Friday, July 13, 2012

{Absolute Bliss // Santorini,Greece}

So. Greece.
We’ve been back for almost three weeks and it has taken me this long to be able to even begin to talk about this incredible trip.
I kind of feel like a freak about Santorini. It’s hard to explain. We had such a memorable vacation that part of me doesn’t even want to try to blog about it because I know I won’t be able to explain how remarkable it all was. I couldn’t even think of the words to express how blissful it was. How romantic it was. How perfect it was.
But of course here I am trying to do just that. I’m a blogger, after all!
I’ll begin where every great trip to Santorini should – a fantastic hotel. 
The best part about the island is the views. So find a room with a ridiculous terrace overlooking the caldera and you’ve got it made.
We knew we wanted to go all out for this trip – we weren’t looking for a budget hotel – so as you can imagine I spent countless hours on TripAdvisor, on hotels.com, on boutique hotel websites, the list goes on, trying to find the perfect place.
And what did it end up coming down to? A personal recommendation. A rave review from Ms. Ashlee Gadd (one of my favorite bloggers out there!).
Goodness I am glad we listened to her!!
We stayed at Absolute Bliss in the town of Imerovigli. And it was just that – Absolute. Utter. Bliss.
Now, most people who know about Santorini know about Fira and Oia. Fira is the busy heart of the island – where all the action is. And Oia is where you watch that famous sunset. But if you’re like us, we’d never heard of Imerovigli. Don’t let that sway you against it. After having seen all three, we couldn’t have been happier to stay in Imerovigli.
It sits between Fira and Oia (walking distance to Fira, a cab ride to Oia) and is the most relaxed and luxurious town on the island – and also happens to boast the best views of the caldera. And as my Greek coworker told me “It’s where all the celebrities and rich people stay”, so you know it’s good (no, we’re not rich or celebrities, but we sure did feel like it for a week!)!
At Absolute Bliss the owner Sofia treats you like royalty. She knows how special a visit to Santorini is and she does everything in her power to make it the best vacation of your life. She’ll help you book four-wheelers to explore the island, plan a boat excursion, or recommend you some of the most incredible Greek restaurants. She’ll also back off and leave you to enjoy your gorgeous room and private terrace if that’s all you want to do while you’re there – which is exactly what we did J We pretty much left our room once a day – for dinner. Sometimes for the sunset, too, but we found that the best place to watch it was from our terrace (yes, even better than watching it in Oia).
So all this to say that if you’re planning a trip to Santorini you’d be wise to choose Absolute Bliss. Feel free to email me if you need any advice or have any questions! Without further ado… the first of many, many photos you’ll see of our trip!

{Photos ©  Liz Denfeld}

46 comments:

  1. I love everything about this. It's like living our trip all over again. So glad you had a wonderful time!

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  2. Gorgeous!! These should be published in a magazine. Love that pic of u in your hat on the lounge chair..fab!

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  3. This is my absolute dream. It's all so beautiful, I can't believe it is real! Beautiful photos Liz!

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  4. Oh my God- this looks absolutely amazing. That view is gorgeous. I'm sure you have more photos that you'll be sharing, yes?

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  5. WOW. This is breathtakningly gorgeous, and you did an amazing job photographing it. Beautiful!

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  6. it looks amazing and such a romantic place to go--no wonder you didn't want to come back :)

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  7. Santorini is my dream vacation! I want to go soooo badly! Thanks for the epic review!!

    Melanie
    Style to Stage

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  8. Imerovigli is the best place in Santorini. I'm so glad you liked my home, Greece. It is a spectacular country!
    You photographs of the beautiful island of Santorini are beautiful! I have been there many times. It is typical for coupled in Greece to visit Santorini :)

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  9. omg Liz!!! that picture with you laying down and the big hat...i DIED. you MUST frame that. it is insane.

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  10. What an amazing trip. Definitely on our bucket list. Thanks for the inspiration with your amazing photography

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  11. wow!!! this looks incredible! i think i am going to have to take this same trip and stay at the same place!!!

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  12. Beautiful photos! I have been to Santorini (and other European countries) and feel exactly like you. It is an AMAZING place indeed, and there's just something about it that makes it more special than other places in Europe, (in my opinion.) BTW, I absolutely LOVE your blog and can't wait to see more photos from your trip!

