We did not want to publish a negative review, but after giving the host, the owner and AirBandB a chance to respond and getting no where, we will. At least to forewarn other guests.
Our first impression of this cave house (internally) was it was beautifully designed, immaculate and well presented. Just as per photos. As is the location.
Our issue was that the 'private' outside space is unusable and as such, can not be sold as such. There is nothing private or usable about the space. We understand the blue domes are a favourite of the instagrammers. However, from our arrival, our 'private'gate was ignored and we had a continuous procession of wedding parties (brides in full gowns, with grooms and bridesmaids), professional photographers, instagrammers and amateur photographers clamoring over the gate, walls, climbing on the domes. If we tried to have a drink or eat breakfasts, we would be surrounded, or have someone hanging over us with an SLR or selfie stick. All in the private area. When we pointed out the signs, we were mostly ignored. One 'professional' photographer even became aggressive when we asked if he and his wedding party could just leave our area in peace. Even saying he had permission from the owner and we couldn't remove him.
We alerted the host that the gate was not effective and should have a swipe card/lock. To no avail. She said they'd never had this complaint before.
On closer inspection of some of the reviews (which we should have looked at before), we see that this complaint had been received earlier this year, with the owner promising a swipe card system would be installed. Obviously to no avail.
This property is very expensive. And one of the selling points is to be able to have a private seated area within the heart of Oia. We were unable to use this and felt every time we sat in an area we had paid for, we had to move. We ended up leaving the property a day earlier to go stay at a place where we could actually sit outside. Note cave houses are poorly ventilated, so we were not keen to sit and eat inside (and why should we when we have paid for the outside space as well).
When we also raised that the photographer said he had permission to be there, the owner said this is untrue. Well - here is a theory. We also saw that this balcony was the only one that did not have a shade/umbrella in the area..all other cave houses did. Another reason it was hard to use as there was no shade in the heat. But we suspect it was more because the photographers view of the domes would be blocked, so the owner had likely agreed to not put there. Similarly, we believe the reluctance to lock the gate may be because, there is a deal going on with these local businesses to bring weddings down to use the space. Whatever the reason for not enforcing the privacy, we believe we should be refunded in part for the false advertising and not being able to sit outside.
If you are a wannabe Instagram Influencer who is happy to sit amongst photographers, book this space. If you want privacy on your holiday, don't. We have plenty of photos to show the situation, which we will add to TripAdvisor once this venue has been added to it (we have sent request to TripAdvisor)