As the highlight and grand finale of our Greece trip, we decided to spend the last two nights in Santorini—a destination that for many travelers represents the pinnacle of Cycladic beauty. To set the stage, this was not our first encounter with the island. Three years ago, we ended our Paros and Antiparos journey here, staying in the quiet and authentic village of Pyrgos. That experience was magical: a blend of local charm, sweeping views, and the kind of warmth that makes Greece so memorable. This time, however, we wanted something more dazzling—a place that fully embraced Santorini’s cinematic drama. If you take one piece of advice with you from this review, it’s this: when you come to Santorini, always choose a hotel with Caldera views. The magic of this island is tied to its geography—the volcanic cliffs plunging into the Aegean, the sugar-cube houses stacked like amphitheater seats, and the sunsets that transform the sky into a canvas of fire. From my perspective, the best place to stay is Imerovigli. Unlike Oia, which suffers from an overwhelming flood of tourists, Imerovigli offers the same spellbinding sunsets with a sense of exclusivity. The sun drops directly into the sea, with Oia glowing to the right like a postcard come to life.

For this stay, fate (and perhaps a bit of design) led us to the uber-luxurious Cavo Tagoo Santorini, a boutique property of just 15 suites, perched along the road that connects Thira and Oia. A short thirty-minute walk brings you to Imerovigli’s main square, yet the property feels cocooned in privacy. If the name rings a bell, it should: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is a legend in its own right, once home to Zuma Mykonos and long established as the island’s go-to address for luxury travelers. Yet while Mykonos thrives on parties and late nights, Cavo Tagoo Santorini is its opposite. Here, the energy is serene, sophisticated, and deeply restorative. That difference matters. Mykonos and Santorini attract different crowds: Mykonos draws the young, the stylish, and the party-loving groups of friends, while Santorini has always been a place for couples, honeymooners, and those in search of tranquility. Cavo Tagoo Santorini has perfectly calibrated itself to this mood. For us, arriving here meant shifting gears into full relaxation mode—a chance to recharge before heading back to the busy rhythm of life.

Arrival and First Impressions

Arriving in Santorini is rarely pleasant. The ferry port is chaotic, filled with honking taxis, impatient drivers, and crowds spilling in every direction. But not this time. As we exited the ferry, a member of the hotel staff was waiting with a sign and a smile, whisking us straight into a sleek Mercedes E-Class limousine. It was the perfect way to bypass the usual stress of arrival. Twenty minutes later, we pulled into the entrance of Cavo Tagoo Santorini. The welcome was warm and genuine. Bellmen greeted us with cold water bottles, while a front desk attendant invited us to sit and relax. With only 15 suites, the atmosphere is intimate, almost residential. I would estimate the staff-to-guest ratio at about 2:1—a clear marker that this property belongs to the absolute top tier of Greek hospitality. Check-in felt more like catching up with old friends than completing a formality. The attendant—originally from Georgia, impressively multilingual—walked us through the property, explained the dining options, and even shared personal recommendations for our stay. No rushing, no generic lines, just authentic hospitality.

Our Suite

We were assigned Suite 17, a Pool Suite on the ground floor. Though the interior space measured just 25 square meters, it was cleverly designed, offering the feeling of a cozy junior suite rather than a cramped room. Inside, we found a plush double bed, a sofa, a writing desk, and a compact wardrobe. The bathroom featured a single vanity, a walk-in shower, and the kind of thoughtful details you notice only in properties of this caliber: plush towels refreshed twice daily, housekeeping that remained invisible yet impeccable, and full-sized toiletries by Diptyque—one of my absolute favorite brands. What elevated the suite beyond its size, however, was the sense of connection to the view. A glass wall in the shower allowed us to enjoy the sunset while freshening up, a small but luxurious detail that will stay with me for a long time. And then there was the outdoor space: 32 additional square meters that transformed the suite into something far more expansive. A shaded lounge area, a comfortable daybed, and an infinity pool heated to perfection. It became our private sanctuary, where hours melted away in the Santorini sun. One detail worth highlighting: the pools at Cavo Tagoo are heated. This is far from common in Santorini, where strong winds can often make evening dips uncomfortable. Watching the sun set over Oia, a glass of wine in hand, while soaking in warm water—it’s the kind of moment that defines a trip, and one of the reasons Cavo Tagoo stands out so clearly from its competitors.

