The seductive Vasilicos Hotel in Santorini should be next on your holiday hit list for many reasons.
Australians have always had an affinity with Greece. Before the pandemic, each year more and more Australians travelled there, but they weren’t the only ones.
Between 2010 and 2018, international visitor numbers annually went from 15 to 33 million according to the Greek Hellenic Association in Australia.
Greece’s island of Santorini is one of the most instagrammable and romantic locations in the world, and The Vasilicos is an idyllic place to stay for jaw dropping views on your next holiday there, here’s why.
Travelling to Greece is becoming increasingly easy in 2022.
International travellers from Australia are currently only required to present a Passenger Locator Form (which can be completed online) and either a negative PCR test result (completed in the last 72 hours before travelling) or a negative rapid antigen test result (performed in the previous 24 hours before travelling). This is all regardless of vaccination status.
Upon arrival in Greece, The four-star Vasilicos is only a 20-minute drive from the airport and is in a prime location in Imerovigli which is next to the local monastery and is situated in a higher location than most hotels. It is close to multiple beaches and is walking distance from shopping centres, clubs and bars.
The name ‘Vasilicos’ was given to the hotel as a word play on the owner’s name (Vasilis Valambous) and his love for the basil plant. The hotel has since been handed down to his daughter, Daphne Valambous.
Separated from the local village, the hotel is known for having a lot of privacy which caters to guests who prefer a quieter atmosphere. It is also one of the few hotels in Santorini that doesn’t have an adults only policy so children are welcome.
Staying at The Vasilicos:
Once the family villa of Vasilis who was a passionate art collector, it has since been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel.
The all-suite hotel overlooks the Santorini caldera as well as the Aegean Sea. The seven private suites all have breathtaking sunset views of the caldera and its volcanoes, as well as Thirassa Island and Skaros Rock.
Bookings at the hotel include options of honeymoon suites, grand suites as well as junior and senior pool suites.
The architecture of the hotel is built in a cave-like shape that is comfortable yet elegant and the bathrooms are carved into it with hot tubs and flowerbeds around it.
Unique features spread across its multiple suites include hamman style built-in bath tubs, spacious living areas and private entrances to rooms.
All guests also have access to the hotel’s private heated pool and jacuzzi.
Food and Drinks at The Vasilicos:
The dining experience at The Vasilicos is undeniably exquisite. While there is no restaurant in the hotel, there is a fully functional kitchen that provides tailor-made meals to guests.
The local professional chefs provide meals to each suite daily, and offer private candle-lit dining, cooking classes as well as wine tastings.
The wine served at the hotel comes from The Vasilicos’ sister winery, Vassaltis Vineyards which opened in 2016 and specialises in wine made from indigenous grapes.
As there is also no bar in the hotel, the selection of wine from Vassaltis Vineyards is available to be delivered to private suites, main areas as well as by the pool.
The hotel can order beauty treatments to your room including massages, manicures and pedicures.
How to book:
Like most hotels in Greece, the hotel is not open all year round, and only takes bookings from the 1st of April to the 31st of October.
It is ideal to reserve a suite at the hotel at least four to six months prior to visiting to ensure all aspects of the stay are catered for.
Find out more here.