Synonymous with the washed white and azure Cycladic architecture, clinging onto the dramatic caldera cliffs, Santorini reveals a new picture postcard scene around every corner. Enveloped by the glistening Aegean Sea, the Greek island paradise boasts a charming blend of natural beauty, rich history and luxurious indulgence, drawing in couples on the quest for romance each time the summer rolls around. The Greek Islands offer an extended summer season, running from as early as April to October, making them a reliable choice for glorious sunshine, exquisite cuisine and unspoiled beaches.

Beyond its breathtaking vistas, the island is home to some of the world’s most exclusive boutique hotels and resorts, where infinity pools blur into the sea and money seems to be no object. Travellers seeking total bliss out with a subtle hum of vibrant ambience wavering in the background will fall in love with Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, where the endless blue of the Aegean meets the whitewashed charm of Santorini. Associated with Champagne-popping and ‘Cafe del Mar’ beats, this Nikki Beach outpost has redefined itself to settle into the slower Santorini pace. The brand’s signature beach club spirit embraces a low-key chilled-out aura, with the addition of a spa, gym and beauty hut within the resort. 

Perched on the south-east coastline, the Nikki Beach Resort is set apart from the swarming tourist hotspots of Fira, yet reachable in just 15 minutes. As you enter, rest assured that there’s no need for you to lift a finger, everything is thoughtfully attended to, a luxury we all cherish when escaping on holiday. The design takes inspiration from the island’s signature palette, adorned with pristine white and Aegean blue hues, interspersed with a polished contemporary style, flaunting light wooden features and minimalistic decor. 

Oversized daybeds and palm trees surround the alluring pool in the hub of the beach club, featuring a swim-up bar for your afternoon cocktail/mocktail. The beach club deck gazes out onto Monolithos Beach, speckled with striking black volcanic sand, reserved solely for Nikki Beach guests. Epitomising the essence of holiday indulgence, this is where to retreat for days lazing in the sunshine with a gentle caress of the Aegean breeze, soundtracked by lofi tracks from the resident DJ.

The 62 dazzling rooms and suites are spacious, decorated with white and turquoise interiors, king-sized beds, flatscreen TVs and open-plan bathrooms, stocked with Malin + Goetz toiletries. A selection of suite categories feature private verandas, plunge pools or jacuzzis. Clustered into hidden nooks, each room has its own private entrance, giving a sense of seclusion and adding to the resort’s prestige merit.

Blessed with the Aegean Sea on its doorstep, the al fresco restaurant provides quite the spectacle for all-day dining. Fusing Nikki Beach’s signature dishes with a hint of Mediterranean and Greek culinary flair, the menu savours the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Nikki Beach is well-known for the sushi platters, artistically served in the restaurant or poolside. For a light bite, you can’t go wrong with the tuna tacos or a sharing Greek mezze platter for grazing. Entering the decadent mains, the only choice in our option is a freshly caught fish dish, both the grilled Aegean seabass fillet served with ‘Mpriam’ style vegetables and Greek olives or the grilled tuna accompanied by local tamarisk greens are sublime choices!

Switching off completely comes in no greater form than a massage at the Nikki Spa. Cradled in the basement, the spa is escapism at its finest. Blending holistic therapies and results-driven techniques, Nikki Spa partners with Grown Alchemist to enhance body treatments and massages. Driven by natural active ingredients, the nourishing skincare regenerates skin cell health and optimises skin function, whilst distilling relaxation through lulling scents. The treatment to book as the antidote to a stressful bout at work is the ‘Urban De-Stress’, incorporating a soothing massage, lymphatic stimulation, myofascial release and a pressure point massage. In the height of the summer, guests can pamper al fresco in the Outdoor Spa Cabana, housing two treatment beds on the beach shore.

If like us, you enjoy getting a sweat on, even on holiday, the Tone Gym will be your first port of call in the morning! Kept nice and cool underground, the gym has the latest Technogym equipment for both cardio and strength sessions, and even has a mini private studio for those that like to keep to themselves when training. In peak season, Pilates, Yoga and fitness classes are taught by expert trainers, available for group sessions and 1-to-1’s.

Seamlessly intertwining the island’s timeless charm with modern luxury travel, Nikki Beach has proven it is not merely a trendy beach club, reimagining itself into a chic haven with all the elements that discerning travellers seek when they yearn for a perfect escape. Every inch of the resort is immaculate, from the bougainvillaea vines that sweep the walkways to the artful landscaping featuring swaying pampas grass. Sun-soaked on the idyllic Aegean shore, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa occupies a prime position on the heavenly canvas that is Santorini…where better place to head for your next romantic getaway!

Book here: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

words by Isabelle Shury