In May, Markos Chaidemenos remained deeply engrossed in overseeing the activities of numerous workmen who were diligently laying stones, installing wiring, and meticulously cultivating a garden adorned with lavender, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. The bustling summer season was swiftly approaching, with the first guests scheduled to arrive at the newly inaugurated villa at Canaves Epitome in June.
Mr. Chaidemenos, aged 36, serves as the Managing Director and a second-generation hotelier at the esteemed Canaves brand, a revered institution on the island for the past four decades, known for its boutique hotels. He shared his aspirations, stating, “It has always been a dream of ours to expand our estate, given the tremendous demand we’ve witnessed. People are seeking to travel with their families or groups of friends.”
Situated in Oia, on the northwest tip of the island, this newly unveiled villa, with a rate of approximately $7,660 per night, offers uninterrupted sunset views, free from the bustling crowds that typically converge on the caldera rim. This lavish villa encompasses five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and 5,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space, boasting a lavish 1,000-square-foot infinity pool, a 200-square-foot gym, and a spa room featuring two massage beds. Notably, it includes a meticulously landscaped 3,500-square-foot terrace and, in a rare feature for Santorini, an elevator connecting the ground floor to the second floor.
Mr. Chaidemenos candidly acknowledges that he is aligning with a prevailing trend. Unlike the nearby island of Mykonos, where the topography often guarantees properties have sea views, the real estate landscape in Santorini presents a more intricate challenge. Here, luxury hotels typically offer the most spectacular vistas, leaving private villas with fewer choices. Additionally, the availability of private staff on this compact island is currently limited. As a result, the Santorini market has witnessed a surge in demand for hotel-operated villas, where guests are assured of staffing, captivating views, and a host of amenities.
Christos Gkekas, the Founder and Owner of Blue Villas Hotels, which represents a portfolio of 80 villas on Santorini and nearly 400 across nine other Greek islands, emphasizes this trend. He explains, “When we have discerning clients with unique or last-minute requests, we feel more confident booking them into one of our hotel villas, as we can guarantee adequate staffing.
This distinctive approach offers the villa guests the same cancellation policy as Epitome’s standard hotel rooms. Furthermore, it affords guests the option to dine in the hotel’s restaurants, access the hotel’s children’s programming, embark on sailing adventures using the catamarans offered by Sailing Oia, a Canaves subsidiary, and easily arrange for butler and private chef services.
Several other hotels have also recognized the allure of the villa market in Santorini. Auberge Collection’s Grace Hotel, for instance, presents a two-bedroom villa spanning 1,615 square feet, replete with a heated pool, a fully stocked kitchen, and dedicated staff.
Just a kilometer away from Canaves Epitome, the Andronis Arcadia hotel introduced its own spacious villa, featuring six bedrooms, in 2019. The Eden Villa, boasting over 6,000 square feet, two private pools, a gym, and a spa room, starts at approximately $10,500 per night.
As affluent American travelers flock to the island, Mr. Chaidemenos observes the profound transformation of his beloved Oia. Recalling his childhood spent playing in the area, he notes the significant changes that have transpired since the late 1990s and early 2000s when the tourism boom began.
“While it’s undeniably busier than in years past, it continues to attract a discerning and sophisticated traveler,” he remarks. “Fortunately, the architectural heritage and the cherished villas and views have been dutifully preserved, respected both by locals and investors.”
When it comes to experiencing the famed Santorini sunset, Mr. Chaidemenos offers an insider’s tip: “I would not recommend our guests venture to the caldera. Instead, they can savor a perfect sunset moment right within the confines of their villa, complete with drinks, exclusivity, and music.”
