I have always loved visiting new destinations and for the first time ever, I booked a one way ticket to explore Greece! I have wanted to visit Santorini for a long time and dreamed about staying in a white cave villa on a cliff. The end of the summer season was the best possible timing, with less tourists crowding the island and still a lovely 23 degrees (73 F) and clear blue skies. We were so incredibly lucky to stay at the fantastic Erossea Villa in Imerovigli.

 
We parked our little rental car on a street in what appeared to be a typical Greek village: narrow streets, white buildings and a blue sea looming somewhere in the background. Only when we walked to end of the street, did we see what lay beneath us: we were actually standing on the edge of a former volcano crater that filled with the incredibly clear blue water from the Aegean Sea. This, we realized, was the famous caldera.
 

 
As we walked down to Erossea villa, which is built against and partly carved out of the volcanic rock, we couldn’t stop looking at the almost hypnotizing view across the caldera. Beautiful town Oia was perched on the rocks to the right of us, straight ahead across the water lay the small island of Thirasia and left of us loomed the dark rock formation named Skaros.

 
We were welcomed with a lovely glass of the local wine Vinsanto by the super friendly manager Svati, who takes care of the property like the temple it really is. Svati helped us out with a wide range of recommendations on the best activities, restaurants and places to visit on Santorini. Her tips proved so helpful that I kept Svati on speed dial during our entire stay and she was a brilliant host, pointing us to the most wonderful places we would have never found without her.

 
Erossea Villa actually consists of two units on two different levels, which makes it suitable for up to 11 guests. The top level of the villa, the area where the pool and the jacuzzi are located, has a spacious living room, a seating area with a comfortable corner sofa, a dining table and a kitchen. It has two bedrooms with beautiful bathrooms, both carved out from volcanic rock.

 
As beautiful as Erossea Villa is inside, it is its incredible sun terrace that really stands out. Frankly, we haven’t seen a more beautiful terrace during our entire stay on Santorini. It is fully equipped with sun beds, a large private (heated!!) pool, an outdoor jacuzzi and a very romantic pergola with a large, family style dining table. As much as I loved the unicorn pool floaty, I wanted to spend all my time lying on a sun bed marvelling at the breathtaking view ahead and below me.

 
The terrace almost magically attracts everyone there, so even if a family would stay on the lower floor with its three bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room and kitchen, I’m sure everyone would spend almost every waking moment on the terrace. And it’s not as though there is nothing to see inside: Erossea Villa is decorated so tastefully with white as the primary color and only touches of color here and there, altogether creating a true oasis of calm. In other words: Erossea Villa is a Pinterest walhalla!

 
Even after having spent the night in a super comfy bed in the bedroom of the chique cave suite, I have to admit that having your own housekeeper still adds a whole new level of pizzazz. Waking up everyday and walking outside to be greeted by a lovely lady with a smile standing next to a spectacular breakfast, created to your specific taste and choice, is a wonderful way to start your day! We had an endless choice of bread, eggs, fruit, yoghurt, cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, juices and coffees and even pancakes and brownies. My favourite was the Caldera Eggs: scrambled eggs with tomato, capers, olives and feta cheese. Breakfast outside under the pergola was just wonderful, enjoying the fantastic food, the lovely weather and the endless view over the caldera.

 
Erossea Villa is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Everything is of the highest quality and I can’t put into words how wonderful it was to be staying in this island oasis just with the two of us. But even if you are a group of eleven: you will love it and remember the experience the rest of your life!

Location // Erossea Villa

X Merel