Whitewashed buildings decorated with vibrant pink bougainvilleas, blue-domed churches and volcanic islands scattered in the Aegean Sea, Santorini's idyllic setting has been ruling the internet for over a decade — but you don't have to be in the thick of it to make the most of your time there.
The Magma Resort Santorini, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, opened late last year to rave reviews from style-loving, luxury-seeking travellers. The hotel is now in its first season and raring to introduce visitors to a different side of the island that involves appreciating its culture and a relaxed pace of life.
Where?
The property is hidden discreetly on the lava-made slopes of Vourvoulos, a quiet village on the north-east part of Santorini, surrounded by vineyards and sea views. Guests can walk its quaint streets, sip a cocktail in its pool bars and dine at some traditional restaurants where fresh fish is always on the menu.
If you’re worried about missing out on the fun, fear not because the shopping town of Fira is only four kilometres away, and you could be posing on the picturesque streets of Oia in under 20 minutes. The journey from the airport to your room takes no more than 15 minutes and does not involve dragging your bags across narrow, cobbled streets.
Style
Modern and minimalist with a whole lot of black. Volcanic stone-clad walls and a copper reception make a striking first impression, with the synergy of earthy colours — black and grey with shades of red and brown — becoming more apparent as you explore the property. They flow through the dining area into the bar and interiors of the restaurant, where hessian bags lie filled with produce from the island.
Traditional materials are complemented by chic furnishings and light fiittings, giving it a luxurious, contemporary feel.
Lining the entire property is needlegrass that sways with the lightest breeze and shimmers with the first rays of sunshine. There is a live garden on top of all buildings, none higher than a couple of storeys, laden with red, yellow and pink flowers providing a softer touch to the otherwise rugged-looking exteriors.
Which room?
All 59 rooms and suites within the property have spectacular panoramic views of turquoise waters and grape farms. We stayed in a spacious junior suite with a large infinity pool, living space, generous bedroom and bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower and a freestanding bathtub.
Contrary to the dark, moody reception area, the room was airy and bright — flooded with light from the French doors that open onto a deck perfectly placed to catch the most spectacular sunrises.
Inside, pastel shades of beige with volcanic rock wall art are in keeping with the ‘earthy’ theme. All bar 10 rooms come with a private pool or a hot tub, so you’re almost guaranteed to have some outdoor space to unwind in landscapes that provide instant tranquillity and peace.
Food & drink
Magma has two restaurants and a bar, all located along one of Santorini’s largest infinity pools. Guests can dine indoors and watch head chef Thanos Giannakos and his team cook a feast through an open kitchen, or opt for a relaxing candle-lit dinner under the stars by the arch-shaped pool.
Colombo, the breakfast and all-day dining restaurant, serves authentic dishes inspired by Santorinian and Cretan cuisine. The menu includes local flavours like fava from split peas grown on the island and sarmadakia, stuffed vine leaves with rice and meat — a variation of which can be found all over Greece. It would be criminal not to taste the freshest fish cooked with herbs like dill.
By night, the restaurant area splits to make room for Magma by Spondi, a Michelin-starred dining experience curated by celebrated chef Arnaud Bignon. Unique techniques and bursts of subtle flavours make every dish in this beautifully presented five-course meal a delight. The tasting menus, meat and vegan, can be paired with the finest wines from the island and further afield.
Magma’s celebrity charm doesn’t stop at Spondi. The cocktail list in their bar, On the Rocks, is masterfully put together by Nikos Sourbatis, the head bartender at The Clumsies, one of the top 20 bars in the world. Gin lovers must try the peach and basil smash, a dash (or more) of gin, mint, green apple, cardamom and Mediterranean tonic. If your favourite beverage isn’t on the menu, the bartenders are happy to produce something special — and it won’t disappoint. Grab your drink and head to the fireplace to cosy up.
Facilities
All of Magma’s wellness activities sit within its spa, Lava. There’s a fully-kitted out gym, a large indoor heated swimming pool (for when you fancy a late evening dip), a sauna and several treatment rooms.
Expertly trained hands await to make you feel youthful with a selection of facial and body treatments using natural products like thyme, rosemary and dittany. Nature has the power to heal, so why not have a go at the shell massage that uses real shells to enrich every inch of your body with calcium ions found in them. Post treatment rest is a must and there is no better way to take it all in than with a cup of herbal tea.
Extracurricular
Santorini might be a small island, but there is plenty to experience, from ancient settlements to traditional villages. The fantastic crew at the front desk and their guest relations manager are happy to create an itinerary to match your interests.
White domes for the ‘Gram
I’m not one to tick boxes, but getting a picture with pristine white buildings and blue church domes is a must. Although there are several white villages, the most popular is Oia. Once you’ve navigated the main street, follow the crowds, enter nooks and crannies with them, and you’ll likely get to the best picture spot naturally.
Magma offers shuttle services to the town of Fira. It’s not as busy as Oia, but there are plenty of quirky jewellery stores and bars to grab a drink as the sun sets.
Wine tasting at Sigalas
Santorini has a 3,000-year-old history of making wines unique in taste and flavour thanks to its arid volcanic ash-rich soil and an unusual pruning style called “kouloura”. The circular growing technique protects the vines from strong gusts of winds. In the picturesque Sigalas vineyard, you can sample wines from the island’s dominant grape variety, Assyrtiko. The tasting comes with flavoursome courses, from light Greek salads to more hearty meat and fish dishes.
Ride the waves of the Aegean Sea
There is no better way to escape the crowds than to get on a catamaran and cruise along the Cyclades islands surrounding Santorini. The all-day five-hour trip offers several snorkelling and swimming opportunities along black and white sand beaches and the small uninhabited islands of Nea and Palea Kameni. The day ends at Thirasia, Santorini’s lesser-known (and much quieter) neighbour with only around 300 residents. Sunsets are particularly romantic on the sea too.
Best for...
Magma is all about privacy and luxury escapism, perfect for families or couples looking to balance the hustle and bustle of Santorini with some quiet time on the sun lounger.
Booking details
King bed rooms start at £297 per night and junior suites with a private pool start at £548 per night, including breakfast.
For more information, visit magmaresortsantorini.com
