Santorini Kastelli Resort, Thira

Almost a thousand feet above the Aegean Sea lie the remains of the city of Thira founded in the 11th century BC. Its history is vividly told in stone chiselled through the millennia by Doric, Ptomemaic and Roman craftsmen. It is a huge site whose theatre is a short walk from an oasis of Cycladic charm, the Santorini Kastelli Resort. Its white-washed elegance is in stark contrast to the black sands of Kamari beach. The resort is built around two outdoor sweet water swimming pools each with its own bar. There is also a flood-lit tennis court, a billiard room and an art gallery. Two restaurants will offer all sorts of temptations depending on your mood and appetite: The Lydia by the pool and Phlisvos serving fine Mediterranean Cuisine. Kastelli owns a small vineyard and, every evening, it proudly presents candle-lit tastings of wines that thrive on the volcanic soil. The resort also takes pride in its holistic health spa, gym and range of soothing therapies.