6 Best Hotels in The Cyclades, Greece

Brand-new in 2022, Cosme boasts a superior position overlooking Naousa with a private beach and a half-moon pool mimicking the bay in front. White painted stone pathways and clean Cycladic lines are complemented by rooms decorated in natural, earthy colors and custom furniture. At the highest point of the resort, Elios spa offers holistic treatments alongside an outdoor wellness and fitness center, while dining options include beachside Parostia, and a laid-back Mediterranean-inspired Vrosi. 

The family that runs this little resort is lucky to own such a valuable piece of property as Akti Aegeou, meaning "Aegean Coast," which is right on the uncrowded and pretty beach at Laouti. Many of the guest rooms come with sea-view balconies, marble floors, and traditional rag rugs. The good restaurant specializes in fresh fish. A fishing caïque is set up next to the saltwater pool, which looks out to Delos. Breakfast is served in the restaurant, but at an extra cost.

Peaceful views of Kolymbithres Bay are part of the experience at this graceful deluxe resort hotel, where green lawns, tall palm trees, subtropical gardens, and a private beach contribute to its superlative reputation. Guest rooms are elegant and spacious, with a mix of classic style and luxurious appointments. Gourmet dining is catered for at the Aeolos Asian restaurant, offering Sushi and Chinese delicacies, and the Poseidon, a lauded modern Greek taverna overlooking the deep blue Aegean. As you stroll through the vast gardens—note the historic Chapel of St. Nicholas, with Byzantine-era murals, carefully rebuilt on 12th-century foundations—the bustle of Paros is very far away indeed.

The Canaves Oia brand seems to open a new property every season, but this is the original development and still one of the best—a recent refurbishment has resulted in a collection of beautifully furnished suites, all done in crisp whites and handsome fabrics, enjoying uninterrupted caldera views and private pools in every room. While the sophisticated surroundings and setting in the center of Ia lend an international air, the owners and managers are a local family who ensure a very high standard of traditional island hospitality. The infinity pool with partially submerged loungers and private cabanas is great place to soak up those volcano views.  For the ultimate romantic meal book the Panorama Terrace—only one table and one seating per night.

On the lava slopes of Vourvoulos, Hyatt's first Greek island property is nestled amid vineyards and the complex is built from volcanic black stones and off-white cubes that mimic the traditional dwellings of Cycladic civilization. It is modern and striking with unobstructed views over the Aegean sea to Anafi. Rooms are big, decorated in a sophisticated, contemporary style and most have terraces with private pools. If you are looking for a different Santorini experience with privacy and peace away from the bustle of Fira and Oia, this intriguing new addition (opened 2022) may just be the ticket.

Part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, this deluxe black-lava outpost is a world unto itself, where villas have been built around a beautiful 17th-century winery. Village-like with low stone walls and winding paths, traditional architecture has been married to elegant and sophisticated interiors and all units have lovely outdoor spaces, some with private pools, and restful vineyard and sea views. Suites are spacious, while the villas are vast. The vaulted dining room is one of the prettiest on Santorini, and the wine cellar opposite where tastings are held is worth exploration.