Unveiling Romance: A Homeric Poems Santorini Review – Your Ultimate Greek Island Escape for Couples
Overview
This trip was rather hastily put together as an alternative for visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy. With the Italian authorities applying a mandatory in-hotel quarantine for 5 days for UK arrivals, we decided to cancel there and look to visit elsewhere. Greece seemed like a great option, not only because I have absolutely loved previous trips, but also because the only stipulation (Covid-wise) was that you were either double-vaccinated (and beyond the two-week window) or that you arrived with a negative PCR test. Although, at the time of travel, we had both received both vaccines at least a month before, we opted to take a PCR test too just to make sure. You then had to apply for a barcode from the Greek authorities which came in at 10pm UK time (midnight Greek time) on the day before departure. This was required for the flight to prove we could enter, but actually we were also tested on arrival at Thira airport with a lateral flow test. Thankfully, as they were allegedly testing the entire flight, we were first off and had our tests taken promptly (nasal swab only) and later that afternoon I received a text from the authorities advising that it had been negative.
Having been to Santorini before, we knew we would want to stay again at Oia, and after investigating a few options decided to book the Andronis Boutique Hotel, more on this in a separate review. I then looked for somewhere to stay beforehand nearer Thira and had been drawn to Katikies Garden after having had a couple of amazing trips to the original Katikies property in Oia many, many years ago. Unfortunately the Katikies Garden wasn’t yet reopening, so instead I remembered a great trip to Homeric Poems also many, many years ago. On investigating I found that there were new suite options since we were last there, the original hotel having expanded into the next door property. As soon as I saw the Honeymoon suite with a private pool, terrace and hot tub; I knew that was the one to book and I wasn’t disappointed. Although not in Thira itself, Firostefani is really near and only a short walk into the capital itself.
Hotel website: https://www.homericpoems.gr
Would I stay here again? Yes, definitely would for a third time. Was such a good choice to come back after so long, and with the addition of the new suites it’s a fantastic choice for Santorini.
Hotel Review: Homeric Poems, Firostefani, Santorini, Greece.
Location
Such an amazing location - located on the Caldera side of the island, just on the outskirts of the capital Thira/Fira. We were met at the airport with a pre-arranged transfer by the hotel, and although we took a little time to locate the driver initially (we were first off the flight and there was an assault of taxi drivers holding boards and we didn’t see any sign) it only took about 10-15 minutes to get there (about 7km). Because of the location of some properties on Santorini, Homeric Poems included, you often can’t get the taxi straight to the door; but we only had to be dropped a few minutes away where we were met by the hotel. Our luggage was whisked away and we were walked to the property (albeit I could clearly remember as the location is just amazing) by another member of staff.
A note for anyone with mobility problems, I really would encourage you to fully explore particular conditions of any property you planned to visit here - paths aren’t the smoothest and there were a lot of steps down into our suite. I know I keep going on about the location, but it’s absolutely jaw-dropping but does mean rooms and suites are generally on multi-levels and there are lots of steps. Our suite was located towards the bottom of the property - you come off the main path and then it’s all downhill from there (altitude wise) but just up and up from an expectation level.There are many local cafés and restaurants located within seconds from Homeric Poems, or equally easy enough to venture into Thira too down the scenic coastal path. Caldera view Santorini is definitely one of the best Greek islands for couples.
Accommodation
The last time I’d visited (which must be maybe getting on for 20 years I think) Homeric Poems wasn’t as large as it was now - I must have old photos which would show they have probably doubled in size, at least, but the additional part of the hotel has been a transformational project with newer top-end luxury suites, a few with private pools and hot tubs.
There is a choice of everything from three room types (Double, Deluxe Double and Superior Double) then there are four suite choices (Honeymoon, Cave, Honeymoon with plunge pool and the Grand Suite with plunge pool). All are luxury cave hotel inspired. Those are the official descriptions, but we had the Honeymoon Suite (Helios) with plunge pool, but the pool was way more than just a plunge pool, you could actually have a decent swim in it, and was also a really good depth. I’m 6’ and by standing on the bottom the water was neck-high. Not only was there the outside pool, there was also a two/three person hot tub jacuzzi too on the large deck, and this still left more than enough room for two comfortable wooden loungers and a table with two chairs and large parasol. The views from this terrace were absolutely stunning, but then there were also two picture windows in the large lounge area of the suite, and a private entrance terrace to get into the suite too. Did I mention the panoramic views, literally these are jaw-dropping.
Inside the suite was perfect too - on entry, there was a very large living/dining area; with a two-person sofa (in pure white) and a table with two chairs for an inside breakfast, which was served to your room or suite each morning. There was a good sized LCD TV with hotel information and this also provided the in-room WiFI. In a recessed cupboard, behind blue/grey shutters (all the woodwork inside was this same colour which was a wonderful contrast to the white walls and floors and to the exterior Santorini grey wood) was a small kitchen area with sink, fridge (used as the mini-bar), coffee maker, cups, etc.
