Notos Therme & Spa

Set foot on the warm black sands of Vlychada Beach and you’ll see why Santorini, an island formed by underwater calderas, is a favorite Greek island getaway. But escaping the summer crowds is no easy feat. Enter the 30-room Notos Therme & Spa, set at a distance from the tourist crowds in the towns of Oia and Fira, further to the north. Thanks to a top-to-bottom renovation earlier this year, it’s ready to welcome travelers to its cliffside perch. Suites feature sprawling 260-square-foot private terraces that overlook the Aegean, and all have private outdoor Jacuzzi sand personal sunbathing areas with a pergola. The hotel’s spa is also a focal point. It’s carved into the volcanic rock, and some treatment rooms have curved white stucco ceilings. Outside, both pools are filled with natural spring water, and the on-site restaurant serves local wines, produce, and fish with views of the Aegean. For those who want a taste of the town, a scooter rental will get you there in no time.