Sandblu Resort Santorini: Everything You Need to Know About Santorini's Newest Luxury Hotel

First things first: This is NOT a Caldera Hotel

I’m leading with this because it’s the most important thing you need to know: Sandblu is located in Kamari on the east side of Santorini, not perched on the famous caldera cliffs.

If you’re dreaming of those iconic sunset views over the volcanic crater with infinity pools clinging to cliffsides, this isn’t that. Sandblu sits tucked into the foothills of Thira Mountain, and you’re getting mountain and sea views, not caldera drama.

But here’s the thing—for the right traveler, this is actually perfect. Keep reading.

Lounge area near the outdoor bar

Location & getting there

Sandblu is about five miles from Fira and only 15 minutes from the airport (they include free airport and port transfers, which is a lovely perk). You’re a 10-minute walk from Kamari Beach (a beautiful black sand beach) and the resort has a shuttle that can get you there in three minutes if you don’t feel like walking.

The property is on the peaceful, less-crowded side of the island. Think resort vibes rather than the bustling caldera scene.

The Property Itself

The design is absolutely stunning. Modern Greek minimalist with whitewashed woods, local stone, marble, and pops of blue and sage green. The architecture cascades down the mountainside toward the sea, and honestly, an Instagrammers dream.

The amenities include:

• Three pools (two outdoor, one indoor).

• Aurora Spa, with eight treatment rooms.

• 24/7 fitness center.

• Kids club with daily programming (yes, this place is surprisingly family-friendly!).

Four dining options:

• Nectar: Specialty restaurant with modern Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, resident DJ, and gorgeous alfresco setting.

• Plateia: Main restaurant with Mediterranean fare and live cooking station.

• Aroma Wine Bar: Curated wine list focusing on Santorini’s incredible Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.

• Stari: Greek kafeneio vibe with sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.

More al fresco dining

My room: The two-floor suite that made me never want to leave

Okay, so. My jaw literally hit the floor when I walked into my two-floor suite. I’m talking INCREDIBLE.

Upper level: Massive king bedroom with beautiful finishes and a stunning primary bathroom. Step through the sliding glass door onto your private outdoor space with sun loungers and—wait for it—your own plunge pool overlooking the ocean.

Lower level: Take the stairs down to find an entire lounge/living room area (which they had gorgeously set up with a charcuterie board, fresh flowers, and a bottle of sparkling wine on ice waiting for me), a full coffee and beverage bar, and a second full bathroom. Outside the lower level is a second patio with a dining table that easily seats 6–8 people, perfect for al-fresco meals or pretending to work while actually just staring at the ocean. There’s also another lounge area, all overlooking the sea.

I seriously mean it when I say I could have stayed forever. Forward my mail. I live here now.

The bedroom

The food: actually exceptional

Listen, I’ve stayed at plenty of resorts where you settle for convenience over quality when it comes to dining. This is NOT that.

The food at Sandblu was exceptional. We had a multi-course chef’s dinner under the stars one evening (they do this regularly), and it was spectacular. The food told a story, the chef was genuinely proud to share their cuisine and knowledge, and they set up a bar for a truly memorable night overlooking the water.

This isn’t just resort dining. This is destination-worthy cuisine that I would absolutely return for specifically.

Outdoor dining

The vibe: one word—SERENE

You don’t often hear “serene” used to describe Santorini, but at Sandblu, it’s absolutely true.

This property is peaceful. Polished. Brand new. It’s away from the crowds, the cruise ship chaos, the Instagram hunters fighting for the same sunset shot. If you’ve been to Santorini before and want something more chill, or if you simply prefer tranquility over constant action, you’ll love it here.

I’ll say it again: I could have stayed forever and died happy.

The service

The staff! THE STAFF! Everyone was exceptional. Every single interaction was friendly, helpful, and truly above and beyond. They anticipated every need before I even realized I had it. This is the kind of service that makes you feel almost guilty about how good it is, but also makes you never want to leave.

