Mystique Hotel in Oia, Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Mystique Review
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: On the caldera’s edge in Oia
• Map
• Hotel website: mystique.gr
• Hotel phone: +30 22860 71114
• Check prices for Mystique

Caldera view from Mystique in Oia, Santorini.

Hotel Review

Mystique – Magnificent luxury hotel on the Oia caldera with two sparkling pools, a tranquil spa, and a fine-dining French restaurant.

Mystique is a romantic retreat situated near the base of the Oia caldera, which allows unobstructed sea views and grants more privacy than suites at most nearby hotels. Mystique offers a variety of suites and villas, most with private jacuzzis, pools, or both. Hotel guests are served by 3 fantastic restaurants: Lure (Greek dishes prepared with French techniques), Charisma (relaxed, chic Mediterranean), and the Captain’s Lounge (breakfast and all-day casual bites). The holistic spa, caldera-view pools, and superior service complete the experience here. Mystique is walking distance to the heart of Oia yet removed from the crowds.

See Also

• The Best Hotels in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Tours & Things to Do in Santorini

Mystique – Location

• Area: Fantastic location on the caldera’s edge at the beginning of Oia, just a short walk from the pedestrian-only zone. The hotel is less than 5 minutes from several restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, and about 10 minutes from the Oia Bus Terminal.

• How to Get There:
The hotel is located just off the main road into 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. From the Oia Bus Terminal, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the hotel.

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 Mystique 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 in Oia, there is a pay & park within a minute’s walk and a free parking lot a short 6-minutes away.

• Handy to: The beginning of the pedestrian pathway, Church of Panagia of Platsani.

Map of Mystique

Mystique – The Basics

• Ages: An adults-only property, only ages 14 and older are allowed. Most guests are couples celebrating a special occasion, usually a honeymoon or anniversary.
• Beach: The closest swimming spot (though it is not a proper beach) is at Ammoudi Bay, the port immediately below Oia, 1.5 km 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: Sweeping caldera views are available from each suite and villa. Being the lowest altitude hotel in this cliffside area, views are completely uninterrupted. The hotel does not have a direct view of the sunset.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Several suite and villa types include private, outdoor jacuzzis and/or pools. The Wet Allure Suites and All 2 Senses Suites have outdoor jacuzzis; the Spiritual Suite and Spa has both indoor and outdoor jacuzzis; the Mystery Villa has a private infinity pool; the Secrecy Villa and Holistic Villa include outdoor jacuzzis and infinity pools.
• Parking: There are 2 parking lots near Mystique. The closest one, about 1 minute away, is the pay lot near Anemomilos for €10 per day. There is also a free lot next to the desalination plant, just a 6-minute walk away.
• Extras: Twice daily maid service, wedding planning, private dining, 24-hour reception.
• When to Book: The hotel usually operates from mid-April until early November. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 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 71114
• Email: info@mystique.gr
• Website: mystique.gr

Mystique – Amenities

• Pool: The hotel features 2 infinity pools, both with poolside bar service and caldera views.
• Spa: The onsite spa offers a full-service menu of massage, skin, and body treatments using local ingredients, Greek natural products, and Asian-inspired therapies.
• Fitness Center: The hotel offers a small but well-equipped gym.
• For Disabled Guests: This hotel is located in the caldera and is full of stairs with no elevator. This hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• For Families: An adults-only property, only ages 14 and older are allowed. There are no amenities or facilities for children.
• Activities: The concierge team is happy to arrange any activities, whether private dining or wine tasting on-site or a full wine tour excursion. Other popular activities include caldera cruises at sunset, visits to the archaeological site at Akrotiri, photography tours, food tours, and much more.

