Santorini Hotel Scores 99 in 2026 Condé Nast Reader Awards

Canaves Epitome in Santorini did not just win a prize. It won a score of 99.07 out of 100. That is a near perfect rating for any hotel, but for a property in one of the most scrutinized destinations in the Mediterranean, it is a statement of intent. The Condé Nast Traveller 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards have just dropped, and the results for the Greek, Italian, and Spanish trifecta are out. These are the places that independent voters, not marketing departments, have decided represent the pinnacle of hospitality in Southern Europe right now.

It is a list that balances the aspirational with the achievable, though the aspirational end is where the headlines are. The awards are based on criteria that matter to the modern traveler. Service, design, food, location, and the room itself. It is a holistic view of what a luxury stay should feel like. For British travelers, these three countries remain the holy trinity of holiday destinations. They offer the ancient architecture, the food, and the beaches that define our ideal of a break. The question is always the same. Where do you stay, and what does it cost?

The Santorini Standard

Oia is a town defined by its whitewashed houses and blue domed churches, but it is also a place where the price of a view is steep. Canaves Epitome sits right in the middle of that iconic landscape. It is the only hotel on the island where every single room has both sea and sunset views. That is a rare feat in a place where the cliffside geography means some rooms face the caldera and others face the alleyway. The hotel has 53 suites and villas, each with private or plunge pools. It is a setup designed for indoor outdoor living, where the boundary between your private space and the Aegean Sea is deliberately blurred.

The Santorini Standard

The amenities are as good as the views. The main infinity pool is a magnet, and the sunset lounge bar and restaurant is exactly what you expect. It has sunset views. The Elements Restaurant, listed in the Michelin Guide, serves a sophisticated range of European food and the finest Greek produce. If you are not in the mood to go out, you can request in room treatments. Candle wax massages and pedicures are on the menu for those who prefer their luxury delivered to the balcony. A free shuttle service runs to and from Oia Town, and Katharos Beach, a secluded cove, is a short walk away.

The Santorini Standard

Then there is the cost. The cheapest room, which is interestingly the Honeymoon Suite with a Plunge Pool, starts from £964.61 per night in May 2027. The rates climb to £1,916.52 for the Epitome Pool Villa. It is not cheap. It is a premium product for a premium location. But for those who can afford it, it is a benchmark for what a high end Santorini stay can be. The score of 99.07 suggests that the voters think it is worth every penny.

Italian Grandeur

Moving from the cliffs of Santorini to the Italian coast, the vibe shifts. Italy’s best hotel according to the awards is the Grand Hotel, a name that carries weight in a country where history and hospitality are deeply intertwined. The Italian entry in these awards is often a mix of old world charm and modern comfort. It is a place where the design is not just about aesthetics but about a sense of place. The rooms are likely to be spacious, the service attentive, and the food a central part of the experience.

Italian Grandeur

Unlike the intense, high pressure luxury of Santorini, the Italian option offers a different kind of prestige. It is about the slow pace of a long lunch, the quality of the linen, and the view from a terrace that has been there for decades. The Condé Nast Traveller voters clearly value this kind of established quality. It is a reminder that luxury in Italy is often less about the flash and more about the feel. It is a different kind of 99.07, one that is earned through consistency and character rather than just spectacle.

The Spanish Option

Spain completes the trifecta, and its entry into the top spots is a testament to the country’s ability to blend beach culture with high end hospitality. The Spanish hotel that takes the crown is a place where the sun is a constant presence, and the service is warm and personal. It is a destination that appeals to those who want a mix of relaxation and culture. The beaches are a major draw, but the food and the wine are equally important. It is a place where the afternoon is spent in the shade, and the evening is spent in a restaurant with a view.

The Spanish Option

The Spanish entry in these awards is often a place of contrasts. It is modern and traditional, lively and serene. It is a place where the luxury is accessible in a way that the Greek and Italian options might not be. It is a destination that appeals to a wider range of travelers, from families to couples. The Condé Nast Traveller voters have clearly recognized this balance, and it is a well deserved place in the top three.

The Price of Perfection

Looking at the costs across these three countries, it is clear that luxury is a relative term. In Santorini, the prices are at the top of the scale. In Italy, they are high but perhaps more in line with a traditional luxury hotel. In Spain, they are more varied, with a wider range of options. But across the board, the message is the same. If you want the best, you have to pay for it. The 99.07 score for Canaves Epitome is not just a number. It is a reflection of a product that delivers on every front. It is a place that has managed to maintain a high standard of service and quality in a destination that is often criticized for being over commercialized.

The Price of Perfection

For British travelers, these awards are a useful guide. They tell you where the money is going, and why. They highlight the places that are worth the investment, and the places that are not. It is a reminder that in the world of luxury travel, the best is not always the most expensive, but it is usually very well done. These three hotels, in Greece, Italy, and Spain, are a testament to that. They are the places that the voters have chosen, and they are the places that define the current state of luxury travel in Southern Europe.

What to Book

If you are planning a trip to any of these countries in the near future, these awards should be on your radar. They are a snapshot of what is considered the best in the industry right now. They are a guide to where the quality is, and where the money is well spent. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape in Santorini, a cultural immersion in Italy, or a beach break in Spain, these hotels are the ones to consider. They are the places that have earned their reputation, and they are the places that will deliver on the promise of luxury.