If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through Greek island travel guides, you’ve seen the "Santorini Look." It’s usually a blindingly white cave room, a blue door, and a private pool so small you can barely do a cannonball without hitting the wall. Most of these places are tucked into the steep, crowded cliffs of Oia where tourists practically trip over your breakfast table.
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort is basically the opposite of that.
Located in Imerovigli—the highest point of the caldera—this place feels like it has actual breathing room. Instead of those cramped white caves, the architecture is all about terracotta tones, minimalist concrete, and lines that follow the natural curve of the cliff. It doesn’t scream for attention; it just sits there, looking out over the volcano like it’s been there for centuries. Honestly, if you're looking for the "classic" blue-dome-and-white-staircase vibe, you might find this a bit too modern. But if you want to actually relax without a cruise ship crowd watching you eat your yogurt, this is the spot.
What Really Sets This Place Apart?
Most Santorini hotels are "boutique," which is often code for "we have ten rooms and no space for a gym." Andronis Concept is a full-blown resort. It’s got 28 suites and villas, which sounds small until you realize most caldera hotels have ten.
One of the weirdest—and coolest—things about it? The main infinity pool is the longest on the island. While everyone else is squeezing into plunge pools the size of a bathtub, you can actually swim laps here. It’s positioned right by Throubi, the on-site restaurant, so you’ve got the Aegean on one side and a glass of Assyrtiko wine on the other.
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Then there’s the Kallos Spa. Most hotel "spas" in Greece are just a single room with a massage table and a scented candle. This one is massive. They’ve got these subterranean cave pools and a hammam that feels like something out of a movie. They don’t just do standard massages; they have this whole "Sleep Well" program with memory-foam mattresses and aromatherapy diffusers in the rooms. It’s a bit intense, but hey, if you’re paying these prices, you might as well sleep like a god.
The Hiking Trail Factor
You’ve probably heard of the Fira to Oia hike. It’s the legendary path that everyone tells you to do at 6:00 AM before the sun tries to kill you.
The hotel is literally right on that trail. You can step out of your suite and start walking. Most people have to take a bus or a taxi just to get to the trailhead, but here, it’s your front yard. If you walk south for about 15 minutes, you’re in the heart of Imerovigli. Walk north for two hours, and you’re in Oia. It’s a great way to justify the massive breakfast they serve.
Breaking Down the Suite Situation
Every single room here has a private pool. Not a "hot tub" that barely fits two people—a legitimate, heated infinity pool.
- The Cozy Suites: These are the "entry-level" rooms, but they’re still about 35 square meters. Perfect for couples who just want to hide from the world.
- The Finesse Suites: These are split-level. You sleep downstairs where it’s cool and dark, and you hang out upstairs where the pool and the view are. It’s a smart layout if one person wants to nap while the other is splashing around.
- The Villas: These are the big hitters. Some have four bedrooms and span over 1,700 square feet. It’s one of the few places on the caldera cliff that actually welcomes kids and has the space to prove it. They even have kids' yoga and cooking classes, which is kind of unheard of in a place as "adult-only" as Santorini.
Eating at Throubi: More Than Just Salad
The restaurant, Throubi, is named after a local herb, and the menu is overseen by a nutritionist. Now, usually, when a hotel says "wellness menu," I expect a plate of steamed kale and a sad piece of fish.
That’s not the case here.
They do a degustation menu that includes stuff like Wagyu beef and local lobster. Much of the produce comes directly from their own garden on the property. You can actually walk through the garden and see the tomatoes and herbs they’re going to use for your dinner. It’s very farm-to-table, but with a view of a volcanic crater.
One tip: If you aren't staying at the hotel, you can still book a table here for sunset. It’s arguably one of the best views on the island because you can see both the caldera and the "back side" of the island toward the east.
Is It Actually Worth the Hype?
Let’s be real—Santorini is expensive. Like, "why is this coffee twelve dollars" expensive. Andronis Concept isn't a budget stay. You’re paying for the privacy and the service.
The staff here uses WhatsApp to communicate with you. Need a shuttle to Oia? Text them. Want a specific pillow from the "pillow menu"? Text them. It’s that level of "we’ve got you" that makes the price tag hurt a little less.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you want to be in the middle of the nightlife and the shopping, Imerovigli might feel too quiet. It’s a 15-minute walk into the village, and while that walk is beautiful, it’s still a walk. Also, the wind can get pretty wild up there. Since it’s the highest point, the "Meltemi" winds can sometimes make sitting by your private pool feel like sitting in a wind tunnel. That’s just Santorini life, though.
Surprising Details People Miss
- The Cave Cinema: They have an outdoor cinema tucked into a cave that plays classic movies. It’s super low-key but one of those memories that sticks with you longer than the fancy dinner.
- Helipad: Yes, there’s a helipad. If you’re coming in from Athens and don’t want to deal with the ferry or the tiny airport, you can just fly straight to the hotel.
- The Morning Hike: They offer guided hikes. Even though the trail is right there, having a local show you the hidden paths around Skaros Rock is worth the early wake-up call.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book or visit, keep these three things in mind:
- Book the Finesse Suite for Privacy: Because of the way the hotel is tiered on the cliff, some lower-level suites can be seen from the hiking trail. If you want total "no-one-can-see-me-in-my-swimsuit" privacy, ask for a higher-level suite or one of the villas.
- Use the Tesla Shuttle: The Andronis group has a fleet of Teslas. If you’re staying at Concept, you can often get a ride to their sister properties in Oia (like Andronis Luxury Suites or Arcadia) for free or a small fee. It’s way better than fighting for a taxi.
- Dinner Reservations are Mandatory: Even if you’re a guest, Throubi fills up fast with people coming from all over the island for the sunset. Book your table the moment you check in.
Basically, if you want a version of Santorini that feels like a retreat rather than a tourist trap, this is it. It’s quiet, it’s massive, and it doesn't try too hard to be "Greek" in that cliché blue-and-white way. It’s just sophisticated.
Next Steps for Your Stay: Before you arrive, download WhatsApp and save the hotel’s concierge number. You’ll want to coordinate your arrival because the entrance is off a main road and can be easy to miss. Also, check the spa schedule for visiting practitioners—they often have world-class healers or yoga masters doing limited-time residencies that aren't always on the main website. Over and out.