Unexpected highlight: the bathroom products

Here’s something I wasn’t expecting to rave about, but I need to: the quality of the bathroom and spa products cannot be overstated.

As someone who travels constantly, I’m usually disappointed by hotel hair care products. I try not to overpack, so I’m dependent on what hotels provide. Sandblu delivers. My hair was in its best shape during those two nights on property. I genuinely wish I could have taken the products home by the gallon.

Getting around the property

True to Santorini form, even though you’re not on the caldera, the property still cascades in layers down the mountainside. This means some walking up and down inclines depending on where you’re headed.

But here’s the beautiful thing: if you have any mobility concerns or just don’t feel like the walk, a buggy is just a phone call away. They arrive within minutes to whisk you wherever you want to go, whether that’s breakfast, the pool, the spa, or the lobby.

The spa

The spa experience

The spa is absolutely gorgeous, and my massage therapist was excellent. I loved spending time in the spa pool and sauna afterwards. Bring a book and you could hang out there all day (though it is entirely indoors, so don’t expect to work on your tan while you’re relaxing).

Beach access

Kamari Beach is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, but they’ll arrange a shuttle if you prefer. They have sun loungers they can reserve for you, and they can even arrange a picnic to be enjoyed at the beach if you want to stay there all day.

The black sand beaches are stunning, though fair warning—they do get hot under the Mediterranean sun, so bring sandals!

The beach club

Let’s talk romance

Here’s my honest take: this property is absolutely romantic. Possibly even more romantic because you get the privacy of not being in the middle of everything. It’s quieter, calmer, more relaxed.

It’s just a different kind of romantic than the bustling caldera sunset scene. If you want intimate dinners, private plunge pools, peaceful mornings, and the feeling that you have this beautiful corner of Santorini to yourselves, this delivers in spades.

What you should know before you book

This property is perfect if you want:

• A resort experience with full amenities.

• To avoid the Oia/Fira crowds.

• Beach access (the caldera doesn’t actually have beaches!).

• A base for exploring the island by rental car.

• A peaceful, relaxing vacation.

• Privacy and tranquility while still being incredibly romantic.

• Exceptional service and spectacular food.

• A family-friendly luxury property with a proper kids club.

The pool

This might not be right if you want:

• Classic caldera views and sunset-watching from your hotel.

• To be within walking distance of tons of restaurants and shopping.

• The “postcard Santorini” experience for your first visit.

• Constant action and nightlife right outside your door.

The practical stuff

You’ll want a rental car or be comfortable coordinating taxis/shuttles to explore other parts of the island. Oia is about 30+ minutes away, Fira is 15–20 minutes. The village of Kamari itself is more touristy beach town than romantic boutique destination, but honestly? The property is such an oasis that you might not care.

The living area to my suite

My honest verdict

I absolutely loved my time at Sandblu and would go back in a heartbeat (as I’ve said multiple times now).

Is it right for everyone? No. If you’re visiting Santorini for the first time and your heart is set on caldera views and those iconic sunset moments, you should probably stay on the west side of the island.

But if you want a peaceful, serene, amenity-rich resort experience with exceptional service, spectacular food, legitimately luxurious accommodations, beach access, and the space to actually relax in Santorini? This is a fantastic choice.

The staff is phenomenal. The food is exceptional. The spa is gorgeous. Those suites are jaw-dropping. And the overall vibe is serene and intimate, which in Santorini is honestly a rare and beautiful thing.

Bottom line: You’re trading Instagram-famous views for actual relaxation, privacy, world-class hospitality, and one of the most beautiful new properties I’ve seen in Greece. For many travelers (especially repeat Santorini visitors, families, or anyone who just prefers peace over chaos), that’s exactly the right trade.

Pro tip: Consider spending part of your Santorini trip on the caldera for those iconic views and sunset moments, then moving to Sandblu for the beach, spa, relaxation, and exceptional service. Best of both worlds.

Have questions about Sandblu or planning a trip to Santorini? I’d love to help you plan the perfect stay. Reach out and let’s chat about what would work best for your travel style.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Santorini page.