Canaves Oia Epitome: This hotel has just been named the best in Europe |

published 30 July 2020

While international travel might be a little up in the air right now (pun intended), there's still nothing nicer than drooling over design-led hotel interiors while we plan our next getaway. And there's officially nowhere more jaw-dropping than the Canaves Oia Epitome resort, which has just received two major nods at Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2020 – the number one resort hotel in Europe and the top resort hotel in Greece.

The newest addition to the Canaves Oia property portfolio, Canaves Oia Epitome was also labelled the 7th best hotel on the planet and Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel was ranked #76 in the world.

All 24 suites and villas of Canaves Oia Epitome represent a synergy of spacious accommodation with uncompromising quality and service, and those soul-affirming views.

See Also:The Best Boutique Hotels in Greece

Every luxury villa in Epitome is equipped with a private or plunge pool, as well as sweeping sea vistas.

Vast outdoor expanses, earthy interiors and an intricately crafted aesthetic define the experience, which is designed to help you fully unwind as the beauty of Ammoudi Bay stretches out before you.

While Santorini has long been an A-list favourite, Canaves Oia has become the ultimate celebrity go-to. The likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Helen Hunt are among the many celebs who have visited.

Canaves Oia is a 17th-century cave complex turned designer-chic luxury resort. One of the first to introduce tourism to the fishing village of Oia, the Chaidemenos family made the most of the prime location.

Set on one of the island’s highest peaks, Canaves Oia’s views and amazing facilities are quite something. In fact, Canaves Epitome is the island’s only hotel to offer both sea and sunset views from the privacy of each room.

Design fans will appreciate the authentic-white washed architecture, all-white minimalistic concept, and a blend of modern and traditional Cycladic interiors. Every detail from Rugiano furniture to Hermes pillowcases has been carefully selected.

The team at K-Studio designed the new Canaves Oia Epitome, and took advantage of the unique opportunity of the site; the prime Caldera location but without the usual spatial restrictions.

Local stone-clad additions to each room strategically extend the sense of space and blend the boundary between indoor and outdoor living as well as with the surrounding landscape. They brought together a beautiful pared-back colour palette, dominated by the extensive use of heavy, black local Santorinian stone.

Definitely one to add to the bucket list. Visit www.canaves.com for more information.

Ruth Doherty is a lifestyle journalist based in London. An experienced freelance digital writer and editor, she is known for covering everything from travel and interiors to fashion and beauty. She regularly contributes to Livingetc, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens, as well as titles like Prima and Red. Outside of work, her biggest loves are endless cups of tea, almond croissants, shopping for clothes she doesn’t need, and booking holidays she does.