Review: Sandblu Santorini hotel review

Why book Sandblu?

A serene hideaway just half an hour from the hustle and bustle of Santorini’s principal towns of Oia and Fira, Sandblu offers contemporary luxury and comfort whilst being close enough to the action.

Set the scene

Carved into the bottom of the Mesa Vouno mountain, famous for its Ancient Thira ruins, the resort combines a tumble of white buildings and stone villas that blend into the rocks of the surrounding hills. Modern and minimalist, the reception, large main infinity pool, rooms, spa, two restaurants, boutique, wine bar, bakery and children’s club are set across different levels of the hillside - all with impressive sea views. Staff in elegant sand-coloured linen uniforms and the hotel’s logo-embellished earrings float around, keen to ensure their well-heeled guests are looked after.

The backstory

Privately owned Sandblu opened in 2024, just two years after building began and it embraces a personal and authentic, craftsman-like vibe. The emphasis is on guest relations, with everyone from the concierge to the waiters on hand to help guests experience the island like locals.

The rooms

The property features 51 rooms, suites and villas, all with impressive views of the ocean and the sunrise, should you be an early bird. Villas boast separate bedrooms and living rooms with direct access to a generous private pool. White marble floors, wooden handcrafted furniture by Morelato and neutral soft furnishings with intricate lighting by Atelier Alain Ellouz compliment the clean lines of the cave-like shelves carved into the walls. Solar-panelled lanterns and neutral outdoor sofas give the terrace an Ibiza-esque feel, making it an ideal spot for post-dinner stargazing. Toiletries are by Espa, and the impressive mini bar stocks everything from Belvedere vodka to delicious Greek truffle crips and 111SKIN face masks, which are placed on your pillow during turn-down service.

Food and drink

Breakfast is offered a la carte or buffet style at Platea, with freshly baked bagels, dried figs, cold meats, locally sourced honey, jam, and yoghurt aplenty. Elsewhere, chef Theo serves his grandmother’s tiganites - Greek-style pancakes filled with honey and cheese - taramosalata and fava spreads, and tomato fritters and frothy Freddo cappuccinos. One tier lower is Apnea, the al fresco poolside spot serving everything from starters like seaweed marinated tuna tataki to modern Greek dishes such as white Santorini eggplant and fresh seafood. There is a farm-to-table approach here, with supplies coming from Santorini and the nearby islands.

The spa

Aurora Spa offers signature treatments, including a second-to-none deep tissue massage by head masseuse Niko, who coaxes even the most stubborn knots out of the most rigid backs. There’s also a sauna and relaxation area, as well as a temperature-controlled indoor pool that overlooks the sea. Products are all 111SKIN and ESPA.

The area

Sitting on the edge of the small resort village of Kamari on the island's East coast, the immediate area offers up a pleasantly quiet black pebble beach frequented by locals and the odd European tourists. The open-air cinema, a small selection of seaside shops, restaurants and taverns on the promenade are all within comfortable walking distance - though transfers are a welcome option on hot days. Adventurous visitors can hike to the top of the Mesa Vouno mountain to see the preserved Ancient Thira site and Roman baths by the main square. The airport is just half an hour’s drive away.

The service

The service is impeccable, with an army of staff on hand to tend to your every whim. The resort offers a carefully curated menu of excursions, including historical hikes, horse riding on the beach and wine tasting at the island’s oldest winery. Even a transfer to Thira is handled like a military operation, with security radioing down to reception on your approach to ensure the car is ready for you. The team is seamless, and everyone from Leonidas, the hotel’s General Manager, to one of the 24-hour drivers, Demetri, will make you feel like a VIP - making the return to normal life a tough reality check.

For families

Bala Kids Club is suitable for children aged between 4 and 12 and is home to stylish toys and wooden slides by Danish designer Flexa. Parents can book kids in for the swimming classes and arts and crafts on offer, too. Evening babysitting services are also available for parents wanting to sample Santorini’s nightlife without an early curfew.

Eco effort

The island of Santorini doesn’t have a natural water source, and the hotel uses a cutting-edge greywater system that recycles water from sinks and showers for irrigation. Elsewhere, green ‘living’ roofs provide insulation and lower energy costs, while the hotel vehicles operate on hybrid and electric power. Food is sourced locally and from the surrounding islands, with minimal plastic use.

Accessibility

Sandblu has three dedicated premium sea-view rooms for guests with mobility needs. All rooms, bar two villas, have accessible WCs.The reception, spa, changing rooms, pool and kids’ club are also wheelchair-friendly.

Anything left to mention?

Settle in for an evening on the terrace to count the shooting stars in the island’s nightly display.