Hotel: Canaves Ena / Stay Date: May 2024, 3 nights / Program: Virtuoso
Canaves Ena is a luxury boutique hotel part of the Canaves Collection in Oia, Santorini. The hotel has re-branded and re-opened from Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel to Canaves Ena only this year. In fact, we were part of the first set of guests to stay at this newly redone property and we could tell by how pristine the white paint was!! ‘Ena’ means one and this was the first hotel built as part of this family-owned boutique chain under the Canaves Collection umbrella.
With the recent re-branding, the hotel’s 18 suites are freshly renovated and elegantly decorated in a dazzling white, minimalistic manner with grey/beige undertones. Nestled in the heart of Oia, this hotel offers stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal location for those seeking a picturesque and serene getaway.
This was a special stay for us as it was my birthday!! The hotel went all out to make it as special as possible. Thanks to the GM, John and his fabulous team!
Virtuoso Benefits
Before we review the property, a quick note that the hotel can be booked under Virtuoso programme. Booking under the rate, you can receive the following benefits:
- Daily Complimentary breakfast for two
- $100 equivalent food & beverage credit
- Stays of 7+ nights will also receive an additional $200 Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $300 during stay)
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary upgrade subject to availability
- Welcome note from the GM and welcome amenity
Location: Canaves Ena
Canaves Ena is located a few minutes walk from the pedestrian pathway into Oia Town. The location is perfect for people who want to be a stone’s throw away from the Cadlera views of Oia, the main tourist town of Santorini. where you can explore quaint shops, delightful cafes, and local boutiques. The panoramic views of the sunset from the hotel are simply breathtaking and worth the visit alone.
The hotel also provides free parking with a small car park across the street, hence is quite convenient for guests who have a car for their stay in Santorini.
Hotel Entrance & Check-In: Canaves Ena
We landed at Santorini airport at about midday after a quick 3-hour flight from London. Our driver picked us up from the airport arrivals and we swiftly made our way to Canaves Ena. The drive was comfortable and about 20-25min without much traffic. The views of the Aegean Sea during our drive were stunning.
We were greeted upon arrival by the hotel staff who took our luggage as we made our way down the white-washed steps to the hotels entrance. Of course, we had to stop and take in the stunning Caldera views. We knew instantly knew this was going to be an amazing stay!
The check-in desk is just right at the entrance and we were greeted by the smiling staff. This also doubles up as the concierge desk. We had a quick chat with the staff and met the GM of the property, John. An absolute legend who we met several times during our three-night stay and got to know better.
The check-in area is a tad small and can accommodate 3-4 people at a time. They’d struggle with a large group. However, the property only has 18 rooms/suites and I doubt the reception gets busy.
After we completed the check-in formalities, the property’s GM gave us a brief tour before escorting us to our room. When the general manager is so involved in the guest experience, you know this is going to be a special stay.
Available Room Types
Canaves Ena offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites to cater to different preferences and needs. All suite categories offer a private plunge pool except for the Classic Suite and the Junior Suite.
- Classic Suite: Ideal for couples or solo travellers. It features a spacious bedroom, a sitting area, and a private balcony. Stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Average 25sqm in size. The classic suite does not have a private plunge pool
- Junior Suite: Slightly larger than the Classic Suite (35 sqm). Includes a separate living area and a balcony or terrace with beautiful sea views. Does not have a plunge pool
- Superior Suite: Offers additional space with a separate bedroom and living area. Private terrace with a plunge pool and panoramic views of the sea and caldera
- Honeymoon Suite: Designed for newlyweds or those seeking a romantic escape. Features an open-plan layout with a spacious living area. Includes a private plunge pool or jacuzzi on the terrace with breathtaking views
- Grand Suite: Perfect for families or groups of friends as it accommodates five people. Two bedrooms and a spacious living area. Large terrace with a plunge pool and stunning sea views
- River Pool Suite: The suite accommodates two and features a King bedroom, a separate living room and a spacious bathroom in a refined ambiance created by soft, Mediterranean colours. Indulge in luxurious intimacy at the one-of-a kind River pool Jacuzzi and relish the volcanic serenity, unwinding in the lounge chairs at the private veranda
Room: Superior Suite, Canaves Ena
Our suite (room 3) was quite close to the reception and the main road. This would be perfect for guests with limited mobility. A small ‘gate’ led us into our suite with the plunge pool directly to the left along with a comfortable seating area. We made plenty of use of this space over the next three days as it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the views of the Aegean Sea. Given that our room was on the same level leading to the restaurant upstairs, it didn’t have the most privacy and if that’s something of importance then guests are better off in the suites one level below.
Canaves Ena Superior Suite: Living Room
Upon entering our suite, I saw a beautiful setup arranged by the hotel for my birthday, with a superb cake, local sweets and a chilled bottle of wine as well as birthday balloons. I was touched by this and we spent the next few minutes taking photos before we even toured the rest of the suite.
The living room was spacious with a sofa on one corner next to the mini cabinet which included a mini bar, some snacks and coffee/tea making facilities. There was also a TV along one of the walls which we didn’t really make use of.
The living room was spacious indeed but in general I felt the layout was a bit odd mainly due to the fact that it was long and narrow which meant that all furniture was along the walls leaving the middle empty. I guess the hotel is going for a minimalistic look in which case it works. Nevertheless, we didn’t spend much time in the living room because we preferred to relax in the plunge pool or the comfy sofa next to it.
