This Spring, Canaves Collection – a soulful, generational family owned-and-run collection of boutique hotels across Santorini, Greece – will usher in a new chapter in its 40-year-story, with the unveiling of Canaves Ena on May 1, 2024. Following a total design transformation from its original iteration of wine caves dating back to the 17th century, Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel, the brand-new Canaves Ena will comprise 18 suites that have been meticulosity designed to lure a new generation of travelers to the island, and embody Canaves Collection’s signature elegant minimalism, with calming, natural tones, in keeping with the original architecture of the Cycladic caves from which the hotel was born.
THE MOST ROMANTIC SUITES IN SANTORINI
Canaves Ena is undoubtably one of the most romantic new retreats for couples in Santorini. The contemporary, yet still classic and elegant design creates a fresh and stylish atmosphere for couples seeking privacy and serenity. Each suite has a private veranda and infinity pool that overlooks the captivating cliffside, with further views out to the Aegean Sea. The Cycladic whitewashed façades that are quintessential to Santorini, have been totally reimagined with a new aesthetic reminiscent of a modern cave, incorporating local elements, calming tones, and accents of modern bohemia. The refurbishment expands across the entire property including the reception area, all guest suites, and the main pool, which will now feature a swim-up bar with complementary views of the Aegean beyond.
Perhaps the most romantic suite on the island, the River Pool Suite is home to a one-of-a-kind river pool jacuzzi carved into the original 17th century caves, a King-sized bedroom, separate living space, and a spacious bathroom in a palette of soft Mediterranean colours. Canaves Ena’s gorgeous new interiors are complemented by a team whose super-competence, friendliness with a great passion for hospitality, and unfailing desire to make guests feel truly at home manifest in every detail, from private candlelit dinners to in-room couples’ massages.
INTRODUCING ADAMI – A SEAT AT THE SUNDAY TABLE
Situated alongside the hotel’s main pool, guests can indulge in a tapestry of authentic Greek gastronomy at the hotel’s new restaurant, Adami. The name, inspired by the Greek word ‘αντάμωμα’ (antamoma), meaning ‘meeting,’ speaks to the desire for connection and a taste of familiarity, reflected through the restaurant’s menu made up of generations-old recipes. Each plate reflects a passport to Greece’s culinary heritage with locally sourced ingredients that allow the bounty of Santorini and the mainland to shine in each bite, from signature dishes Tomatokeftedes (Santorinian tomato fritters with Katiki Cheese), Salatouri (Greek salad with flaked ray or skate fillet), Bakaliaropita (decadent cod pie) and Tuna Tigania (Greek style tuna with crispy fries). At Adami, families and friends can gather around dishes filled with tradition and love to experience a traditional ‘Sunday Table,’ the cornerstone of Greek life.
A TRANSFORMATION WITH GENERATIONS OF HERITAGE AND HEART AT ITS CORE
The Chaidemenos family’s deep connection to the fishing village of Oia dates back to the 17th century, before Ioannis Chaidemenos and his wife, Anna transformed the family’s caves that stored generations of vintage wine into chic hotel rooms in 1985 – and thus, Canaves Collection was born. The collection’s flagship property, Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel, followed, and today, Canaves Collection is made up of four additional properties: Canaves Oia Suites, Canaves Epitome, Canaves Sunday, and Canaves Elefas Villas. Fast forward 40 years, Canaves Collection marks a significant development in the family’s legacy with this unveiling of Canaves Ena. The radical redesign has been pioneered by Ioannis and Anna’s two sons, Markos and Alexandros Chaidemenos, who today oversee the hotel operations, and have perfectly synergized the old with the new to keep the magic of the hotel’s rich history alive, which once they called home when they took up residence in its back office in the early days.
WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCES CREATED WITH LOVE
Embracing 'philoxenia' – the ancient Greek value of hospitality – the Chaidemenos family is dedicated to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences that resonate in the hearts of their guests long after they depart the hotels, embracing each visitor as an extended member of their family. Canaves Collection offers the ultimate in bespoke Greek hospitality, ideal for travellers looking to rediscover new elements to the island and the authentic beauty of Santorini. Whether a private sailing experience onboard the collection’s fleet of yachts to discover the waters beyond Oia and the hidden coves only accessible by boat, or an authentic tasting in local wineries that date back 3,000 years, before discovering the untouched island of Therasia – the way the locals have known and loved it for centuries and will continue to do so if the Chaidemenos family have anything to say about it.
Nightly rates at Canaves Ena start from €650 / $690 per night. For more information, visit canaves.com/canaves-ena
