Blog Posts
Beyond the check-in: How to create your perfect Santorini welcome
May
There is a specific, quiet magic in the first thirty minutes of a Greek holiday. After the flights, the transfers, and the check-in formalities, you finally close your hotel room door, and the island is yours.
Typically, the next step is a frantic search for what to do next. With a little bit of foresight, that first hour can be transformed from a “settling in” period into one of the most memorable moments of your trip.
If you are looking to elevate your arrival, or surprise a travel partner, here are a few thoughtful ways to curate your own welcome. Our team will be in touch with your host or receptionist to ensure that your selection arrives on time and is placed in your accommodation before your check in!
A Toast to the Volcanic Soil
Santorini is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world. Having a bottle of crisp, volcanic Assyrtiko by the famous wine maker Paris Sigalas, or a selection of Santorini Wine Essentials waiting allows you to toast to a beautiful vacation from your private terrace the moment you arrive.
Pair these with Greek snacks like SantoNuts Pistachios or classic Kiosk snacks like Oregano flavored potato chips and you are set to get organised without needing to rush out to fill your stomach!
Anticipating the Aegean Elements
The Santorini climate is beautiful but specific. Many visitors are surprised by two things: how strong the sun is and how cool the evening “Meltemi” winds can be.
The Windbreaker
A lightweight jacket is the “insider’s secret” for evening catamaran cruises or dinners in Oia. In Greece the word “Ampelos” is used to describe the ”vine” or “grapevine. These windbreakers feature a hoodie that tacks away in the collar as well as a folding in a bag system to save space when travelling back. Available in green and pink.
The Summer spirit
A donkey beer themed hat and beach towel, as well as a sturdy tote beach bag ready to go means you can head straight to the black sands of Santorini the next morning without a shopping detour.
The Gift of “Analog” Time
For the Reader
Santorini is one of the most photographed places on earth, but there is a different kind of connection that happens when you put the phone away. Having a pocket book or guide on the Akrotiri excavations or Santorini Wine waiting on your bedside table turns the landscape from “pretty rocks” into a 3,500-year-old mystery you can explore at your own pace.
For the Artist
A drawing book encourages you to sit and truly see the blue domes and bells. It’s a meditative way to decompress from travel. Colour Cyclades: An Inspiring Pocket Guide illustrated with colour-in drawings captures the charm of the Greek islands, Colour Santorini: An Inspiring Travel Guide, a guide made for travellers who wish to explore the island of Santorini by colouring, and Colour and Learn the Traditional Greek Cuisine, to know what to choose form the Greek menu before you head to a taverna!
Travelling with kids
If you’re traveling with kids, a small island-themed gift waiting on their bed can instantly cure “travel grumpiness” and make them feel at home in a new place.
Small Donkey Ball
A small light ball to take with you anywhere! It fits in your bag, it can get wet at the beach and you can roll it on the taverna table while waiting for the food to arrive. Available in blue and pink.
Donkey Plush Toy
Choose the size that fits your needs and gift your child a plush toy to sleep with in this new place!
Quiet Time
A Greek Colouring Book and Donkey themed colouring pencils for the toddler that doesn’t have their toys with them, and a story about Santorini for older kids to learn about Santorini’s roots and its history, with the book Exploring Santorini with Atlanti.
Making it Seamless
The goal of a vacation is to remove “friction.” At Santorini.net, we’ve found that the most relaxed guests are those who prepare their sanctuary ahead of time.
Whether it’s a bottle of wine to celebrate an anniversary or the practical essentials you didn’t have room for in your luggage, we can arrange to have these items delivered and waiting in your room before you arrive. It’s not just about the products; it’s about ensuring that the moment you turn the key, your holiday has truly begun.