Abelonas Retreat
Close to Imerovigli’s bars and romantic restaurants Intimate, adults-focused retreat – ideal for couples Traditional Cycladic charm with whitewashed architecture Caldera-view studios and maisonettes available Quiet, relaxed atmosphere away from the party scene Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Abelonas Retreat is a tiny, whitewashed hideaway carved into the cliffs of Imerovigli, perfectly placed for those postcard Santorini sunsets. With just 13 rooms, this adults-focused bolthole feels more like a laid-back Cycladic home than a hotel, complete with a petite pool, roof terrace, and caldera-view room types for those all-important Aegean panoramas. Step outside and you’re a short wander from Imerovigli’s tavernas, wine bars and the caldera path to Fira.
Gallery
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Map & location
Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
Imerovigli is all about those elevated caldera views, and Abelonas Retreat makes full use of its front-row position. Set on the quiet side of the village, it overlooks the whitewashed houses cascading down to the Aegean and Skaros Rock, yet you’re only a short stroll from low-key cocktail bars and candlelit tavernas.
The famous cliff path to Fira passes close by, giving you one of the island’s best scenic walks right from your doorstep. Oia’s iconic sunset crowds, Kamari’s black-sand beach and the wineries of central Santorini are all within easy taxi or bus reach, but you always come back to calm at Abelonas.
- Imerovigli resort centre 350m
- Fira (capital) 2km
- Oia 9km
- Kamari beach 12.4km
- Perissa beach 14.4km
- Approx. transfer time from airport (JTR) 30 minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
The compact outdoor freshwater pool is the social heart of the retreat – just a handful of sunbeds and parasols, calm music and sweeping views over the village roofs. It’s the perfect spot for a cooling dip after exploring the caldera path, with complimentary towels provided.
Santorini’s west coast is cliffside rather than beachfront, so there’s no beach directly outside the hotel. For a swim in the sea, head to Kamari or Perissa on the east and south coasts – both have long volcanic-sand beaches lined with loungers, tavernas and beach clubs, easily reached by taxi, hire car or local bus.
Spa, sports & wellness
Abelonas Retreat keeps things deliberately simple to preserve the relaxed, home-from-home ambience. There’s no noisy animation or big sports programme here – just space to unwind and enjoy the views.
On-site you’ll find:
- Outdoor freshwater pool with sunbeds and parasols
- Roof and sun terraces ideal for sunset watching
- Lounge bar for drinks throughout the day
- Reception open around 14 hours daily
- Concierge-style assistance for restaurant bookings and local tips
- Luggage storage for early arrivals/late departures
- Daily housekeeping and towel change
- Certified sustainable hotel practices (as per supplier)
Facilities and opening hours can vary by season and occupancy.
Activities
Abelonas Retreat is all about slow living and local exploration rather than organised entertainment. Here’s how guests typically spend their days:
- Relaxing by the small pool or on the sun terrace
- Strolling the caldera path between Imerovigli and Fira
- Heading to Skaros Rock for panoramic views and photo stops
- Joining local wine tastings and vineyard tours (bookable nearby)
- Taking boat trips around the caldera and hot springs from Fira’s port
- Exploring black-sand beaches such as Kamari and Perissa
Most excursions and experiences can be arranged locally via reception or specialist operators.
Guest services
Guest services at Abelonas Retreat are personal and low-key, reflecting its small size:
- ?️ Reception (approx. 14 hours daily)
- ? Concierge-style assistance for restaurants and local tips
- ? Luggage storage
- ? Daily housekeeping and towel change
- ? Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- ? Pool towels provided free of charge
Some additional services or local experiences may involve extra charges, payable locally.
Food & drink
Mornings at Abelonas Retreat are wonderfully slow: the Bed & Breakfast concept here means a continental-style breakfast is delivered straight to your room, so you can ease into the day on your balcony or terrace overlooking the caldera or village.
Later on, the cosy lounge bar serves local wines, beers and classic drinks – ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif before wandering into Imerovigli for meze and fresh seafood. With such a central setting, you have an excellent choice of traditional tavernas and contemporary restaurants within a few minutes’ walk, and even more options if you follow the caldera path into Fira.
Please note: a smart-casual dress code may apply in some local venues and bar/restaurant facilities can vary by season.
Rooms
Abelonas Maisonette for Sole Use / Single Parent Use Sleeps 1–3
Sleeps: 1–3 depending on configuration
Same layout and facilities as the standard maisonette, tailored for solo guests or a single adult travelling with a child aged 18+.
Maisonette with Caldera View
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
Maisonettes positioned for direct views over the caldera and Aegean Sea. These often include two shower bathrooms and the same charming split-level layout – a romantic upgrade if you’re here for a special occasion.
Studios (Standard, Sea View & Caldera View)
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2 (some allow 1 infant)
Compact, airy studios with either village, partial sea or full caldera views. Some sea-view studios may feature a private balcony, while others offer a large shared terrace shared between multiple rooms – great for a more sociable feel.
Suites
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2 (plus sole-use options)
Larger open-plan spaces with an extra-comfortable setup and balcony or terrace. Perfect if you prefer a bit more room to spread out.
Typical in-room amenities
All rooms and suites include:
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safety deposit box
- Balcony or terrace (some shared terraces for select studios)
- Shower bathroom (some maisonettes with two bathrooms)
- Hairdryer
- Kettle and fridge; some with basic coffee-making facilities
- Bathrobe (on request/subject to availability)
- Air conditioning
- Daily cleaning and towel change
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Good to know before you go
Imerovigli is perched high above the caldera, so expect steps and slopes throughout the village and within the property. This part of Santorini is wonderfully peaceful at night, with most of the buzz centred around Fira and Oia – both easy to reach by taxi or bus if you fancy a livelier evening.
- Location: Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
- Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Time difference: GMT +2 (GMT +3 in summer)
- Average flight time from UK: around 4 hours
- Local price guide: Local beer from around £4–5; dinner for two from roughly £70–80 depending on venue.
- Accessibility: Due to its cliffside, stepped layout, this hotel and resort are generally not suitable for guests with significant mobility difficulties.
Hotel information is based on the most recent supplier details and may change; some facilities are seasonal or weather dependent. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices & book
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Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.