Maison Des Lys Santorini Review: Inside the Luxury Cave Suites Above the Caldera

There are two versions of Santorini. The first is the one you've already seen countless times: whitewashed villages cascading down volcanic cliffs, infinity pools melting into the Aegean, and blue-domed churches filling social media feeds. The second is quieter. It's the version you only discover once you've stepped away from Oia's bustling streets and found somewhere that allows the island to breathe.

The island's dramatic landscapes and unique volcanic beauty have made it one of the world's most sought-after luxury destinations, earning it a place among our selection of the 10 Best Islands in the World.

Maison Des Lys, perched on the cliffs of Akrotiri, is exactly that kind of place.

Before booking, my only hesitation was the location. If it's your first visit to Santorini, Oia is non-negotiable. Its dramatic white houses seem to tumble more than 300 metres down towards the sea, creating one of Europe's most recognisable skylines. Even in the height of July, when cruise ships and summer holidays bring thousands of visitors, there's an unmistakable calm beneath the crowds. The pace somehow slows. People linger over long lunches, the afternoon heat encourages an unhurried rhythm, and the island has a way of making you forget what time it is.

What surprised me most was just how easy it was to experience both sides of Santorini. Oia was a little over twenty minutes away by taxi, making it effortless to spend the day exploring before retreating to somewhere altogether more peaceful.

Originally, I had every intention of staying in Oia itself. But after comparing dozens of luxury hotels, I kept running into the same compromise. Many of the so-called private pools were, in reality, little more than plunge pools tucked beneath public footpaths. In photographs they looked idyllic; in reality, hundreds of tourists wandered directly above them each day, often pausing to photograph the famous views - with your terrace unintentionally becoming part of the backdrop.

Maison Des Lys offered something entirely different. Here, privacy isn't a marketing slogan; it's part of the experience. Sitting beside the infinity pool, listening to nothing but the gentle movement of the water and the waves below, there were moments when it genuinely felt as though we were the only people on the island. It became less about escaping the crowds and more about reconnecting with the landscape itself.

The Cave Suite

When we entered our suite, I was surprised. In fact, surprised doesn't even come close to describing the feeling.

We had been upgraded to one of Maison Des Lys' largest suites, with an expansive private terrace and a swimming pool that quickly became the centre of our stay. Looking back, I probably spent more time there than anywhere else during the trip.

The design immediately captured the essence of Santorini. The curved ceiling echoed the island's famous cave architecture, while the entire suite followed a beautiful white palette - from the walls and ceilings to the pool itself. Rather than feeling cold or minimalist, the monochromatic design reflected the Mediterranean sunlight and made the space feel significantly larger.

One of my favourite details was the curtains stretching from one end of the suite to the other. When the doors were opened, they moved gently with the summer sea breeze, bringing the outside in and creating that effortless indoor-outdoor feeling that makes Mediterranean living so appealing.

Even the bathroom followed the same philosophy. The double shower, with its built-in white bench, felt less like a functional space and more like an extension of the architecture - simple, sculptural and calm.

The Private Infinity Pool

If there is one feature that defines Maison Des Lys, it is the privacy.

Many Santorini hotels promise infinity pools, but the reality is that some are positioned close to public walkways or neighbouring terraces. At Maison Des Lys, the experience feels much more secluded.

From the pool, the view is uninterrupted: endless blue water, dramatic cliffs and the quiet sound of the waves below.

It became the centre of our stay. There was something incredibly relaxing about spending hours there without needing to leave - reading, swimming, having lunch and watching the light change throughout the day.

Interestingly, the privacy of the suites can make you forget how busy the island actually is. We often commented on how quiet Santorini seemed, only later discovering the main pool area filled with guests enjoying music, drinks and conversation.

The hotel manages to cater to both types of traveller: those looking for complete tranquillity and those wanting a more social atmosphere.

Dining at Maison Des Lys

The restaurant at Maison Des Lys benefits from a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, making it an ideal spot for sunset dinners.

Having grown up in a neighbouring country, Greek cuisine has always felt familiar, so I arrived with a good understanding of what to expect. The menu focuses on Mediterranean classics, with fresh ingredients and simple preparations.

The grilled sea bass with vegetables was a personal highlight - exactly the type of fresh, uncomplicated dish that works perfectly after a day spent by the pool.

For more relaxed afternoons, I found myself ordering room service and enjoying lunch on the private terrace. The chicken club sandwich and Caesar salad were particular favourites, proving that sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones you return to.

Service & Hospitality

The service at Maison Des Lys is one of its strongest qualities.

The team strikes a balance between being attentive and allowing guests their own space. Requests were handled quickly, and the overall experience felt personalised rather than formal.

One particularly appreciated detail was discovering that our airport transfer was included with our booking, making arrival and departure completely effortless.

Things To Know Before Booking

Maison Des Lys delivers an experience focused on privacy and relaxation, but there are a few practical details worth knowing.

The suites prioritise space and personalised service over excessive in-room amenities. For example, coffee facilities and a kettle were not automatically included, although they were quickly provided upon request.

The hotel's location means transport is needed if you want to explore the island, but for many guests this will be part of the appeal - returning to a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The best hotels are not always the ones with the most extravagant features. Sometimes they are the ones that quietly change the rhythm of your day.

At Maison Des Lys, mornings begin slowly, afternoons disappear beside the infinity pool and evenings arrive with the sound of the Aegean below.

For a few days, it feels as though time moves differently.

And perhaps that is the greatest luxury of all.