The music at the pool bar is in a deep eighties groove. From David Bowie to the Thompson Twins, Alpha Ville to Bananarama, the sounds of the era of excess are taking center stage at the Aressana Hotel’s pool, that is, along with a gurgling waterfall and the occasional clink of a knife and fork on china. Don’t think for a second that the Aressana is stuck in a time warp; the hotel is just asserting its identity – strong, unique and all its own. Take for example the tiny basil sprigs and salty, sweet anchovies that show up on the traditional Greek salad served at the Snack Pool Bar, with an all-day menu of Santorinian dishes. A daily special printed on cream vellum (today, shrimp with fresh tomatoes served with linguine) shows up on the black-washed volcanic rock bar held down by a couple of smooth white stones. Purple bougainvillea branches floating in clear glass vases add a Mediterranean feel alongside a couple of watermelons still sitting in their crate straight from the market; the same for the tables with whole lemons submerged in water, a playful touch. It’s just another day here at Aressana on the island of Santorini, a place infused with personality. Uh oh, is that Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra I hear playing Love’s Theme? Everyone into the water for a little aqua aerobics! Just kidding. 
Like all vertical towns, the predominantly white Santorini is visually breathtaking and the hotel takes tremendous advantage of it since it’s situated at the crown, within steps of the sight of the gorgeous Aegean Sea and an extinct volcano. The property itself is not about the view, however, and instead weaves an intricate lodging puzzle on multi levels and as a result you may find yourself discovering hideaways for reading, writing, relaxing with friends or simply soaking up the island culture. Turn a corner to find a cozy nook with plantation chairs for two, or take ten and relax in a covered loveseat out of the sun on the expansive outdoor terrace where a tall black and white striped floor lamp with a black rectangular shade has a mod sensibility.
Sit with a fresh blended juice from the bar at one of the comfortable country tables under the canopy beside the pool and drink in more of the beautiful surroundings. Chunky cubist chairs add a playful element to the white cabanas and banquettes are cushioned in aqua solids and stripes. Giant white bulb shaped vessels in wire mesh harbour potted flowering cacti, succulents trail down a white-washed wall and petite royal palms corner the white mosaic pool. Add a few weathered console tables, one topped with a Buddhist relief and you have a scene ripe for kicking back and with that gurgling waterfall to lull you to relax, you just may not want to leave. And why should you? It’s sunny practically every day on Santorini and the vibe at the hotel will induce you to perfect that tan of yours. The international scene on the island is of a level that makes looking good a necessity so go ahead and indulge.
The hotel has taken a cue from island culture by reflecting a strong character in the public spaces. A dazzling rendition of a late Bronze Age wall painting stares back at you at check-in and oversized blood orange club chairs keep you comfortable. A sea blue stucco veneziano wall along the far side leads the way to a cozy seating area in the adjacent bar where discreet Venetian mirrors and a giant flat-screen TV invite you to sit and order one of their fabulous cocktails. Chat up Ra, the barmaster, who will dazzle you with his mixology skills and splendid stories of goings-on about town. If you forgot your sailboat this time around, no worries, you won’t tire of strolling the glamorous shop-filled alleyways steps away from the hotel, swooning over fabulous Santorini wines in all the drop dead scenic restaurants nearby or unwinding and recharging in the Aressana’s superbly appointed Tefsion Kallos Spa facility with treatments attuned to Santorini.
It seems it’s anyone’s guess what the word “Aressana” means but in a language where words have significance, someone thought that it could be the name of a goddess or even a city. Combining tradition with sophistication, the hotel is indeed a goddess sitting atop her throne perched near the caldera rim, inviting the lucky few to cherish family hospitality, professional service, delectable food and magnificent views, especially at sunset. In a tourist heavy town, the Aressana Hotel definitely represents the island’s best.
*The Aressana Hotel, located just 6 kilometers from the Santorini airport, was renovated in 2008 and offers 48 elegant guest rooms with a hint of opulence in décor and materials. There are also 4 deluxe upper floor suites with special features like Jacuzzis and balconies. A homemade breakfast buffet with international and Santorinian specialties is served adjacent to the fresh water pool until 11 am! Guest services are top notch and include free internet with wireless in the lobby, quality bathrobes and luxury toiletries, complimentary mini bar and daily turndown service.
Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites
Fira 847 00
Santorini, Greece
30 22860 23900 ph
30 22860 23902 fx
aressana@otenet.gr
www.aressana.gr