From the light and spacious living/dining area (which had a very effective separate air-conditioning unit) there was a small step into a middle area between the two rooms of the suite. Further on, up yet another small step was a large bedroom area with supremely comfortable canopied king-size bed (all white linens) and both a window onto the hot-tub and full-length opening doors that would take you (literally) straight into the pool. There was a writing desk, small vintage wardrobe and vintage suitcase-style bedside tables; and another very effective air-conditioner. From the middle area was the bathroom; this had a large walk-in open rain shower, (one) sink on a large vanity unit and WC. Toiletries were provided by Molton Brown (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion) then all other accessories (like dental kits, cotton buds and pads, shower caps and shave kits all by Gilchrist & Soames). Everything was spotlessly clean and the suite was serviced twice daily.
The new norm with Covid, all precautions were taken care of, with all staff wearing masks throughout, there were QR codes to access menus in the room rather than paper copies and the TV had lots of general hotel information. Remote controls had been sanitized then stored in clear plastic bags and even when signing for drinks in the bar were we given a sanitized pen in a wrapper.
Food & Drink
The day started with your choice of breakfast items, delivered to your room or suite at a time of your choosing, served between 8 - 11am. You just had to either phone or leave your order at reception the day before by 6pm. Top tip, the 9am slot is a popular choice so get your order in early to secure that delivery, or give a standing order for your stay. There was a full choice of teas and coffees with different milks, freshly squeezed orange juice, then various pastry options being an assortment of breads, a traditional cheese pie (called tiropita) and croissants. For eggs, you could have boiled, fried, scrambled, an omelette or just the egg whites. To accompany this as sides or in your omelette there was a choice of different cheeses, Santorini’s cherry tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, bacon, smoked turkey, green peppers, mushrooms, onion and olives. For something more sweet, there was delicious greek yoghurt served with the options of granola, fresh fruits, or pancakes; all coming with a choice of butter, honey, jam or Nutella. Our menu was delivered on time each morning, and it was so wonderful to have the option of enjoying this either within the air-conditioned suite or out on the shaded terrace (the sun didn’t fully hit here until after breakfast, which was a welcome relief from the strong daytime sunshine).
Although no on-property restaurant per se, there was a lovely (next to the pool) terrace bar with a separate large deck (loungers for reclining or there were lots of shaded seats in recessed areas next to the bar itself, albeit all with the stunning expansive sea views. As well as an extensive drinks and cocktail menu, there was an all-day menu of salads, comfort food, starters, main courses and desserts. Although Santorini is expensive, the hotel prices for food and drinks were very fair, as were the mini-bar prices too. For example, a homemade pizza was only 11 euro (about $13 US or £9.50) and a burger (with all the trimmings) only 14 euro. Cocktails too which were not only delicious (I loved the Basil Grace Botanical - gin, basil, lemon and pink grapefruit) but also very well priced at 12 euro. We’d actually gone out the night before to have a drink in Thira before dinner, but were charged ridiculously 15 euro for the most basic of spirit and mixer, which they’d incorrectly named a cocktail.
With so many restaurant options on the doorstep (particular favourites were Mama Thira, Vanilia and Galini Café) and Argo Restaurant in Thira itself was a firm favourite from a previous trip, it was great to enjoy a drink on either your private terrace, the bar area of Homeric Poems before a short wander to one of the nearby eateries.
Facilities & Service
Other than everything already mentioned, like the superbly appointed suite with private pool and hot tub on the secluded terrace (and not really overlooked like many in Santorini, especially on the Caldera-view side of the island) there wasn’t anything like a gym or spa at the hotel, nor were they needed, but the hotel could organise massage or beauty treatments for you in the room or suite. There was a decent sized main pool area too with sun loungers, and another large terrace with double loungers higher up nearer the area which had been the original Captain’s House.
They could also organise car/motorbike rental, boat trips, dry cleaning or ironing, as well as airport transfers. Service was exemplary throughout, from being welcomed at the airport to then the hotel welcome, being shown to and around our suite; as was the breakfast service or in the terrace bar. Housekeeping was attentive and the suite was restored to pristine condition every day.
ThePrivateTraveller’s top tips (any areas for improvement?):
Very minor, but considering the vast size of the suite, the one small wardrobe wasn’t a huge amount of space for clothes.
Fantastic shower but the water tended to pool in the middle rather than run off to the recessed drain.
It’s just a personal view but when a bathroom is large, I would be putting in two sinks.
ThePrivateTraveller’s absolute highlights:
Loved the space and outlook, and the privacy compared to many suites in the vicinity at other properties which can be so overlooked.
The Caldera view - just wow!
Always love a hotel which supplies Molton Brown toiletries.
Useful website links:
Hotels:
Homeric Poems https://www.homericpoems.gr
Andronis Hotels https://www.andronis.com/hotels/
Andronis Boutique Hotel https://www.andronis.com/hotels/andronis-boutique-hotel/
Katikies Resorts & Club https://www.katikies.com/
Restaurants:
Vanilia https://www.vanilia.gr/
Galini Café https://hotelgalini.gr/galini-cafe
Argo Restaurant Thira https://www.argo-restaurant-santorini.com
Mama Thira Taverna http://www.mamathira.com/
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