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  13. The best decision I've ever made was to study abroad in Greece. I've been to Santorini 3 times in the last few years, and I promise, it's just as awe-inspiring and gorgeous as the first! Gorgeous photos, like always!

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  14. Ah, Liz - seriously stunning.

    I know what you mean about keeping the trip to yourself when it was so perfect you aren't sure you can put it into words (or pictures.) I'm glad you are though :)

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  15. oh. my. goodness. ..... wow...i'm speechless! it's beautiful! and i have to say, i really want that breakfast on the terrace!

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  16. Liz, these images are stunning. You have such a gift! And I agree with Meg...that one of you reading with your iPad??? I DIE. This is making me miss santorini like woah.

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  17. It doesn't even look real it is ssssooo amazing! I'm loving it and for sure saving this on my travel list for when I get the chance to hit up Santorini!

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  18. My jaw dropped when I saw the pictures! Sooo jealous, I definitely am putting this on my todo list!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  19. Your pictures are amazing! Wow! I hope to get to Greece someday... thanks so much for sharing!

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  21. The photos of you on the terrace are gorgeous. Go Corey!

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  22. I cannot wait to go here one day-it WILL happen! Did you guys have a pool on your terrace, too, or was that in a public area?? I can't even imagine a vacation like this.

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  23. I'm definitely suggesting we go here to my husband :) It's been a dream to visit Greece & this totally confirms it!
    Eat Cake

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  24. Oh me oh my this looks like paradise. It's a dream of mine to go someday.

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  25. it looks absolutely stunning!!!

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  26. well don't you just live the good life!?
    this is amazing. love the terrace. want to go.
    thanks for providing the hotel info!

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  27. oh my goodness these are gorg! love love love

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  28. This looks absolutely amazing and I am already planning a fall getaway for 2013. I loved it so much that I even shared it in my Five things post. Are you sad to be back in Amsterdam? I sure would be, but hey I work there so Santorini would be preferable to Amsterdam. Anyway, thank for sharing!

    Hannah from I am a lifestyle blog

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  29. Such an amazing post - I love Santorini. I was there a couple of years ago and I'd love to visit again :)


    Lots of love,
    Sabina
    xxx

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  30. Wow, this just makes me miss Greece more! I loved Santorini when I went. Whenever I get to go again, I am most definitely going to try to stay at that hotel. :)

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  31. Great photos! Looks like an amazing trip.

    Love your blog too!

    xo

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  32. OMG what an amazing trip! I am your newest follower, love love your blog : )

    xo SideSmile,
    Ashley

    SideSmile Style Blog

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  33. Incredible gorgeous and your pictures are amazing!

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  34. Liz, I went to Santorini about a year ago and we had the most amazing time! We stayed in Oia and loved every minute of it. Did you learn any Greek? I had a blast trying to learn a little. http://www.whitneyanderick.com/?p=1691

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  35. What an absolute DREAM!! So so pretty, I would love to go there someday.

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  36. This almost made me choke up for some reason! Possibly because I've been to Santorini and understand a smidge of the amazingness you're talking about. Though I didn't stay in a place like that, and didn't stay with my husband either! So someday I absolutely have to go back. And I will keep this place as a possibility! You captured such gorgeous shots (and you are beautiful as well) and I'm so glad you had such an amazing time!! xoxo

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  37. this is my dream spot! i will def look in to this hotel!!
    beautiful photos Liz! xo

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  38. Absolutely gorgeous! Makes me want to jump on a plane and get there ASAP :)

    Life Etc

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  39. Ugghh makes my heart hurt I love the Greek Islands so much! Liz, your photos get more gorgeous with every single post. Wow. I hope you know how talented you are!

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  40. I've been wanting to go to Greece for forever. You may have just inspired me to make it happen!

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  41. oh. my. this looks like the dreamiest most romantic and blissful vacation ever!! these pictures are phenomenal, especially the one with you reading on the chair -- could be the cover of a travel mag!! so glad you had the trip of a lifetime :)

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  42. that picture of you reading your ipad is awesome! well done, m'lady.

    and the rest of the pictures are equally amazing, too... just in case, you know, that wasnt obvious. :)

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  43. Oh My! That looks absolutely stunning!

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