re paying for the view, the location, and the ease of it all – and that’s exactly what we got.

There are plenty of budget-friendly stays in Santorini, but if you’re going to do one splurge night, this is a really solid option. We didn’t want to waste our time chasing sunset spots or dealing with the crowds. This let us have the moment without the chaos, and we’d 100% do it again.

What’s Nearby

Oia is one of those places where everything feels walkable – and staying at Oia Spirit Boutique Residences makes it even easier. The moment we stepped outside, we were surrounded by spots we’d pinned ahead of time: cliffside photo ops, cute cafés, and scenic overlooks were all just a few minutes away. That’s the magic of this location – you don’t have to plan around transportation or crowds. You’re already in the heart of it all.

We kept things casual during our stay, grabbing takeout gyros and wine to enjoy on our patio. But if we’d had more time, we definitely would’ve explored some of the nearby cliffside restaurants for a sunset dinner. The best part is that you really don’t have to go far. Everything from shops and bakeries to iconic viewpoints and seafood tavernas is just steps away..

Here are a few of the top spots nearby – and what to expect from each:

Sightseeing

Nikolaou Nomikou Street – Literally steps from your door
This is Oia’s main pedestrian pathway and where you’ll find all the action. It’s lined with boutique shops, handmade jewelry stands, small art galleries, cute cafés, and wine bars. You’ll probably walk it a dozen times during your stay without even trying. It’s also where you’ll find essentials like ATMs, mini markets, and bakeries tucked between the souvenir shops.
Oia Castle – About a 3 – 5 minute walk
This is one of the most popular sunset viewing spots on the island. During golden hour, crowds pack in early for a chance to see the sun dip behind the caldera. While we opted for the peace of our own patio (which had just as good a view, honestly), we still recommend walking over at some point to check it out. The walk there is scenic, with plenty of stops for photos along the way.

Food & Drinks

Ammoudi Bay – About a 15 minute walk down the cliff path
If you’re up for a bit of a climb (down and back up), Ammoudi Bay is totally worth it. This little port area at the base of the cliffs is home to some of Oia’s best seafood restaurants, plus a tucked-away swimming spot if you want to cool off. The path down is steep and involves a lot of stairs, so wear comfy shoes – but the views along the way are stunning, and the experience feels like a mini adventure. Catch the shuttle on the way back to avoid climbing back up the hill!
Pitagyros – Roughly 2 minutes away
This local gyro spot came highly recommended by the staff, and it didn’t disappoint. Perfect for a casual lunch or late-night bite, their gyros are fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly. We grabbed ours to-go and brought them back to the room to enjoy on the terrace.
Hassapiko Bar – 3-minute walk
A cozy cocktail bar with an effortlessly cool vibe. Inside feels like a moody speakeasy, and outside turns into a little gathering space sprawled out on the tables & doorsteps. Great drinks & great energy.

Whether you’re popping out for a photo op, grabbing dinner, or just taking a stroll, you’re never more than a few minutes from anything. It’s part of what makes this location so ideal – you get the charm of staying in a traditional cave-style hotel without sacrificing any convenience.

Things to Know

One thing to keep in mind: the patio, while gorgeous, isn’t totally private. Because of the way Oia is built, other guests or people walking by might be able to see you from a distance. It wasn’t a big deal for us – we still felt like we had our own space – but it’s something to be aware of if privacy is super important to you.

Also, like most places in Oia, there are stairs. Lots of them. The hotel will help with your bags, but it’s still a bit of a climb, so pack light and wear comfy shoes.

The room is best suited for couples (it’s cozy), though I could also see it working for a solo traveler or a small group of close friends looking for something romantic and special.

Would We Stay Again?

Absolutely. For us, this was the perfect one-night splurge to end our Greek island trip. It had everything we wanted: a beautiful room, a killer view, helpful staff, and a location that made everything effortless. If you’re looking for a romantic escape or just want to treat yourself to that bucket-list Santorini experience, this is the place.

We left feeling like we really did Santorini – no regrets, no stress, just that magic view burned into our memory. Would we stay longer next time? Probably. But even one night at Oia Spirit Boutique Residences felt like enough to make a lasting impression.