THE LUXURY TRAVEL
MAGAZINE FOR INDEPENDENT
TRAVELLERS

It's true that when reviewing the most romantic place on earth, it is better visited with your husband or significant other, than with your children. However, timing is everything and the opinion I tender is shared by the sophisticated judgment of my sons Matthew and Alex, (ages 12 and 10) who, at this point in their careers as Junior Hotel Reviewers, said it all when they labelled Santorini and our beautiful hotel, Ikies, the most romantic place on earth.


I have high hopes for their future as husbands and challenge the women they marry to match their ability to define the perfect ambiance. Truth be told, you can judge the ultimate in guest service by how hotel staff treats children and these children were treated like the future honeymooners they are. Today's child is tomorrow’s guest, after all.


What makes the perfect hotel: location, beauty, attention to detail, comfort and personalized customer service. Judge for yourself - a cliff-top location overlooking the Caldera and white pristine city of Oia, sunset views, huge terraces with futons, lounge chairs, umbrellas and private hot-tub, robes, slippers, in-room lap top with cordless high speed internet (in case you’re crazy enough to want to keep in touch with the outside world), kitchenette (though you won't need it), fluffy comforters, star-lit nights.


Am I saying too much? Sorry, there’s more. What about personalized service that makes you feel as if you have personal butler service that you haven't paid for? I've been wordy, but it couldn't be helped.


I'm hardly finished. Finding the perfect hotel isn't enough when you're on a romantic vacation. An over- the-top romantic dinner is also a virtual necessity. I suggest Katikies. You will be perched on a promontory overlooking the sea and the cliffs of Oia. The lights will dim automatically in direct proportion with the setting sun. Your white tablecloth will glow pink as the sun sets. Three waiters will serve you simultaneously as you dine. You will not have room for dessert, but you will order it anyway - preferably the chocolate pyramid stuffed with chocolate mousse.