There are many things to consider when choosing where to stay in Santorini. But the combination of location, aesthetics, service and overall charm, Charisma Suites is by far our favorite place to stay. We come back to the island every year and have just fallen in love with this place.
Best Time To Visit Santorini
When visiting Santorini there are a few things to consider. Being such a popular tourist destination, it’s important to think about crowds, availability, rates and of course weather.
High season in Santorini runs from late June through early September, which is, of course the wonderful European summertime. And while that’s usually the best time to be in Europe, it’s not necessarily the best time to be in Santorini. Oia gets particularly crowded in July-August, hotel rates are at their highest and the heat can be unbearable.
Avoid the overcrowded streets and high rates by opting to visit during the shoulder months (between March to early June and September to November). You’ll still have great weather and won’t have to book months in advance for a room. Since Santorini is not a beach destination, the cooler water in the sea wouldn’t be much of a problem in those months.
Oia has become so popular in the past several years that even winter months from December to February are becoming popular times to visit. If you don’t mind the temps being in the 50s, you’ll be rewarded with cheaper hotel rates and less crowds.
The Charisma Suites Experience
You can take a ride share, taxi or shuttle to get to Charisma from the airport or seaport. We recommend using their private transfer, which costs 20 Euro per person. Given that Charisma is located at the end of the island, it can get a little confusing trying to navigate the streets of Oia when you first get there. So save yourself the hassle and pre-book your shuttle.
With fewer than 20 rooms, Charisma Suites provides quaint atmosphere and boutique service against a backdrop fit for a magazine cover. The location of Charisma Suites is one of the best on the island. The hotel is nestled on the island caldera with unobstructed sunset views. This is quite literally the front row to those famous Oia sunset people line up in droves to see every night. And you can watch them from your suite with a glass of wine in hand!
The hotel is also close to all the best restaurants, shops and walking distance to most famous spots you’d want to visit in Oia.
The hotel has a traditional cave inspired architectural design: all white walls with chic black and grey finishes. Each room is unique and the views from every single room are stunning.
Privacy
Privacy can be a big deal in Oia due to its overcrowded streets packed with hotels and suites one on top of the other. It’s one of the trade-offs for staying in one of the most beautiful and expensive areas of the island – you have to share it with a lot of other people.
Charisma Suites offers a more private getaway than other hotels in the area due to its location. There are private access walkways throughout the hotel for guests only. In comparison, many hotels in Oia share access with locals and tourists.
Honeymoon At Charisma Suites
If we have to classify it, this is a romantic couples hotel. It’s perfect for a honeymoon or any other special occasion for you and your partner. The rooms are intimate, privacy is important here, and the vibe is romantic. Most other guests are couples as well.
Oh, The Rooms!
Who would have thought staying in a cave would be so luxe! Charisma Suites mixes modern chic with the charm of traditional Greek architecture, making something like a cave room an unforgettable experience. Each room is very unique, ranging from a cave pool suite with a large outdoor deck, to the private Honeymoon Suites to the even more special Windmill Suite. Imagine staying at that famous Santorini windmill you see in every picture of the island! Charisma Suites is the only place on the island offering that experience.
Expect to receive a complimentary bottle of wine and fresh fruit delivered to your room at checkin. All rooms have private balconies that are fully furnished, so you can dine al fresco, sun bathe and even swim if you have booked a Private Pool Suite.
The charm of Charisma Suites really shines in the small details. Each room has a mobile phone with a local SIM card allowing you to call the hotel in case you’re out and need help with anything. Other things like a mini wine cellar in the room, mini bar, plush bath robes and comfy slippers are just the cherry on top to enhance your luxurious stay.
Senior Suites Caldera View
With cave-inspired design, this suite has an open living plan with a plush king size bed, spacious bathroom that includes both a rainfall shower and bathtub. Best of all, you’ll have a stunning view of caldera from your private balcony.
Honeymoon Suites with Jet Tub & Caldera View
Same offerings as the Senior Suites, but includes a private jet tub on the balcony! If you’re coming in the winter months, we would suggest this room. Instead of sunbathing on the balcony you can enjoy your jacuzzi instead.
Charisma Pool Suite
This is the newest room addition to Charisma Suites. It has the same offerings and similar layout to the other rooms but the added feature of a private pool on your balcony and gorgeous marble flooring.
Double room with Caldera View
If you’re looking for something more budget friendly, this is the room for you. It’s half the footprint of the other suites but offers the same amenities less a few of the other perks like a mini wine cellar etc.
Cave Pool Suite
This is one of the most famous rooms on the island. An influencer favorite, you have probably seen photos of this pool all over Instagram.
