Hotel Review: Vedema Resort, Santorini

Vedema is located off the beaten track in the heart of ancient Megalochori village, largely unspoilt with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional Cycladic architecture, 5km from Santorini's capital, Fira, the same distance from the port of Athinios, and under a 20-minute drive from the airport. There are beaches, wineries and a hiking trail all nearby, as well as another traditional village to explore, Pyrgos, the highest village on the island with spectacular sunsets. The renowned archaeological site of Akrotiri is about 6km away.

By plane: direct flights to Thira take around 4 hours from London and Manchester. It's less than a 20-minute drive to the hotel. Free parking available. Book flights to Thira.

The resort is made up of what was originally a cluster of village houses that were bought together and renovated, with new ones added. They are connected by winding paths with low stone walls on either side and various steps. The centrepiece is well-preserved wine cellars built 400 years ago, with outdoor pools and other public areas peppered about. From all around there are views of the rooftops of the mediaeval village and in the distance, vineyards and the sea. There's a relaxed ambience: the sprawling resort and relatively low number of properties mean that the restaurants and pools never seem crowded.

As well as two restaurants, a wine bar and a pool bar area, the resort has several pools, an attractive spa and a fitness room located in old wine cellars. There's a small boutique selling clothing, a helipad, complimentary valet parking and shuttles to Fira and Perivolos Beach. The concierge team can organise activities such as sailing, horse riding and wine tours.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Jacuzzi
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Some of the rooms, suites and villas feature jacuzzis or private pools and all have terraces. Walls are usually painted white, with either grey, green, blue or purple featuring in the upholstery and bedding. They are pleasant and spotless but rather lacking in character.

Room types: Dorian Suite, Ionian Suite, Aegean Suite, Athenian Suite, Olympian Villa, Presidential Villa, Nafsika Estate

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, terrace, tea and coffee facilities, TV, air-con, free Wi-Fi

Alati, the resort's fine dining restaurant, has three seating areas: a roof terrace, courtyard and large yet somehow cosy wine cave. All are delightful locations for an evening meal. A good buffet and à-la-carte breakfast are served at Pergola Pool Restaurant, and there is a private dining room, Canava Wine Bar, in a characterful wine cellar; snacks and drinks are also available at Circe Bar.

Alati: atmospheric restaurant and terrace. Mediterannean cuisine, locally sourced ingredients. Open daily for dinner.

Pergola: poolside restaurant, Mediterranean cuisine. Open daily for breakfast and lunch.