Where? Vedema Hotel, Santorini – A Luxury Collection Resort

Exactly? Situated in the mediaeval village of Megalachori in the south west of Santorini, The Vedema Hotel has a fascinating history of its own. Set in the grounds of a 400 year old winery, the property was a private mansion house for past 100 years and is now a splendid, luxury hotel and resort. It has restored and retained many of its original exterior and interior architecture and character.

When? I visited in July 2021

When to go? The tourist season in Santorini runs from May to late September. You can go out of season – bonus is it’s much quieter, but also the weather is more unpredictable.

Vedema Hotel, Santorini

Seeped in over 400 years of history the Vedema resort is a sophisticated, charismatic property built for the discerning traveller. I was very lucky to spend a peaceful and pampering 3 night stay there.

Set away from the more touristy northern areas of Santorini, Vedema’s location in the quaint white and blue village of Megalachori offers a peaceful and rustic base from which to explore the island.

Its exclusive location is one of the reasons why many celebrities and royal families choose to stay here. Including (as the title of this article suggests), Lady Gaga who stayed in the presidential suite, with a private pool, on her last trip to the island.

Despite the elite guests, the prices range from mid to high end, dependant on room type and season.

The Rooms

There are 59 suites and villas spread out across the stunning property. Each room has its own terrace and many have jacuzzis and private pools.

In a soft, monochrome and neutral palette, the minimal decor is stylish yet homely at the same time. The white washed walls are complimented with natural wooden furniture, sand and earth tone soft furnishings and traditional colours borrowed from the buildings original features.

Exterior Architecture

As you walk around the beautifully kept grounds and gardens of the hotel, one thing you can’t see in the pictures is the fragrant scent of flowers and butterflies all around the property.

The exterior walls are a mix of soft pinks, whites and original stone from the winery, accented by Cycladic blue shuttered windows. The clean lines of the buildings frame the spectacular scenery and countryside. The hotel has been built with the environment and local surroundings in mind.

Food and Drink

Housed in the original 400 year old winery caves of the property, the Alati Restaurant (meaning ‘Salt’ in Greek) is the hotels fine dining restaurant. Dine in the atmospheric vaulted rooms, made of original stone with gothic, rustic furnishings. Or opt for the sun filled outdoor terrace which looks out over the acres of vineyards and Megalachori countryside.

Alati offers a creative seafood menu made for an experimental palette, designed by executive chef Melina Chomata. Expect exceptional wine pairings, many of which come from the local region.

Wine tastings and tour of the cellars are available at the hotel too.

For more laid back, daytime dining head to Pergola restaurant (pictured below). Overlooking the turquoise waters of the main swimming pool it’s the perfect place to enjoy a chilled buffet breakfast or a lounging a la carte lunch.

And Relax…

One of the main pillars of Vedema is relaxation. You have a choice of two sublimely large, lap swimming pools. One by the Pergola restaurant which is pictured above. The other extra-large pool overlooks the vineyards and artistically frames an idyllic mountain scene, pictured below.

Or if all that sounds like too high energy you can always chill by the flower covered outdoor jacuzzi (pictured above), or indulge in ultimate bliss at the hotels Elios spa (pictured below).

That”s all from Vedema Hotel, Santorini for now. For more information on the hotel and prices, check out the Vedema website.

For more of Bonnie’s travels in Greece click here. Or follow my journeys on instagram @bonnierakhit

Bon voyage xx