In Oia, sunset usually means crowds. Visitors gather along narrow alleyways, rooftops, and around the castle in search of the perfect view. At Canaves Epitome, the experience is different. Here, you can enjoy the sun setting over the open Aegean, beyond the resort’s two main swimming pools and landscaped gardens, without having to compete for a spot.

This alternative vision of Santorini has earned the hotel its most significant international recognition to date. At the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, Canaves Epitome received a score of 97.89 out of 100, ranking first among resorts in Greece, fifth in Europe, and 89th in the World’s 100 Best Hotels. The results were based on votes by more than 207,000 readers, who cast a total of 661,000 votes across more than 10,000 hotels, destinations, and travel experiences.

Beyond the Caldera 

Unlike many of Oia’s luxury hotels, Canaves Epitome was never intended to compete for a place on the caldera cliffs. Instead, the resort occupies the village’s northwestern edge above Ammoudi Bay – close enough to reach Oia on foot, yet removed from its busiest streets. Here, the succession of cave-style suites and narrow stairways gives way to open walkways, spacious terraces, private courtyards, and lush landscaped gardens.

That location was a deliberate decision rather than a compromise. Canaves Collection Managing Director Markos Haidemenos has described it as a long-term investment in a different kind of luxury, centered on privacy, generous outdoor space, and tranquility while remaining connected to Oia. Following the awards announcement, Haidemenos said: “Seeing two of our hotels recognized by the very travelers who chose to stay with us is the most genuine acknowledgment we could receive. These distinctions belong to our people.” 

A More Grounded Architectural Language

Opened in 2018 and expanded significantly in 2023, Canaves Epitome now features 53 suites and villas, two large swimming pools, two restaurants, wellness facilities, and expansive communal areas. The architecture, originally designed by K-Studio, intentionally departs from Santorini’s familiar all-white aesthetic. Volcanic stone, grey-toned finishes, timber, and earthy textures give the resort a warmer, more organic identity that blends naturally with the island’s landscape. Large arches reinterpret the traditional kanava – the cave-like wine cellars that once stored and aged Santorini’s wine – while stone walls shelter private terraces from the island’s strong winds and frame uninterrupted sea views.

The landscaping plays an equally important role. Mature olive trees, lavender, rosemary, prickly pears, oleanders, and other Mediterranean planting soften the volcanic surroundings while creating natural privacy throughout the property. On an island known for its dry climate, the gardens are far more than an aesthetic feature; they shape circulation, create secluded pockets of privacy, and soften the mineral austerity of the architecture.

The Luxury of Space and Privacy

Space is one of Canaves Epitome’s defining luxuries. While many of Santorini’s premium hotels maximize limited cliffside footprints, Canaves Epitome offers expansive outdoor living areas, private plunge pools or swimming pools, and layouts designed to preserve both privacy and uninterrupted sunset views. The resort’s two main pools also cater to different styles of stay, with one offering a more family-friendly atmosphere and the other providing a quieter, privacy-focused atmosphere.

This approach has also broadened the resort’s appeal. Santorini has long built its international reputation around romantic escapes and honeymoons. While Canaves Epitome retains that sense of romance, it also offers multi-bedroom villas, children’s activities, and spacious facilities suited to families and larger groups. The result is a more relaxed rhythm of island life, where guests can spend much of the day within the resort itself before venturing into Oia.

From Two Historic Wine Caves to an International Collection

The Canaves story began in the mid-1980s when Yiannis and Anna Haidemenos transformed two 17th-century wine caves into a boutique hotel. These traditional kanaves gave the business its name, which gradually evolved into one of Oia’s most recognizable luxury hotel collections. In 2010, their sons, Markos and Alexandros Haidemenos, took over the company, expanding both its portfolio and its international presence.

Canaves Epitome marked the collection’s boldest step forward. Rather than replicating the familiar model of caldera accommodations, the family chose to develop a full-scale luxury resort in a different part of Oia. Guest feedback reinforces the picture reflected in the Travel + Leisure rankings. As of July 10, 2026, Canaves Epitome held ratings of 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor, 9.9/10 on Booking.com, and 9.8/10 on Expedia, earning near-perfect scores for cleanliness, service, and room quality. Guest reviews consistently highlight the discreet hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, lush gardens, and the opportunity to enjoy Santorini’s famous sunsets away from Oia’s crowds.

Two Distinct Visions of Oia

This year’s recognition carries added significance because it extends beyond a single property. Canaves Oia Suites ranked second among Greek resorts and 11th in Europe, with a score of 97.1 out of 100. Together, the two properties secured the top two positions among Greece’s best resorts in the Travel + Leisure rankings. This dual success reflects two contrasting interpretations of Santorini hospitality. Canaves Oia Suites is carved into the caldera cliffs, embracing Oia’s iconic vertical landscape. Canaves Epitome, by contrast, sits beyond the caldera, unfolding horizontally with an emphasis on gardens, generous space, and privacy. The international recognition of both suggests that luxury hospitality in Santorini no longer needs to be defined by a single formula.