Notos Therme And Spa by Mr and Mrs White

Set on the secluded side of Santorini, this is a small resort built around sea views, a spa and the quieter pace of Vlychada. The atmosphere is shaped by the fishing port, the marina and the island’s rugged volcanic landscape rather than by the noise of the busier resorts.

The hotel team speaks English, French, German and Spanish, which makes the practical side of your stay straightforward. With a bar, restaurant, pools and a spa on site, the evening can remain pleasantly simple: shower, eat, swim or book a massage, then stop pretending you are going back out.

You are in Vlychada, on the southern coast of Santorini, with the hotel directly by the sea and direct access to a black-sand beach. Sun loungers and parasols are available for the beach, while the surrounding rock formations give this part of the island a distinctly volcanic look.

Vlychada itself keeps daily life close at hand, while Fira is about 7.5 miles away. Santorini International Airport is about 8.7 miles from the hotel, and Athinios Port is about 5.5 miles away, useful to keep in mind if you are arriving by ferry rather than aircraft.

The useful detail here is the view: the sea is visible from every room and suite. If that matters to you, choose a sea-view category rather than leaving the decision to the booking system. Sea-view doubles and junior suites are the obvious fit for a couple who would rather wake up to open water than to a view of the car park.

Room facilities vary by category, but the better-equipped options include air conditioning, a fan, a fridge or minibar, a safe, television, Wi-Fi and soundproofing. Blackout blinds are available in some categories, while balconies appear with selected rooms and suites. In practical terms, that gives you a cooler room for recovering from a hot day, somewhere to keep water chilled and a proper chance of sleeping past sunrise.

For extra space, the hotel also offers two- and three-bedroom suites, along with family accommodation, apartments, villas and cottages. A private bathroom is standard across the listed accommodation, and selected categories add bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, hairdryers and either a shower or bath.

Notos Restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with local cuisine on the menu. Its published service period runs from 12:00 to 20:00, so it suits an early meal after a day outside rather better than a late-night dining plan.

Breakfast is available as a buffet, with breakfast served in your room as another option. There is one pool bar, named Bar by the Pool, and the resort also has a snack bar and café service. Meal inclusion depends on the booking arrangement, so check the board details before assuming that every morning coffee is part of the deal.

The spa is the main reason to stay put. Notos Spa is built into volcanic rock and uses natural hot spring water, with massages and beauty treatments available. There is also a sauna, steam bath and spa bath, giving you several ways to warm up, loosen tired muscles or simply spend an hour doing very little, which is an underrated holiday skill.

For a less structured afternoon, the resort has indoor and outdoor pools, a sun terrace, a library and outdoor furniture around the grounds. Yoga, cycling, hiking, fishing, windsurfing and snorkelling are listed among the available activities, while bicycle and car hire can help you explore beyond Vlychada when the volcanic scenery starts demanding a closer look.

Families are welcome, with babysitting and a children’s pool available. The direct beach access also makes the sea easy to reach without turning every swim into a logistical exercise.

Check-in runs from 15:00 to midnight, and check-out is by 11:00. Reception operates around the clock, with express and private check-in and check-out available. Wi-Fi is available, and the hotel has luggage storage, a concierge, a safe, laundry, dry-cleaning and ironing services.

Airport transfers and shuttle services can be arranged through the hotel; the airport shuttle is chargeable. Car hire is also available, which is useful if you want to reach Fira, the port or other parts of Santorini without relying on taxis. The hotel accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express and Visa Electron, and pets are admitted.