Carpe Diem Hotel, Santorini

Nestled into a bucolic slope below the medieval hilltop village of Pyrgos, Carpe Diem’s 10 individual suites, each with its own plunge pool, are tiered on two levels. The panoramic view from every terrace—grazing donkeys in the foreground and the celebrated seascape beyond—reflects a spare, soothing aesthetic that combines the typical Cycladic whitewash design with airy, easygoing luxury. Owned and designed by local architect George Kopatsaris and opened in 2008, the hotel has a sense of intimacy that makes it feel like you are staying at your cool Greek relative’s villa. The cozy “junior suites” at the top of the resort are private aeries with thatched porticoes; the spacious deluxe suites below feel like loft apartments with dressing rooms and open white-walled terraces. Looking for likeminded guests? You’ll find them at the infinity pool in front of the little café—the only communal space—where you can watch the sun set over the caldera as the island’s capital, Firà, shimmers in the distance.