A Day in Our Suite

There are only a handful of hotels where I remember choosing to spend the entire day in the room. Cavo Tagoo Santorini is now on that list. On our first morning, we opted for breakfast delivered directly to our terrace: freshly squeezed orange juice, velvety cappuccinos, and a spread of Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and French Toast Tsoureki, a local twist recommended by the front desk. It turned out to be the highlight of breakfast, and I still find myself thinking about its rich, indulgent flavor. After breakfast, we simply stayed put. The private pool, the daybeds, and the ever-changing colors of the Caldera were enough entertainment. Morning light painted Oia a stark white, the midday sun transformed the sea into a dazzling blue mirror, and by afternoon the volcanic rock glowed with a depth of color that was almost otherworldly. Santorini sunsets have been voted the best in the world countless times, and for good reason. Watching it from the privacy of our suite, in heated water, with the world fading into silence—it doesn’t get better.

ROKA Restaurant: The Crown Jewel

Of course, one doesn’t stay at Cavo Tagoo without experiencing its dining centerpiece: ROKA Santorini, operated by the world-renowned Zuma brand. Located beside the hotel’s iconic infinity pool, it is, without question, the most glamorous dining venue on the island. We dined here on our first evening, choosing the degustation menu. The atmosphere was electric: live DJ, elegant guests dressed for the occasion, and the setting sun casting golden light across the pool. Service was polished, but also warm—a rare combination. The menu was a triumph, with dishes like yellowtail sashimi in yuzu-truffle dressing and tuna tartare with oscietra caviar ranking among the best I’ve ever had in Greece. For those who want to make an evening unforgettable, ROKA even offers the option to dine at a floating pool bed. Sushi, champagne, and the glowing blue pool as your stage—it’s unapologetically indulgent, and it works. ROKA is not just dinner; it’s theater. It has, without hesitation, become my favorite restaurant in Santorini.

Privacy, Breakfast, and Service

Back in our suite, nights were blissfully quiet. Despite the DJ at ROKA, the design of the property ensures that no sound filters through to the guest areas. Privacy is absolute—whether in the pool suites or the hot tub suites above. Breakfast the next morning was once again delivered to our terrace, and once again a delight. While the menu limits you to two main dishes, the portions are generous and satisfying. Combined with the option of in-suite Nespresso coffee and freshly delivered juice, it felt abundant without being overwhelming. What impressed me most about service at Cavo Tagoo was the WhatsApp concierge system. At any hour, we could message the team for extra towels, coffee capsules, or even wine, with everything delivered promptly and without any service charge. This is modern hospitality at its best: seamless, personal, and effortlessly efficient.

The Pool, The Space, The Price

One detail that could bother some is the closing of the service at the main pool between 4:15 pm and 6:30 pm for ROKA’s evening setup. Guests are asked to vacate the main pool by 6 pm. At many hotels, this would feel disruptive. At Cavo Tagoo, however, it hardly matters. Every suite comes with a private pool or hot tub, so sunset is best enjoyed in your own space anyway. Cavo Tagoo is undeniably expensive. But when compared to Oia’s luxury hotels, it feels like genuine value. Where Oia properties often cram cave-like rooms into tight spaces with tourists peeking into your plunge pool, Cavo Tagoo offers something infinitely more exclusive: space, privacy, and uninterrupted views. The main pool, accessible only to hotel guests unless outsiders pay a hefty fee, remains blissfully uncrowded. It is, quite simply, one of the most spectacular hotel pools in the world.

Final Thoughts

Would I return? Without hesitation. In fact, I would happily book an entry-level suite next time, simply to compare the upper-level hot tub experience with our Pool Suite. Either way, the fundamentals—privacy, design, service, and those unmatched views—remain constant. Cavo Tagoo Santorini has redefined luxury on the island. It manages to blend glamour with intimacy, indulgence with tranquility. For couples, it is the ultimate romantic escape. For seasoned travelers like myself, it is a reminder that even on one of the world’s most photographed islands, genuine surprises still exist. For me, and for Luxury Executive, Cavo Tagoo Santorini deserves its place among the Top 100 Hotels Worldwide. It is not just Santorini’s leading luxury property—it is one of Greece’s most remarkable hotels, full stop.