Review of Katikies Hotel, by Jeroen Bergmans

Katikies is one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Santorini, beloved of honeymooners and the monied jet-set who holiday on this legendary Cycladic isle. Its cluster of traditional, cube-like cottages, steep free-form staircases and series of wooden bridges cling to lip of Santorini's extinct volcanic caldera and make the most of the island's breathtaking views. The hotel has been listed in Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List since 2004.

The facilities

The three swimming pools at Katikies offer some welcome respite from the scorching Santorini sun. The first is a cold water pool in a small cave that's only used in summer. There is a second small plunge pool on the same level and then the main pool with a Jacuzzi which dominates one of the boutique hotel's many terraces.

Two Greek chefs serve up simple, healthy snacks poolside and creative, modern Mediterranean cuisine at the boutique hotel's rooftop fine-dining restaurant which has only four tables. Candlelit dinners overlooking the caldera are very popular so booking ahead is essential. If it's full, try sister boutique hotel Kirini next door which has an equally exclusive restaurant that serves the best gourmet fare in Santorini. Breakfast is served every morning on the terrace of your room.

The boutique hotel has no spa, but massages can be arranged on request.

The rooms

Even the simplest of Katikies' 27 rooms has its own private terrace looking out across the extinct volcanic crater of the caldera. Local interior designer Tselepis, who also designed sister boutique hotel Kirini next door, has created a classic look which is more World of Interiors than Wallpaper*. Walls are white, textiles a shade of powder blue and antique Greek furniture has been hand-picked to match the traditional beamed ceilings.

The more expensive rooms in the boutique hotel have Jacuzzi baths and Bulgari toiletries. The Honeymoon Suite is by far the fanciest as it has its own outdoor Jacuzzi that's big enough for two.

Katikies Villa, which is only 150 metres away, has seven rooms and access to all the boutique hotel's facilities. It's much quieter, more intimate and cheaper than the rooms in the main part of the boutique hotel.