Larger than the other suites, this room is one of the prime rooms to pick for your stay at Charisma. While it has the same offerings as the other rooms, it includes a larger living area, additional desk to work on, a walk-in closet and the famous private indoor cave plunge pool. Imagine swimming in your own private cave pool, talk about once in a lifetime experiences!
It also boasts one of the best views from the hotel with the balcony looking out to the volcano as well as the stunning Oia sunset. The outdoor area is also quite large with a big dining table that can fit a larger group of people and a spacious sun bed for 2. Enjoy your in-room breakfast here with the best view in Oia.
Windmill Suite
The one and only Windmill Suite! Imagine staying in one of the most iconic landmarks of Oia. If you’re looking for that fairytale room, look no further. You’ll get to stay in one of the oldest windmills on the island, which was recently renovated and added to Charisma Hotel. Enjoy the balcony with your own private jet tub that looks out to the famous sunset, a first floor with lounging areas, walk up a spiral staircase to the bedroom and bathroom. The perfect place to stay for any special occasion.
A couple of things to keep in mind here. While the interior of the windmill is really unique and cool, it is also not very spacious. So consider this if you have a lot of luggage and need extra space.
The outdoor area, on the other hand, is quite spacious and it’s where you’ll probably spend of your time anyway. The view from the jet tub is spectacular, but also keep in mind it is less private than other areas of the hotel. Tourists will be walking by and constantly taking photos of the iconic windmill. But I mean, can you blame them? The other side of the outdoor area is quite private though, so you always have somewhere to hide.
The Service
While Greeks are generally known for their outstanding hospitality, Charisma Suites is on another level. The staff is, of course, lovely and attentive, standard for any luxury hotel. But more than that, they will remember your name and preferences and ensure you have the most memorable stay. Due to the hotel’s boutique size, you will really feel at home and taken care of.
The Food
For breakfast expect delicious fruit plates, eggs, bagels, pastries, fresh juice, coffee and so much more. Contrary to your typical free breakfast that includes a small offering of cereal and fruits, Charisma’s complimentary breakfast will keep you nice and full for the day ahead. Best of all, you can enjoy this spread delivered right to your room at no additional charge (and we highly recommend you take advantage of that).
You can enjoy a meal at their onsite restaurant, a snack at the deli, or sit by the pool and order light fare from the pool bar. Or you can get 24 hour room service and enjoy it from the privacy of your own balcony.
Amenities
Beach
The great thing about being on an island is the amount of beaches just a stone’s throw away. Within 15 min of walking from Charisma there are 3 beaches to pick from. While it’s not your classic white sand beaches, these pebble beaches offer more scenic views with clear blue water and rocky cliffs to walk on. To be honest, we’ve never ventured out to the beaches of Oia as it typically involves climbing too many stairs and you can just enjoy the hotel pool instead.
Pool
Check out the infinity pool that boasts one of the best spots in the hotel for the famous sunset view. The pool is heated to just the right temperature, which is quite important in windy Oia. Despite the unbearable heat in the summer, some hotel pools will be quite chilly if not heated. There are lounge chairs and seating nooks that make for a chill hangout area.
The boutique architectural backdrop along with the infinity pool creates the perfect photo op. Want that one vacation photo that makes all your friends happy but oh so jealous of you? This is the place for that photo.
Charisma Hotel also provides all the other amenities you expect from a 4 star hotel, like free wifi, 24 hour front desk and room service, concierge that can organize transportation services for you, laundry and even a bell boy service when you first get to the property.
Activities
With the unbeatable location, there is plenty to do around the hotel if you want to venture out. Everything from beaches, local shops to restaurants are only a short walk from the hotel. Head to reception to book sunset sails, bicycles, scuba diving and mountain biking. The friendly staff up front will be more than happy to help you organize activities.
We highly recommend heading to the famous blue church domes just minutes away from the hotel, or the historic landmark Castle, which is the remains of a 15th century watch tower.
If you’re looking to do something active, there is a 5 hour scenic hike that starts from Oia and ends in Fira. All you have to do is follow the edge of the Caldera and go south. Enjoy epic views along the hike, just make sure you go early so you aren’t hiking in the middle of the heat, and bring plenty of water.
If you head to Ammoudi Bay, you can take a Catamaran across Caldera and enjoy Oia from a different perspective. As you sail the Aegean sea, you can enjoy looking at the beautiful white architecture built into the side of the cliff with the nice sea breeze in your hair.
Enjoy Charisma Suites!
Charisma Suites is truly one of the best places you could choose to stay for your special trip to Santorini. Considering the level of service and what you get here, the pricing is reasonable as well. If you’re looking to have a romantic getaway in Greece, you couldn’t pick a better place to stay!
