Canaves Ena

Character and identity

Carved directly into Oia's cliff face, Canaves Ena is the founding property of the Canaves Collection, recently brought back to a single design vision by Greek architect Daphne Zografou. Eighteen cave suites trace a pale grey path along the caldera, all Santorinian marble, bleached woods and stucco walls offset by bursts of bougainvillaea. There is one restaurant, Adami, serving Greek sharing plates over the water, plus a pool with swim-up bar and access to the spa at sister hotel Canaves Oia Suites. Service is warm and unstuffy, with staff returning season after season.

Who's it for

Bottom line

This is the Canaves Collection's most romantic address, and the renovation has finally given it a coherent identity to match the setting. Book it if you're a couple and prepared to pay for the cave-suite-with-caldera-view fantasy done properly. The entry-level rooms skip the plunge pool but keep the cellar bathroom; the River Pool Suite is the splurge. Aim for shoulder season to dodge Oia at its busiest.