Sun Rocks Hotel ★★★★★

I have spent hours, days, trawling the internet and impossible­to­decipher Greek websites to find ingenious ways of reaching a peaceful retreat and finding my haven of lovers' heaven on some remote little island. Unless you are willing to travel long, complicated hours and have a couple of extra days to spare, it can only be done by private helicopter or yacht. As I unfortunately have neither one of these to hand, I am left to compromise with a stay on a more accessible island, Santorini, which has its own airport. This is, in fact, a lot less terrible than it sounds. Its famous, sparkling white villages and rich blue, domed roofs of the Orthodox churches set dramatically into the steep mountainous island are some of the most beautiful to be found in all of Greece – and that's saying something. Furthermore I have a marvellous trick up my sleeve and I can't wait to see the look on my partner's face when we arrive at our easily accessible slice of paradise, The Sun Rocks Hotel.

His face is already a picture of delight as we wind our way from the airport, through the zig zagging, tiny roads to the village of Firostefani, catching alluring glimpses of the Aegean Sea beyond. We have the windows wound right down, letting in wafts of fresh, salty, sweet air, laden with the scent of rosemary. Neither of us has ever been to Greece and it has long been a romantic dream we've shared and so I think we both find it a little hard to believe we are finally here. Long held high expectations are not let down and when we finally arrive at our destination, both our mouths drop open. My partner turns to look at me, a slow smile spreading from ear to ear and I know I've already won him over even before we've even stepped inside. Carved out of the volcanic cliff, painted bright white as per tradition with swooping arches, and secret caves, its exclusive delights and 17 rooms and suites are made to cater for couples only. The aim is to ensure absolute privacy and a guaranteed ultimate romantic retreat for the select handful of couples lucky enough to have found their way here.

We certainly feel lucky as we are shown our room and find ourselves in a luminous nest of varying shades of white, with vast windows letting in an abundance of light as well as the most spectacular view of the sparkling sea. The décor is all done with simple, discreet elegance and comfort, with little details of typical, rustic charm, and the finishing touch – a basket of fruit and a bottle of wine to welcome us. We consider keeping it for later that night but cannot resist toasting our gorgeous find right then and there, sitting out on our veranda, looking out at one of the most beautiful spots in the Cyclades archipelago. Then, dizzy on fruit, wine, heady heights and sensational sights, we fall into our immaculate bed, crumpling the crisp sheets and eventually abandon ourselves to sweet sleep for our first of many Mediterranean siestas.

When we awake the sky is beginning to tint peachy cream and blue and we are both starving. We venture out of our love nest to explore our surroundings, in the search of food. The friendly staff suggest we go to Fira, the capital of Santorini nearby. It isn't a long walk and soon we find ourselves amongst the merry hubbub of the town, full of quaint little restaurants and cafés. We decide it might be most romantic to dine by the sea and on discovering we can reach the port by donkey, we jump at the chance. The reality is somewhat bumpier and less idyllic than we imagined as at one point I am nearly flung into some bushes and we find it increasingly difficult to stay on as we can't stop laughing. A little sore, but having enjoyed the experience anyway and glad to have made it one piece, we make our way to eat a well­earned supper, in high spirits. On the way back up the hill we both agreed the cable car would be the best option and soon we are strolling through the velvet night back to the hotel.

The following morning we eat a magnificent breakfast out by the pool, which beckons us in as soon as we are done. Swimming so close to the sky, looking out at the sea stretching out in all directions below us, we feel truly spoilt. Nowhere could be more embracing or more effortlessly romantic. With every whim and desire attended to, every wish within the reaches of possibility granted. Could you actually want anything more than to be left in absolute peace to enjoy thecompany of your loved one in this stunning piece of the world? Our adventures around thegorgeous island and trips to visit the most breathtaking beaches are made perfectly complete byalways having such a magical, solitary sanctuary to return to. We leave the Sun Rocks Hotelregretfully, yet more in love than ever.