Canaves Oia: Where Guests are Welcomed as Family
A (Virtual) conversation WITH Markos Chaidemenos, Owner & Managing Director
How did The Canaves Brand come about?
It all started in 1985 when my parents, Yiannis and Anna Chaidemenos, transformed two 17th century canaves (traditional wine cellars) into luxury suites. It was the first luxury accommodation in the picturesque village of Oia. The birth of the Canaves Oia brand led to the hotel's all-white minimalistic concept, which redefined the meaning of luxury accommodation in Santorini. My parents started with two caves and eventually the hotel expanded into 18 hotel rooms to become the ideal hideaway for romantic couples and newlyweds.
With the success of Canaves Oia Hotel, Canaves Oia Suites soon followed and was opened in 1995. In the summer of 2017, Canaves Oia Sunday Suites launched right next door and was followed by Canaves Oia Epitome in Spring 2018. In June, we launched a three villa complex - Eden Villas. Eden villas are ideal for families and friends or booked as a whole 7-bedroom property for groups to enjoy a private and intimate space.
What is The mission of the canaves brand?
We are a family owned - family run hotel and we want Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts to be places where guests are welcomed the same way a family member would. Our main values when welcoming our guests are attention to detail and warm hospitality.
What does a perfect day look like At Canaves?
10 am - Delight in a leisurely morning in your suite before enjoying your breakfast with a caldera view.
11 am - Relax by the pool and soak in the Greek sun, gaining some tan lines and Vitamin D along the way.
12:30 pm - Enjoy a "spa with a view" treatment by our extensively trained Canaves Oia Spa therapists.
2 pm - Experience Santorini from a different point of view on one of our catamarans or luxury yachts. Discover hidden beaches for swimming and snorkeling before enjoying the sunset like never before.
6 pm - When the sun goes down, enjoy our mouthwatering dishes at Panorama Balcony. Finish the day with one of our signature cocktails while the gleaming lights of Oia and the Aegean Sea serve as your backdrop.
Above all Canaves Oia is the means through which you can experience Santorini…
Do you have a famous menu item we can share with our clients?
As with most bartenders around the world, our Bar Manager, Yiannis Karavias, is understandably reluctant when it comes to sharing his cocktail recipes. “Making a cocktail is an artform and I’ve been crafting and testing flavors and mixes all year in order to provide Canaves Oia guests the best cocktails” Yiannis says. One of the signature recipes of Canaves Oia is the Copper Bullet that can be easily made at home. Here, rye whiskey makes way for bourbon in this update on the original cocktail, the Old Fashioned. Grab a shaker and by adding a homemade simple syrup, ginger water and lemon juice, you can enjoy a proper Copper Bullet on a lazy afternoon…
Ingredients:
Bourbon 50ml
Ginger water 20ml
Fresh lemon juice 30ml
Simple syrup 30ml
Fresh mint leaves 5-6
Simple Syrup
Sugar 1part
Water 1part
Bring to boil and leave it boiling for 3 minutes.
Ginger Water
Ginger 200gr
Water 500ml
We add all ingredients in a blender and we blend them for 4 minutes. Leave them for 2 hours, then strain it.
Method: Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice and shake. Double strain and serve in a glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Glass: Julep cup
Enjoy!
Charity of choice to support?
In terms of charity, we participate in many local programs. During the pandemic, we fundraised for local hospitals and offered room nights for the medical community in Greece.
LUXE & NYx PICK - Island Hopping with Canaves’ ALEXANDROS MOTOR YACHT
Sail through the azure Aegean waters, witness the volcanic landscape blending with the Mediterranean scenery of endless blue, explore the miraculous Caldera and visit the nearby islands while luxuriating under the warm Aegean sun or within the elegant interiors of Alexandros, Canaves' private motor yacht.
– First stop: ± 30 minutes at the Thirasia island for swimming and snorkeling- sailing close to Aspronissi and Akrotiri.
– Second stop: ± 60 minutes at the White beach for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a BBQ on board With a menu of lobster, fresh fish, squid and Moet champagne.
– Last stop: ± 30 minutes at the Red Beach to enjoy the sunset.
No sea legs? Opt for a wine tasting excursion instead! Discover Oia through a unique wine tour adventure and embrace the island’s history and tradition as you enjoy the heavenly spirit of local wines and experience Santorinian grape varietals.
PUTTING A FACE TO THE NAME: Markos and Alexandros Chaidemenos took over the Canaves brand in 2010 - Their modern take on hospitality rocketed the brand to new heights with international awards and top-tier media exposure for each property. In 2020, Epitome was named the best hotel in Europe and Greece by CN Traveler.
luxe & Nyx amenity
On top of our standard amenities, L&N clients will be offered two cocktails of choice during their stay. Might we suggest the Copper Bullet?
Ready to Plan a trip or Have Questions?
Canaves is at the top of our list… How about yours?
Visit us here or reach out - hello@luxeandnyx.com.
xx, The team at luxe & nyx