Mystique – Food and Drink

• Restaurants: Lure by Oliver Campanha serves an upscale, modern Greek menu prepared using French techniques and paired with a thoughtful wine selection. This stylish restaurant operates from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm and is open to the public, so reserve a table ahead to ensure a great seat. • Charisma Restaurant offers an upscale casual menu of Greek and Mediterranean favorites for breakfast (8 am to 11 am), lunch (12 pm to 4 pm), and dinner (7 pm to 11:30 pm). Charisma highlights locally sourced ingredients with several Santorinian favorites on the menu. • Captain’s Lounge serves Greek and international favorites for breakfast, from 8 am to 11 am, plus poolside drinks and snacks all day long, until 8 pm.
• Lounges/Bars: Circe Bar, adjacent to Lure, offers low-alcohol cocktails and snacks inspired by Greek flavors and holistic wellness. • Aura Bar is the poolside bar serving the main pool area. The menu features signature cocktails, wine, smoothies, and great coffee, along with a snack menu. • Secret Wine Cave is set in the oldest portion of the hotel: a 150-year old wine cellar. Most often the setting for sunset wine tastings, the Secret Wine Cave can also be reserved for private dining.
• Breakfast: A complimentary, a la carte breakfast is served every day at Captain’s Lounge, Charisma Restaurant, or directly to each suite at the time of your choosing from 8 am to 11 am.
• Room Service: Room service is available all day during the restaurants’ and bars’ normal hours.

Mystique – Rooms

• Room Types: Vibrant Suite • Allure Suite • Wet Allure Suite • Spiritual Suite and Spa • All 2 Senses Suite • Secrecy Villa • Mystery Villa • Holistic Villa
• Smoking Rooms: Mystique does not allow smoking in any of its room categories. Smoking is allowed on private terraces and in outdoor common areas.
• Best Room: For couples, the best option is the Secrecy Villa. This spacious villa boasts a terrace featuring a private jacuzzi and private infinity pool, with expansive views over the caldera and more privacy than the suites offer. The interior space features a king-bed room, a separate living/dining room, a private gym, and a generous bathroom with a shower, dual vanities, and a jetted bathtub.
• For Families: An adults-only property, only ages 14 and above are permitted. For families with older kids, the best option is the Holistic Villa. This is the largest villa onsite, offering 95 sqm of space with a private jacuzzi, private infinity pool, and large terrace. Inside there are 2 cave-style bedrooms with king-sized beds, 2 bathrooms with open-style Greek showers, and a generous living and dining room. This villa and the All 2 Senses Suite are the only rooms in the hotel that accommodate up to 4 guests. Larger families will need to book 2 rooms.

Mystique – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is located near the beginning of Oia, not far from the marble pedestrian path, surrounded by an endless choice of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Oia Bus Terminal is just 11 minutes away on foot, making it a cinch to visit the rest of the island. The most photographed Church of Panagia of Platsani is nearby, about a 13-minute walk. The castle ruins, the most popular sunset viewpoint is a 19-minute walk west, while Ammoudi Bay is just a little further, 25 minutes from the hotel.
• Bus: Mystique is close to the Oia Bus Terminal, just an 11-minute walk away. Buses here serve all of the major villages and beaches on the island. Routes to Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira are direct, while all routes to the beaches, port, airport, or other villages requires a change of bus 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 am to 5 am) 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, 11 minutes away. 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 closer to the hotel. A taxi from the airport to Mystique should be about €35 to €40, and a taxi from Fira or the ferry port to Mystique should be about €20. There will be a small surcharge for advanced reservations and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of Euros.
• 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.

Mystique – What’s Nearby?

Nearby Restaurants

• Anemomilos Restaurant: Located next to the hotel of the same name; refreshingly local vibe, not touristy at all. Great food, friendly atmosphere.
• Melitini: 100% Greek menu using local Santorinian, Cycladic, and Greek ingredients only. Quaint, cozy interior and stellar caldera views from the rooftop terrace.
• Lefkes: Cozy, romantic restaurant in a converted wine cellar in the charming Finikia village.
• 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.
• 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 25-minute walk down takes longer coming back up, but your waiter will be happy to call you a cab.

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.

Nearby Cafes

• Mes Amis: Amazing little spot on a covered patio looking over the caldera. Super casual, fantastic views, and great food.
• Meteor: Excellent coffee and breakfast with sweeping caldera views, though a little on the pricey side. Turns into a bar at night.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

• Bligaki: Santorinian accessories, especially jewelry and bags, mostly handmade.
• BLOW by Labro: High-end designer boutique with unique pieces.
• 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. 1-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 best winery, with options for 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

• Perivolas Market: Small store with a decent selection of drinks, wine, and bread.
• Village Super Market: Good selection of staples at a fair price (for Santorini).
• Proton Supermarket: Small market, but usually has the best prices. This is where most locals shop in the area.

