Travel dates: last week of October 2019
Short version: this is probably the best place to stay in Santorini. Location, views, amenities, host are all top notch.
Very Detailed and Long version:
We were traveling with an infant and needed an apartment with a full kitchen. In fact it even had an outdoor grill and brick oven on the balcony. This apartment was perfect. Very spacious and Chantal had a lot of baby gear ready for us including a chicco baby chair that attached to the table outside (it didnt attach to the dining table indoors), a huge playmat and some toys.
Apartment was clean, felt luxurious and well taken care of. Most importantly it provided almost complete privacy which is something that is a challenge in Oia and Fera. Walking up and down we noticed how all the pools and living spaces of most rentals were right on the walking path providing zero privacy. So if you are in the pool of those apartments or relaxing on a sunbed you have other tourists taking selfies or staring right at you. This is something you would not realize from looking at the pictures. However Chantals apartment in Seahorse Residence is shielded away from the public and only if you were standing at the edge of the balcony could some passerby have a view of you from the walking path above.
In terms of location it is perfect in many ways. A bit away from the madness of fira but when you walk you will be there before you know it. Which is perfect. Probably 15 mis walk from the “main square”. It is next to very popular restaurants (2-5 min walk) Mama Thira, Galini Cafe and Aktaion. Also there’s a huge parking lot right above Mama Thira and next to Santorini Palace Hotel. Also right above the apartment is the Three Bells of Fira. And walking distance from mini market, tour operators etc.
Views are of the Caldera so perfect for the unobstructed private sunset views. In fact, if you just go up to the parking lot above Mama Thira, you can catch some beautiful sunrises as well.
Breakfast was delicious and a huge spread of sweet and savory dishes with the usual orange juice, tea, coffee, bread etc. The chefs will ask you time and preference for breakfast and prepare accordingly.
Apartment is cleaned daily and you enjoy all the amenities of a hotel.
We were picked up and dropped off at the airport by Kostas who is absolute gentleman and a true champ. He also helped arrange a car rental that was bought to us.
One thing to note is that since most accommodations are built into the cliff (including seahorse residence) the “walls” are actually about 5 feet thick rock structure. Due to this we had no wifi and cellphone reception in the bedroom (the one with the bird motiff on the wall)we did not use the bedroom with the loft but that should not have any challenges with wifi since the router is in the same room. Cellphone reception is a challenge on the island in general and not something the host can control. We also felt that the mattress could use a replacement. Also the shower curtain in the tub could be changed to something more relevant to shape and size of the tub. These are all minor areas of improvements based on our experience and preferences.
The property has CCTV cameras installed for physical security. We found the placement of in such camera a little disconcerting as it pointed directly to the hot tub. Walking around santorini we noticed the same about other properties. This is probably just an inherent issue since the tub is outside and so are the cameras. It did dissuade us from using the tub which was a bit sad.
All things considered l, this is an excellent choice to stay while in santorini. Chantal is very prompt and accommodating when answering requests. She also has smaller/ 1 bedroom apartments. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and still dreaming of the pleasant mornings waking up to the beautiful views and greeted by the most friendly chefs and their delicious food.
Stay here.