Thimari Lodge, a series of five cave-like villas, is tucked away in peaceful Exo Gialos (or Exo Gialos Thiras). The name means thyme, and this, along with other herbs, is grown on the five acres of volcanic, arid land surrounding the whitewashed villas.
Nature works differently in this environment. It’s a tawny-hued, rugged, unkempt beauty that I enjoyed looking at from my plunge pool or as I enjoyed an early evening tipple in the quiet of dusk.
Thimari Lodge, Santorini at night
Thimari Lodge is a quiet haven with an air of being in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes it was hard to conceive that the airport was a 15-minute drive away, and the hustle and bustle of the gorgeous capital of Santorini, Fira, was a mere 10 minutes away.
Who for
I came alone and found Thimari to be both welcoming, safe, and I was well looked after by husband and wife owners Zoi and Kostas, who were in effect my concierges. There is plenty of privacy and romance in the air for couples, and families have enough space in the two-bed, two-bathroom villas to bond and relax.
Accommodation
There are five villas at the moment (they are planning to add three more), all with their own plunge pool and a colour scheme of cool white and light grey. Light wood furnishings and cushions add a little colour.
The two single-bedroom villas, at around 60 sqm in size, have ample room for two people and three two-bedroom and two bathrooms are duplex and have plenty of space for a small family.
Thimari Suite, ampe space
Thimari Suite, fully kitted out kitchen
Thimari Lodge lounge
Every day, I enjoyed walking past the pomegranate tree to a flight of steps to reach my one-bedroom villa. At night, I loved snuggling into my comfy double bed, then in the morning rolling out of bed into the rainfall shower, making a Nespresso coffee in the fully kitted-out kitchen and sipping it either in my lounging area or on my poolside sunbed.
Pomegranate tree at Thimari Lodge
Food & Drink
The fridge is stocked with fruit, several litres of water that are replaced daily and a bottle of locally made wine. Breakfast is included in the fare, and I chose mine every day from a menu offering Greek specialities such as Greek Yoghurt bowl, Greek scrambled eggs and not-so-local brioche French toast as well as vegan options. This was hand-delivered in a basket directly to my villa, along with several pastries, fresh fruit and fruit juice.
Breakfast at Thimari Lodge is delivered in a basket
The nearest restaurant and bar beach club is Yolas on the Exo Gialos beach, a few minutes walk away.
Facilities
Zoi and Kostas offer hands-on service, including transfers from and to the airport or nearby towns of Fira and Oia and those quieter towns inland. Zoi keeps in touch as a personal concierge via WhatsApp, and Kostas just makes things happen.
A tour perhaps around the island, or wine tours to some amazing wineries? A restaurant recommendation? He organised all my transport and seemingly whatever I could think of, including where to see the best sunsets.
There are massage and beauty services that can be arranged in the villa and alfresco yoga and pilates sessions too, in a dedicated area just beyond.
How much
Rates start at £239 per night.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
What’s nearby
The nearest beach is Exo Gialos, just a five-minute or so walk. It’s not soft sand, but it is serene and made wonderful by the Yalos beach club.
A short drive takes you to Fira, the capital and the town of Oia on the island’s northern tip, where there are astonishing views of the Caldera, white washed buildings and the famous blue-domed churches that cascade down the mountainside.
Verdict: The scene at Thimari is easy on the eye but also joyful. A sense of happiness is inspired by the owners Zoi and Kostas, whose upbeat, hands-on ways, consistent personal touches and recommendations just make the whole delightful experience one you want to come back to again.
Also Read: Your guide to Santorini