Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Myst Review
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: Tranquil, non-caldera location north of Oia with sunset views
• Map
• Hotel website: mystboutiquehotel.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71660
• Check prices for Myst
Looking north (towards Ios) from Myst Boutique Hotel in Oia, Santorini.
Hotel Review
Myst Boutique Hotel – Brand new luxury hotel with a large pool, private jacuzzis, and a fantastic restaurant in a quiet neighborhood.
Modern with a Greek twist, this adults-only hotel boasts stylish rooms with private verandas – and outdoor jacuzzis in all but two. Light fare, modern Greek comfort food, and a full bar are all available at the restaurant at surprisingly affordable prices. The infinity pool features double-sized floating sun loungers inside, with single-sized loungers surrounding it, and views of the Aegean Sea (not the caldera). Located in the Tholos neighborhood, a serene outpost just 800 meters from the center of Oia, the hotel offers seclusion and privacy with easy access to all the dining and attractions the village is known for.
See Also
Myst Boutique Hotel – Location
• Area: Tranquil location about 800 meters north of Oia, offering much more privacy than any of the caldera hotels, while still being walking distance to the village’s best dining, shopping, and attractions. The caldera’s edge is only 17 minutes away on foot, while the Oia Bus Terminal is only 15 minutes away, making it very easy to visit the capital Fira or the ruins of Akrotiri.
• How to Get There: The hotel sits on the main northbound road out of Oia, making it very easy to travel to and from, whether by taxi, driving yourself, or riding the bus. It is approximately 18km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in different directions.
There are always buses waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses from the port or airport to Oia, however; buses from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board a different bus to Oia – the entire trip from the port or airport to Oia will take at least an hour and cost about €5 in total. Tickets are purchased on the bus, in cash only. The hotel is only a 15-minute walk downhill from the Oia bus station, so it’s a fairly easy walk on arrival, but a bit of a climb on the way back.
Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis serving the whole island, so there is often a wait; schedule a ride through a private car service in advance to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the airport to Myst will cost roughly €35 to €40. A taxi from the ferry port will cost around €35 to €40. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more – about $60 (or €50), but is worth it to avoid the wait and for the convenience of paying ahead.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a car either at the airport on arrival, or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Leave that for the locals to navigate. We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. Upon arrival, there is plenty of free street parking in front of the hotel.
• Handy to: Oia Bus Terminal, dining, and shopping in the center of Oia.
Map of Myst Boutique Hotel
Myst Boutique Hotel – The Basics
- Ages: An adults-only hotel, guests 16 years and above are allowed. Guests tend to be couples celebrating a special occasion, usually a honeymoon or anniversary. The summer months see a handful of families with older kids, but this is primarily a couples’ hotel.
- Beach: The closest swimming spot (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, 2km from the hotel. This is a popular spot for swimming and cliff diving; though it’s too rocky and small to do much lounging. Ammoudi Bay is the main port of Oia, and is served by several spectacular seafood restaurants. It’s a steep trek down and back again, but it’s relatively easy to catch a cab at the bottom to bring you back up the hill. (Buy a snack at one of the restaurants, and the waiter will be happy to call one.)
- View: All rooms offer a sea view or sunset sea view over the Aegean, but not the caldera.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: 17 of 19 rooms feature outdoor, private jacuzzis on their terraces.
- Parking: Plenty of free street parking in front of the hotel.
- Extras: Pool service, herb garden, vineyard, shuttle to Oia. Spa and gym are planned as of this update.
- When to Book: The hotel operates from May 1 until October 31. Reserve at least 3 months in advance (4 months is better) for stays during the high season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +30 22860 71660
- Email: info@mystboutiquehotel.com
- Website: mystboutiquehotel.com
Myst Boutique Hotel – Amenities
- Pool: Large infinity pool with floating sun loungers.
- Spa: Coming soon.
- Fitness Center: Coming soon.
- For Disabled Guests: Since Myst is not in the caldera, it has fewer stairs than most hotels in the area, but no elevator. It is suitable for someone who has mild to moderate issues walking up and down steps, but it is not accessible for those in wheelchairs.
- For Families: An adults-only hotel, guests 16 years and above are allowed. There are no special facilities or amenities for kids. There is only 1 suite that can accommodate up to 4 guests.
- Activities: Excellent concierge team to arrange dining, the best spots for photo ops, wine tours, and tastings.