The centre piece however was the view of the Aegean Sea as you sat on the sofa and looked through the window. It almost looked like you were looking at a painting or wall art. I of course wasted no time in capturing this through my lens:
Canaves Ena Superior Suite: Bedroom
The bedroom of the Superior Suite at Canaves Ena included a king bed with views overlooking the Sea. Once again the theme was minimalistic and chic. Due to the small window, the rest of the bedroom did look a bit dark.
A large wardrobe separated the bedroom and walk-in shower. This included a range of amenities including umbrellas, slippers, beach bags, a locker etc.
Next to the wardrobe was a walk-in shower. Right next to this was a separate toilet and double-sink vanity area.
Canaves Ena Superior Suite: Private Plunge Pool
We spent most of our time in the room in the plunge pool or by the sofa. The heated plunge pool allowed us to use it in the cool evening weather. The main pool was not heated which means that having a room with a private pool is an advantage for sure.
The room’s main level location meant more frequent passers-by than the lower level. The way to the Adami restaurant was using stairs adjacent to the room.
Breakfast
Breakfast was served at the Adami restaurant. You can have it on the main floor with beautiful views of the sea. Or even better, you can have it on the rooftop with uninterrupted views of the sea looking towards Fira and the South. During our first full day we chose to eat on the rooftop. The next day we had breakfast after our Fira to Oia hike and decided to eat on the main floor to protect ourselves from the sun.
Breakfast here is fully a la carte and there is no buffet service. We didn’t see this on the menu but we were served ice-cold lattes as well.
Breakfast items are unlimited of course. We ordered a bread basket which was served with local preserves. We tried almost all vegetarian items on the menu.
Dinner: Adami Restaurant
Given our late arrival in Santorini, we were quite hungry. Hence, we decided to have dinner at the newly re-opened Adami Restaurant in the hotel before heading out into Oia town for a short walk.
We called the restaurant and booked a table with amazing views of the Sea. The setting was perfect and the entire vibe was nice and relaxing, just what we were looking after a long travel day!
The menu was based on a mix of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Although limited in options, there were plenty of vegetarian options to choose from.
For starters, we chose the tzatziki with zucchini chips which was delicious! The zucchini crisps had a nice crunch to them and the tzatziki was very fresh with a hint of dill. This was served with a small bread basket to share.
For dinner, we ordered the skioufichta garlic pasta with dried mizhitra cheese and gemista orfana. Both dishes were outstanding but the hand-made pasta was the clear favourite as the garlic tomato sauce was finger-licking good!
The restaurant deserves 5 out of 5. In fact, even if not staying at this hotel, I would not hesitate to recommend coming here specifically for dinner. The pasta was just amazing and we did consider coming back here the next night. However, due to our tight schedule, we couldn’t return to the restaurant for dinner.
Gym in Canaves Oia
The hotel doesn’t have its own gym. Guests can use the gym at its sister property Canaves Oia Suites which is literally next door and a few minutes walk way. The gym is functional with several cardio equipment and weights. It can probably accommodate 3-4 people before it feels very crowded.
The hotel also has a separate pool on the rooftop with a few lounge chairs and a pool bar. This is a great place to relax if you’re with a bunch of friends or in a larger group and you don’t want to crowd in the room. The pool is not heated due to its size but in the summer the temperature is perfect!
Canaves Ena at Night
The hotel looks stunning in the night-time glow. The blue colours from the plunge pools in the hotel give it a dazzling effect.
Service
From the moment we arrived, the service at Canaves Ena was impeccable. The staff were warm, welcoming, and always ready to assist with any request. They provided excellent recommendations for local attractions and dining options, and their attention to detail made my stay truly special. Whether it was arranging transportation, booking excursions, or simply ensuring my comfort, the service was top-notch.
On our second full day, we opted to start our hike from Fira back to Oia at around 6am. The hotel organised transport which was awaiting for us on time and also provided a small snack package with juices, fruits and some cereal bars. We appreciated this halfway through our hike when we needed an extra energy booster!
Beyond everything the GM of the hotel is a superstar. His desire to ensure the best stay for each one of his clients filters down through to his staff and it shows in their work. The people of the hotel are definitely a huge strength!
Conclusion
My stay at Canaves Ena Hotel was excellent and I had little to complain about. The combination of its prime location, exceptional service, superb dining, and luxurious accommodations made it a standout choice in Santorini. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Digging a bit digger, let’s see who would be the ideal guest for this property…
Who is this for?
- Definitely for couples on a romantic break who want privacy and superb views of the sea
- If you want to be as close to Oia as possible but not right inside the town center amongst the crowds
- If you want a calm, relaxing atmosphere and don’t necessarily need a party scene
- If you want a minimum number of steps between the street level, rooms and pool then this place is IDEAL. Most other luxury properties in Oia require quite a bit of exercise to move around the property
Who is this not for?
- If you’re a family with infants or children, then this is not for you. Instead, we would recommend their sister property, Canaves Epitome
- If you want multiple dining options and more of a vibe around the pool, then again Canaves Epitome is better suited
- If you don’t want to be in a busy area then this might not work as Oia tends to get busy..having said that in our view Oia is the best place to stay in Santorini
How to Book?
If you wish to receive the same perks as us then, please fill out your details, and we will get back to you!