Need to know
Rooms
Nine, including two suites.
Check–Out
11am. Earliest check-in, 3pm
More details
Rates include breakfast (à la carte, and served out on the terrace); and all guests are treated to a free bottle of Avaton's own wine in their rooms. Honeymooners get a bouquet of flowers too.
Also
Pick up some new baubles: the owner has a jewellery shop, Babalu (www.babalu.gr) in Fira; a selection of beautifully crafted, gem-encrusted trinkets are on sale in the reception.
Hotel closed
From the beginning of December until the end of March.
At the hotel
Spa, caldera-facing terraces, a stash of DVDs and CDs, and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, preloaded iPod and dock, CD/DVD player, and natural Greek bath products. The Honeymoon Suites and Avaton Suite have private Jacuzzis.
Our favourite rooms
Superior rooms really are that – they have direct access to the pool (so no lugging swimming paraphernalia up and down stairs), and come with a snug sitting area and the appropriate sea-and-Santorini-scenery views. That said, it’s hard to rival the romance of the Honeymoon Suite. This white expanse has not one but two private balconies, one with a gurgling Jacuzzi.
Poolside
Simple, understated, and big enough to swim off some of the baklava, the hotel’s pool is raised up from the restaurant area by a few steps, with grey, concrete decking and dark grey mesh loungers.
Spa
The hotel's spa is set in a sultry cave on a lower level. Lit by star-like lights, it's a romantic space with a Jacuzzi and plunge pool, an infrared sauna and a steam cavern. There's a couples treatment room – a necessity in this stay of honeymoon-courting romance – and plenty of beautifying options on the spa menu.
Packing tips
Zingy bright swimwear to pep up the hotel’s all-white backdrop: cherry bikinis, aquamarine beach shorts. Avoid binding eveningwear – you’ll want to dine with impunity.
Also
Smokers can light up in communal areas and outside, but not in the bedrooms.
Children
Over-15s are welcome, but this is one for adults, so leave the little Smiths at home.