Myst Boutique Hotel – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: The restaurant is open all day from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., offering simple but well-executed Greek fare with especially great grilled meats and fresh seafood. They specialize in light bites, but they do have several heartier options, and are attentive to any special dietary needs. Plus, they offer a full champagne menu, an extensive wine and beer list, and a wide selection of vodkas. The main restaurant is on the terrace above the pool, it also offers poolside lunch service.
- Lounge/Bar: The pool bar serves fantastic signature cocktails, well-mixed classics, champagnes, and beer throughout the day. The pool bar also serves lunch from the main restaurant’s kitchen.
- Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is served every morning in the main restaurant with a buffet and a la carte options. The buffet features homemade marmalades and sweets, local cheeses, fresh breads and pastries, plus a waffle bar and made-to-order eggs. Great coffees, organic juices, and smoothies.
- Room Service: Available during regular restaurant hours.
Myst Boutique Hotel – Rooms
- Room Types: Premium Room Pool Front with Sea View • Supreme Suite with Outdoor Hot Tub and Sea View • Delight Suite with Outdoor Hot Tub and Sea View
- Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking inside any room or suite. It is allowed on private terraces and in the outdoor, common areas of the hotel.
- Best Room: The Delight Suite is the largest suite, a little more than double the size of the Supreme Suites. It features 2 private terraces, 1 with a sunrise view, and the other with a sunset view and jacuzzi.
- For Families: Only guests ages 16 and older are allowed. There are no special amenities or facilities for children. The Delight Suite is the only suite that can accommodate up to 4 guests with 1 king bed and a sofa bed with a trundle. This is an open concept suite though, so it is all 1 room.
Myst Boutique Hotel – Local Transport
- Walking: The hotel is located north of Oia’s center, with its fine dining, luxury boutiques, and few bars about 15 minutes’ walk away. The route to the village is uphill, not super steep but a long climb (800m). The Oia Castle ruins are about 24 minutes away. Ammoudi Bay, 30 minutes away, is accessible via a steep and winding path down the side of the caldera, easy enough getting down, but arduous going back up; many people take a taxi or a donkey back to the top.
- Bus: The Oia Bus Terminal is only 15 minutes away, and serves all of the major villages and beaches on the island (sometimes with a change in Fira). Tickets are bought on board and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person in the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10). Buses can get very crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
- Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi near the Oia Bus Terminal. There is often a wait here as there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island (with guests from about 1,000 hotels, villas, and Airbnbs). Book ahead to avoid the wait, plus you can have them meet you directly at the hotel. There will be a small surcharge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros. The average rate from Oia to Fira is €20, and from Oia to the airport runs about €35 to €40.
- Scooters/Motorcycles: Scooters are the main mode of transportation for the locals, but if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it can be very dangerous. The roads here are zigzagging, hilly, narrow, and have sheer drop offs with no guardrails and no street lights in most areas. Lots of dirt roads and potholes.
- ATVs/Quads: ATVs are a fun and popular mode of transportation with tourists, but for the locals stuck driving behind them, they move too slowly and hold up traffic in an area where getting around is already a hassle. For those who don’t ride quads regularly (i.e. most people), they can be dangerous at high speeds and on turns. Crashing your ATV is a sure-fire way to ruin your vacation.
Myst Boutique Hotel – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants
- PitoGyros: Hands-down, the best gyros in Oia. Seating is limited.
- Candouni: Cozy, family-owned restaurant with live Greek music, and absolutely delicious food.
- Roka: Authentic, Santorinian menu with solid dishes, especially the meatballs and octopus.
- Melitini: 100% Greek menu using local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients only. Quaint, cozy interior, and stellar caldera views from the rooftop terrace.
- Lotza: Simple, honest Greek comfort food with stunning caldera views.
- Ammoudi Bay Restaurants: Each of these waterfront restaurants is phenomenal, offering the freshest fish on the island. The steep half-hour walk down takes longer coming back up, but the waiter will be happy to call a cab.
- Lefkes: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in charming Finikia village.
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: The best cocktails in Santorini. Plus, inspired Mediterranean food and an extensive wine list.
- Sunset Sangria Bar: Chill spot for sangria, cocktails, and tapas with excellent sunset views (though not of the caldera).
- Marykay’s Bar/Hassapiko: The only nightlife in Oia, this is where to go for dancing as they regularly host live bands and DJs.
Best Nearby Cafes
- Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast with sweeping caldera views, though a little on the pricey side.
- Vitrin Café Creperie: One of the best breakfasts on the island, plus AMAZING sunset views if you arrive early enough to snag a table.
Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops
- BLOW by Labro: High-end designer boutique with unique pieces.
- Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially jewelry and bags, mostly handmade.
- It’s a Beautiful Day: Greek-designed clothing and luxury-brand accessories.
- B.Loose: Greek-made, casual linens for men and women.
- Steps to Art: Truly unique metal sculptures, replicas inspired by Akrotiri, and jewelry made with volcanic sand and watch parts.
- Spilia Cave Greek Clothing: Handmade, leather sandals, cotton and linen Greek clothes, located in one of the original living caves of Oia.
Nearby Attractions
- Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: One of the top attractions on the island is this scenic 10.5 km hiking trail connecting Oia and Fira. A mix of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt trail, this route boasts gorgeous vistas the entire way. Hiking south to Fira, the full length of the path from the Byzantine Castle Ruins takes from 2 to 5 hours; Add about an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- Church of Panagia of Platsani: The most iconic church in Santorini, beautiful inside and out.
- Museum of Ancient, Byzantine Musical Instruments: Faithful replicas of Greek instruments dating from the prehistoric through Byzantine eras.
- Maritime Museum: Small museum focused on Greek Naval and Santorinian seafaring history. Only €3 to enter.
- Castle of Agios Nikolaos (aka Oia Castle aka Byzantine Castle Ruins): The medieval castle ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint on the island.
- Domaine Sigalas: Santorini’s top winery, offering tours, tastings, and tapas.
- Ammoudi Bay: Best known for its fresh fish restaurants, Ammoudi is the rocky port of Oia; boats sail to Thirassia and cruise the caldera from here. It’s an incredibly popular spot for cliff diving and is one of the best places to swim on the island.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Asteras Supermarket: Small, but solid selection with a surprising amount of fresh produce for its size, along with pre-packaged deli cuts, snacks, beer, wine, and some beach gear.
- Proton Supermarket: Small market, but usually has the best prices. This is where most locals shop in the area.
- Elliniki Diatrofi Supermarket: Great selection of local cheeses, wine, liquor, fresh produce, and staples. Open until after midnight, sometimes as late as 2:00 a.m.
Myst Boutique Hotel – The Hotel
Standing in front of Myst Boutique Hotel. The architecture is a contemporary take on Cycladic design.
At the top of the stairs, there is a courtyard with a small garden area. Heading up the smaller set of stairs leads to the infinity pool, where the sun loungers are in this photo. The restaurant terrace is under the 3 black sails in the upper left.
On the left side of the courtyard, in front of the lava rock wall, there is a culinary garden used by the kitchen and the pool bar.
Also to the left of the courtyard, there is the main lobby and reception area. Its clean, stylish interior design is repeated throughout the rooms. The reception is open and staffed from 7:30 a.m. until midnight.
The infinity pool has 5 double-sized floating sun loungers in its shallow end…
…and views to the Aegean Sea in the distance.
View of the pool from above. The smattering of houses, gardens, and vineyards are part of the Tholos neighborhood north of Oia. There is a vineyard planted now in the patch in front of the pool. The main road headed toward the sea leads to Baxedes and Koloumpos Beaches; heading away from the sea leads to Oia and the caldera.
Close-up of the vineyard in progress. This is a Santorinian-style vineyard, where the grapevines will be arranged in a basket style, low to the ground, to hold in moisture and protect from the winds.
The restaurant’s terrace looks toward the infinity pool and the sea.
The indoor portion of the restaurant is where the buffet is set up daily. Don’t miss their amazing Greek hot coffee or iced cappuccino freddo.
Most of the rooms here are Supreme Suites with Outdoor Hot Tubs. These rooms are all about 28 sqm with sea views of the Aegean (not the caldera). But every room has a slightly different layout and furnishing.
All rooms feature a king-sized bed with a Serta mattress…
…and a small living area with a sofa, table, minibar, and espresso maker.
This suite features a glass shower visible from the main bedroom, and looking toward the sea.
Closer look at the glass shower with a rainfall showerhead.
The suite features a private jacuzzi with views toward the Aegean Sea.
This is another Supreme Suite with Outdoor Hot Tub.
This suite also features an open-concept with a glass shower, but with a different layout.
Close up of the glass shower.
The private balcony with a jacuzzi, sun loungers, and dining area.
And one more example of a Supreme Suite.
This one has the bathroom and shower fully enclosed.
Inside the bathroom.
It also has a different décor in the living area.
Its private veranda with jacuzzi. Check prices and availability: Myst Boutique Hotel
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