Mystique – The Hotel

The entrance to Mystique.

The hotel is built into the side of the caldera according to traditional Cycladic style. Most of the suites and villas feature classic, Santorinian cave-style architecture which uses hand-tools to carve around the caldera’s unique geography. No two suites are alike. About half of the rooms are in this eastern wing of the hotel, near Charisma Restaurant, Aura Bar, and the main pool.

The other half of the hotel reaches to the west toward Oia village. Seen here in the top right distance are Lure Restaurant (under the plants) and Captain’s Lounge (under the sail) where the second pool is. Also here is Thirassia Island in the center, tiny Aspronisi Island just left of that, and on the far left the volcanoes (foreground) and the tip of the Akrotiri peninsula (background). This photo was taken from the Wedding Pavilion.

The Wedding Pavilion itself, though not set up for a service. From here, you can see on the left Imerovigli village and Skaros Rock (a popular hiking destination, about 2 hours away on foot), the Akrotiri Peninsula stretching all the way across (where the ruins are), and the 2 volcanoes side by side in the sea in front of Akrotiri.

View of Mystique’s main pool and sun terrace from the Wedding Pavilion.

A closer look at the main pool. It is by no means huge, but for some reason it looks extra tiny in this shot.

This is the main pool as seen from Charisma Restaurant.

Charisma Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Aura Bar, seen here, serves light bites and drinks in between meals and to the pool.

Charisma is also home to the Secret Wine Cave, a 150-year old wine cellar turned into an intimate wine tasting room. Available for private dining, too.

The second pool is located at Captain’s Lounge, which serves breakfast in the morning and light snacks and drinks throughout the day. This pool looks bigger than the main pool, but it is actually the smaller of the 2.

View from a table at Captain’s Lounge over the caldera.

Mystique’s signature restaurant Lure serves some contemporary Greek-Mediterranean dishes accompanied with exceptional wine.

The spa offers an extensive range of treatments, including massage, skin care, and spa packages.

The suites are located on the higher floors of the hotel. This is the patio of a Wet Allure Suite…

…with a caldera view from the jacuzzi.

Wet Allure Suites have open-plan layouts with a generous living area adjacent to the bedroom.

There is a dual vanity here with the bathroom on the other side. The cave-style suite features traditional design elements such as the hand-sculpted walls and ceilings built around the natural rock shapes.

Wet Allure Suites feature king-sized beds…

…and cave-style open showers.

Mystique’s villas are all designed with privacy in mind. The Mystery and Secrecy Villas are both on the lowest level of the hotel, offering ultimate privacy and unobstructed caldera views. This is the view from the Secrecy Villa.

Secrecy Villa is ideal for a romantic getaway. This villa includes a private outdoor jacuzzi with caldera views…

…as well as a private infinity pool over the caldera.

The villa opens up to a living and dining room. Just behind that is the private gym (currently set up for an in-suite massage), with the bedroom and bathroom in the back. The design is still Cycladic, but more contemporary than the traditional-style suites.

A closer look at the dining area…

…and its view.

Secrecy Villa features one bedroom with a king bed. Décor is spare and highlights natural elements.

The view from the bed.

The ample bathroom includes a glass front shower, dual vanities…

…and a jetted bathtub.

The Holistic Villa is Mystique’s best villa for families or groups. Unlike the other villas, this one sits at the top of the hotel. This is the view to the hotel from the upper terrace of the Holistic Suite.

The Holistic Villa features a private infinity pool on its lower terrace, shown here.

The upper terrace has a private jacuzzi…

…and a spacious terrace with comfy sun loungers.

The entrance to the villa is on the lower terrace behind the pool.

A closer look at the private infinity pool.

The villa opens up to a spacious living and dining area in a neutral palette, again spotlighting natural elements.

Both bedrooms are contemporary cave-style rooms. This is the first one, featuring a king-sized bed…

…and its ensuite bathroom with an open-style Greek shower and dual vanities.

The master bedroom is roomier and also offers a king bed. Check prices and availability: Mystique