Santorini in Spring!

May 2025 found me swapping the Manchester clouds for the sun-drenched clifftops of Santorini – a whirlwind  5 night escape that beautifully blended business site visits with classic Greek indulgence. Here’s how our Aegean adventure unfolded.

We kicked things off at the ever-reliable Holiday Inn Manchester T2, easing into our trip with zero airport stress. With an early start looming, it’s hard to overstate the pleasure of a comfy bed just steps from check-in.  After some quality Aether Lounge time (runway views, bubbles, private car to gate!), we jetted off Santorini-bound!

Our first evening was a gentle immersion into island life: unpacking, a stroll through fragrant streets, and a leisurely dinner at a local taverna. Fresh seafood, house wine, local chat —Santorini’s welcome committee did not disappoint.  Kamari is all blue skies, black sands, and the laid-back buzz of a true beach town. We wandered pastel shopfronts and quaint cafés before a site visit at the lovely Kastelli Resort, which is tucked behind swaying palms just moments from the sea. The evening highlight? Kamari’s famed Outdoor Cinema. Picture 'Mission Impossible' screening beneath the starlit sky, surrounded by locals, with popcorn and local wine in hand. Absolutely magical—and, dare I say, Tom Cruise never looked so good!

The next day, a site visit took us to Megalochori, a village where time drifts slowly and whitewashed houses tumble in haphazard perfection. Lunch by the Vedemar Hotel pool felt positively decadent—think olives, feta, and laughter echoing over turquoise water. That evening, we raised a glass at Santo Wines at sunset. The caldera views here are simply cinematic; it’s no wonder so many honeymoons start with an evening like this.

A lazy morning gave way to our next base, with a scenic taxi across the island to Santo Pure Suites in Oia. Oia’s reputation precedes it (those blue-domed churches are even more striking in person). We squeezed in a site visit at the Mystique Hotel and rounded off with drinks overlooking the endless Aegean. Yes, Oia really is that dreamy... but, top tip... check the cruise arrivals to avoid the heaving crowds!!

We booked a private guided island tour which took us through Fira’s twisting lanes, past Firostefani’s iconic three bells, to Imerovigli for truly jaw-dropping caldera views, before retail therapy (for research purposes, naturally) in Oia. Capping off the tour, a wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery—sipping Assyrtiko with a view you’ll try (and fail) to describe back home. 

For our final night, we moved to the 5-star Istoria Hotel in Perissa, a stunning boutique oasis right on the black sand beach. A phenomenal meal and a relaxed promenade stroll among Perissa’s buzzing bars and elegant beachfront rounded off our island experience in style.  A final lazy morning, some last-minute sun, then a smooth transfer for our flight home—already plotting a return.

Santorini defines ‘Instagrammable’ yet offers so much more than the iconic blue domes: charming villages, volcanic beaches, breath-taking cuisine, refined hotels, and warm, authentic hospitality. Whether you’re blending business with pleasure or simply seeking the ultimate escape, it’s a timeless destination where every day feels like an adventure.

Ready to find your own slice of the Aegean?  If you’re dreaming of whitewashed villages, sensational sunsets, and luxury hideaways—let’s tailor your perfect Greek escape together. Contact me today and let’s start planning a trip you’ll never forget.