Astro Palace

The dramatic geography of Santorini means that many hotels trade lots of space for Aegean views. But both are on offer at the new Astro Palace, located above the main clifftop town of Fira and its winding pedestrian streets. There’s no need to wake at dawn to reserve a lounge chair by the pool; there is plenty of space on the expansive deck, which is ringed by rock walls and filled with thatched umbrellas that are noticeably larger than most on the island. Rooms are also huge and welcoming: all are festooned with satin bedspreads and drapes and have tiled floors, and most come with balconies with ocean views (even the standard doubles). Need to rent a yacht, speedboat, Jet Skis, or Lear Jet? The cheerful staff will make it happen.