Hotel to Heart: Kapari Natural Resort on Santorini

 

Santorini has always been in my top 10 of travel destinations. After visiting Mykonos, my desire to visit the most famous Greek island only grew more. Last month, my dream came true. My trip to Santorini was one of my most memorable holidays; not only because of the heavenly infinite blues of the sea and pastel and white washed houses that are ingrained in my memory, but also because of the incomparable luxury experience I was treated to at the Kapari Natural Resort. A stay at the Kapari Natural Resort truly guarantees non-stop relaxation.

A piece of heaven on earth

The Kapari Natural Resort is an intimate 5 star retreat situated in a 300 year old, recently restored, complex of traditional dwellings and houses, typical of the island’s unique architecture. Perching on top of the rocks of the friendly town Imerovigli, the 14 rooms and suites all offer breathtaking views of the caldera and an unparalleled panoramic view of the blue sun-kissed waters of the Aegean sea. The hotel has a minimalist interior design so that you can instantly clear your mind and focus on what you are really there for: rest and relaxation. Everything is white, or in natural hues that blend in with the surroundings and enhance the vibrant blues of the sea and sky. There is a small infinity plunge pool surrounded by comfortable loungers where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the marvelous view on the volcano as well as in- and outbound cruise ships that have nearby town Fira as their port.

Top Location

The Kapari Natural Resort is literally situated on a top location: Imerovigli is the highest point on the island. Imerovigli is a perfect hub to nearby Oia, famed for its sunsets and architecture. It’ll only take you 20 minutes by car or bus, or a 90 minutes scenic hike along the coastline for the sporty people at heart. A 20-minute scenic walk south of the hotel, you’ll find two other popular villages: Fira and Firastefanie, which are less crowded than Oia, but just as much fun. You’ll find numerous tourist shops and friendly restaurants here. However, don’t skimp on a dinner at the Kapari Wine Restaurant at least once, as it is the best restaurant in the area and enables you to enjoy the stunning sunset just as well, maybe even better, than in Oia.

To visit the popular beaches in the south and southeast, you will need a rental car. (We were extremely satisfied with sunny cars rental who are cheap, quick and easy).

True Personalized Services

But what makes the Kapari Natural Resort really unique, besides their top location, is their level and quality of service. All staff members are highly dedicated to making your stay a memorable one. They have a special skill to identify and recognize the different characters, personalities, profiles and desires of each and every guest, and engage and approach you accordingly. They remember your name, your preferences, how you like your coffee in the morning, your favourite tea blend, and all your habitual tendencies, and they instantly adapt to it. It’s like having a team of butlers or personal assistants to wait on you hand and foot.

Sleeping in a cave really rocks!

During our stay at the Kapari Natural Resort, we stayed in a suite (room 202) with a magical view on the caldera, direct access to the shared plunge pool, and with an indoor private jacuzzi. Built in an all white cave-like space, the suite comprises of a small kitchen, a lounge area with a comfortable sofa and with custom built fireplace, a large bedroom with a king-size bed, and a expansive bathroom with walk-in rain shower and separate jacuzzi.  The use of natural elements such as wood, stone and screeds upholds the centuries’ old traditional character of the building, while state-of-the-art technology like the touchscreen and automated controls for the lighting and climate control are up to 21st century standards.

The Food & Drinks

The Kapari Natural Resort is also a gastronomic experience. On arrival we were welcomed with the typical local treasure; the Santorini wine Vinsanto. Santorini Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine made from grapes dried in the sun after harvest. Once we settled in our suite and slipped on our bathing suits, we were welcomed with fresh fruits and a bottle of yet another perfect local wine. Besides their excellent wine list, they also make delicious cocktails and mocktails to sip at the poolside.

Laidback lunch

Their lunch menu features delicious salads, wraps, and sandwiches that you can enjoy on their lovely terrace overlooking the sea with eclectic, soft lounge music in the background. There’s a wide collection of coffees, refreshing fruit juices, and other beverages.

Breakfasts to look forward to

What we enjoyed most, was breakfast. Served inside and outside on the terrace you can opt for the buffet with daily different homemade and freshly baked pastries, pies, and typical Greek foods. There is so much to choose from and the coffee is excellent! Each morning you are awaited with a basket of freshly baked buns, croissants and pains du chocolat. And then there’s the à la carte menu with different styles of eggs, and an assortment of different style pancakes and crêpes. Breakfast at the Kapari restaurant is something to look forward to.

Sunset dinners

In the evening the Kapari Wine restaurant guarantees an evening to cherish. Whether you sit outside on the terrace for a sunset dinner, or inside in the intimate and cozy restaurant, you will be amazed by the superb Mediterranean/Greek dishes and the extraordinary local wines. Read my review of the Kapari Wine restaurant here. Expect mouth-watering flavours of the Mediterranean, based on homemade recipes, using traditional ingredients of Santorini.

The Kapari Natural Resort is a tranquil haven that will make you feel rejuvenated and pampered. It’s the ultimate escape to refuel and de-stress, a supreme honeymoon retreat, and the perfect romantic getaway for couples. Thank you Kapari staff for the memorable stay and your warm-hearted hospitality! For more info and reservations: www.kaparisantorini.gr

 

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