Ah, Santorini! Specifically Oia...our holiday was made more memorable by staying in Rena’s enchanting cave house under the shadow of the famous 3 blue domes.
From the pictures, the house looks compact but what a surprise my family and I had when Nicole, the very friendly and helpful housekeeper, ushered us in to a very spacious property. 6 people could have easily been accommodated here.
The cave house is charmingly rustic but it’s equipped with useful modern amenities such as WiFi, CD player to play some classic Greek music, a stove top for home-cooked meals , Illy espresso maker, fridge to keep water cold and air conditioning to keep you cool (much needed after walking the many stairs of the picturesque village in the summer heat - including the rocky trail leading to the private beach cove down below the cave house - we were thankful for Nitae (sp?), one of Rena’s porters, who guided us down and helped us with the kayaks).
This time of year is the high season for travel to the island, so, there are hordes of people on the main drag - especially when the cruise ships dock offshore. But Rena’s cave house is situated at the edge of the residential line, so, it’s private and you have an unobstructed view of the blue Aegean Sea. The private beach cove is rocky but we’re glad it’s secluded and we had it all to ourselves in peace - and the free use of kayaks is a treat way better than a trip to Disneyland! We kayaked our way to and around the small island of Saint Nicholas where there’s a little church and a high point to jump into the clear waters below.
Rena and her staff were great hosts and took care of all our needs. We did not get to meet Rena, but she was responsive to all my questions and always offered help - including shipping back my daughter’s hat that she left in the transfer van. The cake and local wine were added treats, and the cats were playful companions for my kids.
We look forward to our next stay at Rena’s cave house - we want to continue making fond and fun memories in it as a family.
Efharisto, Rena!