Mystique

Romantic cliff-top retreat for adults only

• Spacious rooms all have astonishing sea views
• Top-notch Greek food and wine
• Alfresco massages by expert therapists using organic products
• Private dining in a 150-year-old wine cellar

Mystique immediately stands out from its five-star competitors in Oia—it’s painted in natural sand color, rather than dazzling white. Interiors are less classically Greek, too thanks to earthy-toned linen sofas, driftwood lamps and coffee tables that look like giant pebbles. Billowing canopies shade calico sun-beds dotted about the terraces and infinity pool.

All 35 suites and villas have stunning caldera views and are equipped with Nespresso machines and state-of-the-art technology (with the occasional glitch). Suites come with either indoor or outdoor hot tubs, but outdoor ones are a better bet, as the rooms don’t get as humid. Swankiest of all are the Spiritual suites, which come with a massage bed, steam room and private gym. The small Asian Spa offers scrubs, rubs and wraps using organic ila products.

Managed by Marriott’s the Luxury Collection, Mystique is designed to appeal to Americans, but there are plenty of authentic local touches. The mini-bar comes stocked with locally brewed Donkey beer and Vinsanto-flavored chocolate from the Argyrou winery; there’s a Greek breakfast menu and Charisma restaurant champions distinctly Aegean flavors (try the olive-crust sea bass in a tomato, ouzo and basil broth). The 150-year-old cellar, available for private dining, is impressively well stocked. Although parts of the hotel could use an update, the unbeatable setting and amenable service make up for it.

Couples celebrating special occasions and families with teenagers. The hotel does not accept children under 14. Steep steps are unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues.