Why travel to one of the top proposal, honeymoon, and all things elopement-related, destinations on the globe, as a single, you ask? I’m not sure either. However, as I researched which Greek Island should be my first, via the better-than-google conduit of every single Greek I know, it was fairly unanimous that if I hadn’t been to the Island yet, I should certainly go.
Choosing which whitewashed hotel and which infinity pool was difficult. The many-a-cliff-top villas may vary only slightly in substance, if not in style. Picking a hotel for it’s accessibility on an Island so vast and so low in demographic density, is as futile as attempting to narrow them down by “sunset views” or their iconic, pristine interiors. So I took an alternative approach. I searched for the homely stay which would allow me to experience The Real Greek. And so I found: Remezzo Villas.
You owe it to yourself really, to spend a week, or even a few nights with Vassilis and his family at Remezzo Villas. If you stumble upon this hotel then look no further. Months of poring over where to stay, culminated in a self-intervention only once I reached the stage of pulling out a bag of popcorn to resume researching at my screen one day. Arriving to an extremely well chilled glass of wine, after landing in Athens at 3am, and jumping on a boat for four hours – which I took it upon myself to prematurely hop off of, claiming we’d arrived two hours early, before running back on and realising that wasn’t our Island – has nothing to do with my assessment. That was simply a bonus, as was the household pet Mr Figgs, possibly the speediest 14 year old pup I’ve met, who gallivanted across the villa’s stone patio as we waited for our room. Other than his pitter-patter there was no sound around us – only space. The view on the patio outside the villa’a reception affords you at eye level, an endless view of water and cliffs. The sight, as it all glistens back at you, is stilling.
The Room: If you are a woman reading this review, you will understand the value of good bathroom space. If you are a man, travelling with a woman, you’ll appreciate the value of bathroom space. In summary: bathroom space is key. The rooms are spacious, and are generous double-rooms, versus trying to prove that they are, by fitting a double bed in them. And they are pristine. I have never visited a hotel with a turn down service twice daily, and not the sort where your belongings are all rearranged into piles and places you hadn’t wanted – no, here, if possible, they seem to follow your movement so you feel as though you are simply a neat person yourself! Everything is done subtly and with utmost care. The abundance of lighting, placed perfectly to accentuate the nuances of the rustic interior keeps to the room a natural glow and earthly feel.
The stay: Leave your room. As tempting as it is to cozy into the simple, chic Greek architecture and modern luxuries of a flat screen TV with the sea-view minimised into the frame of the open window behind it, still, leave your room. It will afford you a morning bask on your balcony, or at the villa’s pool, which although not huge, is services by sun beds spread spaciously around, or on a slightly raised patio if you want that little extra space from the splash. All this however is outshone entirely by Alice, the matron of the hotel, who I later learn began running Remezzo over 20 years ago with her husband. Hearty, homemade breakfast spreads are served each morning on the breakfast patio. They resemble those three-course-and-upwards dining experiences, where you’re constantly forgetting you’d ordered another plate, as just when you think “that was it”, out comes the next tray with mama Alice’s Greek delights. No two breakfasts are the same, so don’t cave into restraint and say “I’ll try that tomorrow”, accept that you will be full until dinnertime two days from now, and sample the breakfast. You’ll remember it at future hotels as you sludge overheated plasticine in the form of scrambled eggs onto your plate.
The highlights: I realise that I am my mother’s daughter when I hear myself speaking at times, and as eventual as it may seem, I never run out of questions. Yet, nothing seemed too much to ask of Vassilis and Kalypso, running the everyday management of the hotel. With a real interest to share with you what they can, they are more than well versed on all the best beaches, restaurants and sights to visit, as well as those to avoid. Couple with that, the contacts they have who hold them in as high esteem as their guests do, you are ensured to receive the best accommodation at the places they recommend. Vassilis is a well-sprint of must-sees and must-dos (and is very honest about the “must nots” which had me scrapping half my research picks, as he smiled and let me know they were the choice of rookies). By the end of the trip you feel like you’ve stated with a family, despite the villa being spacious and diverse enough to give you all the room to relax you need.
It was only on our last day that I noticed a wedding party were staying at the villa. Such is the seamlessness of how it is run, to give each guest an individually catered stay. I was sitting by the pool and found myself giggling as a gentleman recited his humorous best man’s speech. Noticing my reaction, he asked me what I thought. I asked him to read me some more, and told him he should include something in Greek. He said he would be sure to ask around the hotel, and I wondered if it would reenact My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and he’d learn to say something wholly inappropriate under the impression it roughly translates as Greek for mazel tov. And that, if I had to pick one, was the moment I realised I had picked the perfect place. Travelling from Santorini outside of the guise of a romantic holiday could actually be displacing. Yet, it was far from, here at Remezzo. You find yourself lost in idyllic utopia. Swept into the serenity. That come high water or wedding party, you might not even know it, because instead, you and you alone, are lost in paradise.
Top Dining Picks: Santorini is at no dearth of sunset views, least of all from its restaurants, however for a bias for the best good and dining experience, with the beautiful backdrop as simply a wonderful bonus, our favourite picks must be Kapari Wine Restaurant, Selene, and the Luxury Andronis Restaurant.
Kapari overlooks the Caldera to Oia so can watch the sunset, and apart from wondering if it is one of those dine-in-the-dark experiences, once the sun had set and only the ample outdoor lighting surrounds you, the experience is flawless. The food is rich; a menu of modern takes on classic dishes with unusual combinations that work well: their grilled octopus and rack of lamb are executed to perfection.
What stole the show for me, was our visit to Selene Restaurant in Pyrgos. Travel a little away from the stacked up venues-with-a-view of Thira, for this slightly isolated, but breathtakingly set restaurant, and you will rearrange the rest of your trip, to visit again – I can guarantee this. Having opened in 1986, it has climbed from 94th to 82nd on the New York 101 Best Restaurants Worldwide list. As one of, if not the only restaurant which locally sources all its produce; ingredients which burst in flavour on their excellently crafted dishes, it sets itself apart from the steep competition of the island’s gastronomy. The lemon scented fava with squid, tubes of linguini filled with rooster, a light cheese foam, and dotted with the island’s signature Santorini tomatoes, olives and capers, the white eggplant salads and celestial desserts culminate to perfection with the flawless wine pairings which the sommelier offers.
I say “how to travel to Santorini whilst single” – there should be nothing single about you if you visit the restaurant at Andronis Luxury Suites. Set upon a rock, it screams decadence, and also screams that if you are visiting in a pair, and unmarried as of yet: thou shalt be proposed to (if not doing the proposing). I was partaking in neither side of the equation, so was able to focus un-distracted on the food offering. If immaculate service, and what must feel like the most exclusive view on an island made up only of views, is what you seek, then search no further. If you come for the gastronomy, I would veer away from classic dishes such as the lamb and steak, which pale in comparison to the seafood offering which seems to be their speciality. Santorini is already beautiful, but a seat at the Andronis table, will make you feel King for a day. And who doesn’t wanted to be treated like royalty, especially if they’re not getting a proposal!
Well i am so single and happy to find a place where i can enjoy myself alone or with my friends or family and that the exquisite beauty will never let me feel left out. Thanks for such a great spin on santorini!
Your tips on Santorini has made of my first marriage anniversary a successful experience. Thank you for all your recommendations, thank you Hashtag Life!
Thank you so much for coming up with a travel review for single women! I’d been researching for somewhere to go in Greece. Remezzo Villas is perfect for me! Thanks heaps for the recommendation.
I love the white beauty . It seems like whole new world to enter into and enjoy a wonderful experience as you have noted so well for us.
The view is literally breathtaking! Santorini is absolutely the place I have to visit before I die. And the Remezzo Villas sounds like a great place to stay. I will definitely check it out.
I just noticed, that there seem to be no roads for vehicles. That means you have to walk to go from one place to another? That looks a tiring place.
Thanks for the article. Its worth reading esp for those looking to find best places to spend quality time with their loved ones.
I am totally with you on the bathroom space. But I think it won’t be as important if I were in Santorini!
I feel the same way about bathroom space. I don’t mind to spend nights anywhere as long as the bathroom is a-okay.
I agree with you over the bathroom space thing as it really matters, but i dont think it will be of concern for anyone as long as theys tay mesmerized with the beauty of the place.
Always been a dream of mine to visit Greece someday. Started saving up at the beginning of the year and it’s looking like I can now be able to go on my epic journey. I am so glad I chanced upon your site. It’s definitely a sign!
Greece – one of the important country for my visit, also planning to take my wife for her 50th birthday to celebrate at Santorini. Prefer to stay for long at Santorini, after I read the above article and recommendations. Unable to find out where to take my wife for her 50th birthday, until I saw this article and suggestions, NOW I AM READY to go.
Why is it that everything Greek seems to be white? Not being a racist. I mean, when related to architecture. Not complaining. Just curious. If this place is an island, I wonder how they get power over there? Solar? Does the island produce its own power?
I was thoroughly enjoying the review until I read the pet’s name! That woke me up some! I thought I’d take a break from work and read a couple of travel blogs. I ended up here and boy did that wake me up! Anyway, pictures are nice. An upgrade in clarity would make it even better. Write-up made me want to visit the place!
Santorini is at my bucket list. I just love the place. If given the chance, I would just go and fly out there. I may not be single, but still a romantic at heart. Santorini is a dreamer’s haven. Thank you for this feature, so heavenly.
When “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was mentioned, I couldn’t help but remember another movie that was set in a location like that. “Mamma Mia” I believe. Anyway, the place is described marvellously. NIce details.
Mamma Mia was filmed in Skopelos, it is another Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Both Skopelos and Santorini are beautiful nevertheless.
I’ve been scouring the net for ideas for mine and hubby’s first year anniversary. I’m sooo glad I came across your site! I’m planning it as a surprise. Thanks for the tips!
By just looking at the pictures, I could say that Greece is the great place to retire. It is like the place that I could take my time. I heard people there are the most friendly, chilled, fun and hospitable.
The photos are sooooo beautiful. Inspiring enough for me to put Santorini in my bucket list. Wish to get there soonest while I’m still single LOL.
You owe it to yourself really, to spend a week, or even a few nights with Vassilis and his family at Remezzo Villas. – Seeing the pictures, I totally agree! Time to save for the ultimate single staycation!
Leave your room. As tempting as it is to cozy into the simple, chic Greek architecture and modern luxuries of a flat screen TV with the sea-view minimised into the frame of the open window behind it, still, leave your room. – I COULDN’T AGREE MORE! I AM GUILTY AS CHARGED FOR STAYING IN MY ROOM MOST OF THE TIME WHENEVER I CHECK IN. YES, WE WANT TO RELAX…BUT WE DON’T GET TO DO THAT FULLY WITHOUT ACTUALLY SIGHT SEEING THIS PRISTINE PLACE. AFTER ALL, WE PAID FOR THE IT SO BETTER MAXIMIZE IT
It’s tough choosing a hotel when traveling to exotic places. Everyone wants to travel to Greece. If only everyone saw how beautiful Remezzo Villas are and what great things to expect. I’m coming!
Oh thank the gods for Santorini! I’ve always always wanted to go to this place. It’s really perfect for honeymoon and other couple vacations. For me though, I wanted to experience the place alone first. Thank you for these tips!
If I travel to santorini alone, i wonder who’s going to take my photos. Would locals and other tourists be happy to take favors? Well if not there’s always the front camera.
WOw! This is heaven! The pictures also look awesome and captivating to all travellers out there! Thanks for this post!
No matter i get a proposal or no proposal, this place will always gonna stay in my heart under the list of my best five places to explore more.
Similar white washed villas all over around and the serenity of sea makes the Santorini even more fascinating. And when you realizes its in Greece, the visit is definitely going to be worth it.
Breathtaking views, romantic atmosphere AND delicious seafood? I may not be single any more, but you sure sold me! I think I’m going to have to get started on convincing the other half to book a trip just for the Selene Restaurant alone!
View of the SEA makes Santorini entirely different and fascinating. Greece is the place to visit once atleast in your life, because it is really worth and anyone can feel that they are touched by the place and specially at Santorini.
With regards to visiting this island as a bachelor, I don’t find it strange nor would I ever feel uneasy. Being single is not an excuse to not go anywhere that would make me feel happy. I go where I want as long as I can afford it. And in any place I visit, I expect to be treated well in any of the hotels, restaurants, or resorts I would decide to stay in.
“Picking a hotel for it’s accessibility on an Island so vast and so low in demographic density, is as futile as attempting to narrow them down by “sunset views” or their iconic, pristine interiors. ” What I think that, when you plan for vacation, it is good to pick a hotel for convenience to enjoy the beach or sea view.
What’s the best month to visit Santorini? My fiance’s so fall in love with this place and I’d like to surprise her by bought a ticket for her and her besties.
The place sounds totally surreal! I can certainly understand why it is a popular venue for romance, at least for those who do not prefer a city setting. Say I want to take my girl there for a few days, how much would it cost?