Katikies Chromata Santorini

A hip clifftop resort in the quiet Imerovigli, Katikies Chromata Santorini effortlessly blends a sense of glamour and luxury with an exclusive style inspired by the local Santorini design vernacular, redefining the style and elegance of the Cyclades.

Chromata means “colors” in Greek, but it’s a tongue-in-cheek name for the Katikies Chromata Santorini, because—other than the white-edged, dove gray steps—everything here is white, from the exteriors to the rooms, which sport white walls, mottled white tile floors, white furnishings, white fixtures, and fittings

Greek-Island Feel

The only injections of color come from the swish throws slung over each bed, and the flash of blue from the small infinity pool, hanging over the cliff edge 1,150 feet above the Aegean Sea.

The all-white design decision makes a lot of sense. First, it blends Chromata with the zen cool of its sister property, Katikies (20 minutes away, in Oia). Second, by visually decluttering the hotel, Chromata designers put the focus on spectacular views of the Santorini caldera. And, finally, the hotel now has that quintessential Greek island feel.

Guest Accommodation

Chromata Santorini’s twenty-six sea view rooms and suites organically cascade down the cliff, all enjoying amazing caldera views.

Despite the tiled floors and bleached surroundings, rooms are exceptionally cozy, with organically curved ceilings, and the style of interiors embodies luxury and Santorini romance.

Bathrooms are very large, especially for Santorini standards. They continue the cave theme with alcoves, arches and walk-in showers modeled to look like they’ve been sculpted from huge boulders. Many rooms also have Jacuzzis—some indoors, some outdoors.

The hotel also features an extraordinary villa, called San Nicholas Cave House. Originally a private home, with a history reaching as far as the Venetian era, it is a luxurious accommodation built on two levels, each with a balcony, two bedrooms, and four bathrooms.

The villa can be booked separately. Book San Nicholas Cave House Villa on MrandMrsSmith.com.

The views

Each room comes with a terrace, on which breakfast is served each morning — and, of course, amazing views over the ancient Santorini caldera.

In fact, the Chromata Hotel enjoys one of the best positions on Santorini, with the entire croissant-shaped caldera below, from the ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotiri in the south to the sparkling Oia in the north.

Five-star service

From the outside, Chromata might seem like another Santorini hotel, but the welcome drink quickly signals it’s something more. Service is excellent: the white-clad staff never lose their sunny smiles, and guests get a phone pre-programmed with the hotel’s number for instant concierge help anywhere on the island. There’s also twice-daily housekeeping and a dedicated travel desk.

Text with minor contributions from Julia Buckley

in our opinion

Katikies Chromata Santorini is cut above a standard Greek island hotel, with dinky white cave houses spilling down the cliff edge, impeccably maintained public areas, cozy rooms, and huge bathrooms. Add an excellent restaurant and impeccable service, and you have something truly special.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• Glamorous, contemporary design and ultra-modern facilities, and quiet, private vibe
• All rooms are very stylish and lavishly furnished, each with private verandas — and sea views
• The top accommodation choice here is the San Nicholas Cave House, with a bedroom on the higher level with an en suite and a master bedroom in the main part with two bathrooms, one of which is equipped with an indoor heated Jacuzzi. The villa can be booked separately—follow this link to book San Nicholas Cave House Villa
• Incredible views of the caldera. Chromata exploits its clifftop perch with a dramatic infinity-edge pool
• Delicious, delivered-to-your-terrace Champagne breakfast, with spinach pies and yogurt and honey
• Great service from friendly staff
• Free cell-phone to call the hotel from all over the island
• The poolside Lounge Restaurant is a great spot for lunch, but the real draw here is the Chromata Gourmet Restaurant. Reservations are essential, as there are only four tables, but it’s well worth the wait

What you should know

• Chromata’s cliffside situation means that for safety reasons, families with children under thirteen will have to look elsewhere
• The Gourmet Restaurant is tiny, with almost-too-small chairs to match
• There's a spa that offers massages and other treatments with an indoor heated Jacuzzi and a hammam room
• There are a lot of stairs here – going anywhere on or off the property involves climbing
• Imerovigli is tiny – there’s little to do or see in the village itself, though it’s a five-minute drive or 25-minute cliffside walk to Fira
• The infinity pool is beautiful but very small
• Katikies Chromata Santorini is open seasonally, April through September