One of the many things to love about the island of Santorini is Blue Waves Hotel in Kamari Beach. It has charm, elegance, luxury, and a “feels like home” environment all wrapped into one. While you’ll find Blue Waves Hotel listed as a 2-star, this hotel is a 5-star experience.
Blue Waves is a boutique hotel with rooms that reflect the cave settings of Santorini. The décor is modern and comfortable.
The black rock beach of Kamari is directly behind the hotel, only a one-minute walk away. And many restaurants and shops line the beach for easy access all day.
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What’s So Special About Blue Waves Hotel in Santorini?
I’ve stayed at Blue Waves several times, and it’s become my favorite accommodation in Santorini. Since it’s in Kamari, there tend to be fewer crowds on the island’s east side, making for a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Keep reading for my personal review of Blue Wave’s main features.
Hospitality
Walking into Blue Waves, you instantly feel like part of the family that owns and operates it. Ioannis runs the hotel with perfection. It’s clean, safe, and conveniently close to shops, groceries, and restaurants. And the staff’s warm hospitality only highlights the beautiful atmosphere he has created. You’ll likely receive a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar as a welcome gift.
Accommodations
Accommodations include standard rooms, a spa bath or private pool suite, family suites with a private jacuzzi or pool, and a two-bedroom suite. Each suite has a kitchenette with a refrigerator, electric stove top, pots, pans, and dishes. And all the rooms have a good-sized balcony with a table, chairs, and clothes drying rack.
Amenities
Blue Waves offers breakfast as an option with your stay. The breakfast is excellent, and you can order a la carte. For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, the staff is very accommodating.
The pool and poolside bar area are pristine. It has several lounge chairs as well as dining tables and chairs. Above the pool area is another lounge area with a sea view. The bartender is very hospitable and informative about things to do in the area.
Port and Airport Pick-Up
Whether you’re arriving in Santorini via the port or airport, Blue Waves can arrange a pick-up and drop-off. The transport is a large van that can accommodate groups and luggage. The cost is approximately 25 euros one-way.
Another option is to rent a car or motorbike for your time on the island. If this is your plan, contact Blue Waves to hire a vehicle on your behalf. The prices are the same as if you would make the arrangements yourself in Santorini, so utilize the convenience of the hotel doing it for you. You can request that the car be delivered to Blue Waves, the port, or the airport at no extra charge. The rental company will meet you at the delivery spot. And when you’re finished with the car, you can arrange for it to be picked up at one of those locations.
Travel Tip: Check out my guide for taking ferries between Greek Islands.
Secret Earth Santorini
Blue Waves Hotel also owns Secret Earth, eco-friendly stand-alone villas. They’re located on the far end of Kamari Beach, near the airport. The accommodations are modern with a Santorini flair. Each villa has a private pool or jacuzzi and a kitchen, accommodating two to eight people.
Travel Tip: If you’re a full-time traveler and need to work while in Santorini, I highly recommend using Secret Earth as a base. Renting one of the villas for a couple of weeks or more will give you space to work, spread out, and cook while also taking time to refresh and sightsee.
Is Blue Waves Hotel and Secret Earth in Santorini Worth It?
I’ve had an opportunity to stay in both the hotel and villas and highly recommend them. They’re both a short walk to the beach.
The nice thing about Blue Waves Hotel is that it’s walkable to many shops and restaurants. Secret Earth is a little further away from food and entertainment, but it’s the way to go if you have transportation and are looking for a more secluded, private stay.
Click here for availability and rates. And if you stay at Blue Waves Hotel or Secret Earth in Kamari, be sure to tell them “yia sas” [hello] from Creative Travel Connections!