My name is Austin. I’ve been a travel writer and enthusiast for over a decade, contributing to publications like megri and exploring destinations across the Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond. This past September, I spent a week in Santorini, staying in one of the luxury villas offered by Le Collectionist. In this article, I’ll walk you through the full experience — from booking to check-out — and give you a clear understanding of what sets these villas apart from other accommodations on the island.
This is not a promotional article. This is a real, firsthand experience. I’ll cover where the villas are located, what they include, the booking process, the services, and how they differ from traditional luxury rentals in Santorini.
What is Le Collectionist?
Le Collectionist is a luxury villa rental platform specializing in curated, high-end holiday homes around the world. Unlike general holiday rental websites, Le Collectionist focuses solely on exceptional homes, often private and secluded, with access to premium services like private chefs, chauffeurs, and concierge staff.
Their Santorini collection includes a wide range of villas — from traditional cave houses in Oia to contemporary properties in Imerovigli with caldera views that take your breath away.
Why I Chose Le Collectionist for Santorini
I’ve visited Santorini multiple times, staying in boutique hotels, cliffside resorts, and even Airbnb villas. But for this trip, I wanted:
- A private, self-contained space for a small group
- Unobstructed caldera views without crowds
- Full concierge services (without going to a hotel lobby)
- Authentic Cycladic architecture with modern amenities
After comparing several platforms — including Plum Guide, Airbnb Luxe, and private local agencies — I chose Le Collectionist for two reasons:
Transparency in listings — High-quality photography, clear descriptions, and details on every room, pool, and service.
Pre-travel planning support — Their travel advisor contacted me personally before I even confirmed the booking.
Booking the Villa: The Process
The booking process was straightforward. Here’s how it went:
Inquiry & Custom Recommendations: I started by filling in basic preferences — number of guests, dates, location type (caldera-facing or village), and budget. Within a few hours, I received four hand-picked villa options from a real human travel advisor, not just a filtered search list.
Video Call & Clarifications: I scheduled a video call with their team. They answered specific questions: What’s the sunset view like from the terrace? Can the chef prepare Greek and international cuisines? Is the plunge pool heated?
Reservation & Deposit: I chose a villa called Aether House, a 4-bedroom property in Imerovigli with direct caldera views. It had a heated infinity pool, cave-style bedrooms, and daily housekeeping. After paying the deposit (50%), I received a full itinerary.
Concierge Pre-Arrival Contact: A concierge assigned to me emailed one week before arrival asking about preferences: airport transfers, grocery pre-stocking, wine selection, and restaurant reservations at places like Selene and Lycabettus.
The Villa: Aether House Overview
Location: Imerovigli, perched on the caldera edge
Layout: 4 bedrooms, all en-suite, outdoor terraces, infinity plunge pool, outdoor dining area
Style: Traditional Cycladic cave architecture – whitewashed walls, vaulted ceilings, minimal décor
View: 180-degree caldera and volcano views
The villa was exactly as described. Not slightly cleaned-up — exactly. Here’s what I found when I arrived:
Cleanliness: Spotless. Everything smelled fresh, linens were crisp, and there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere.
Furniture & Layout: Comfortable but understated — clean lines, local stone details, handmade wooden furniture.
Technology: Smart climate control, Bluetooth speakers, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, and USB charging stations in every room.
Security: Private entrance gate, outdoor cameras, and a safe in the master bedroom.
Concierge Services: What Was Included
This was the area where Le Collectionist differentiated itself the most. Instead of needing to call a hotel desk, everything was coordinated directly with a dedicated concierge via WhatsApp.
Here’s what I personally used:
Private Chef: A chef came on four evenings. One night was a traditional Greek meze spread with freshly caught fish; another was Italian-inspired with local tomatoes and fava. The chef’s services cost extra, but the ingredients were billed at local market rates — no overcharge.
In-Villa Massage: I booked a 90-minute deep tissue massage on two afternoons. The therapist arrived on time with her own table and oils.
Car Rental: A Jeep Wrangler was delivered directly to the villa. No need to visit a rental office. Full insurance was included, and pickup was arranged from the villa on departure day.
Daily Housekeeping: Every morning, staff cleaned discreetly, replaced towels, restocked bathroom amenities, and even organized items we’d left scattered around.
Everything ran smoothly because I had one point of contact handling logistics.
Food, Dining & Groceries
On day one, the villa was pre-stocked with snacks, bottled water, fruits, Greek yogurt, bread, coffee, and a few essentials — all at supermarket prices. There was no price inflation, which is common in hotel minibars or resort kitchens.
We also tried a home-delivered breakfast package on three mornings. Fresh pastries, local honey, eggs, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and seasonal fruits arrived at 9 AM sharp. The quality matched any breakfast at a five-star hotel, but with complete privacy and the caldera view as our backdrop.
Atmosphere and Surroundings
Aether House offered total privacy. The villa was positioned away from the main pedestrian paths of Imerovigli. We could hear nothing but birdsong in the morning and distant church bells in the evening.
Sunsets were the defining moment of each day. From the infinity pool, we watched the sky shift from blue to pink to deep purple as the sun dropped behind the volcano. There were no restaurant sounds, no tour groups, no traffic — just the Aegean and silence.
The village center of Imerovigli was a 5-minute walk. Fira was 10 minutes by car. Oia was 15 minutes away.
Comparing Le Collectionist to Other Santorini Villa Options
Based on my experience in Santorini and previous stays on the island, here’s how Le Collectionist compared:
| Feature | Le Collectionist | Airbnb Luxe | Local Agencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curated Properties | Yes, handpicked | Yes, but wider range | Mixed quality |
| Concierge Services | Included | Some properties only | Usually not included |
| Pre-Arrival Planning | Personalized | Automated | Varies |
| Booking Support | Live chat + video | Chat/email | Email only |
| Price Transparency | Clear breakdown | Often hidden fees | Varies |
| Cancellation Policies | Flexible options | Strict | Depends on owner |
Cost Breakdown
For Aether House, the base price per night was €1,800. Including services and chef meals for 7 nights, the total came to approximately €16,500. Here’s a basic cost estimate:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Villa Rental (7 nights) | €12,600 |
| Private Chef (4 nights) | €1,400 |
| Groceries & Wine | €700 |
| Car Rental | €650 |
| Massages | €380 |
| Miscellaneous (Breakfasts, Tips) | €770 |
| Total | €16,500 |
While it’s a premium cost, the value matches the price. Compared to five-star hotel suites for 4 people, the villa gave more space, freedom, and personalized service — plus you don’t share your sunset view with 200 other guests.
What I Would Do Differently
While the experience was nearly seamless, there are a few things I’d do differently next time:
Book earlier: Many of the top villas were already fully booked by late spring, especially for September.
Use the concierge more: We didn’t take full advantage of the sailing trip options or visits to local wineries like Santo Wines.
Plan meals in advance: Last-minute chef bookings were still possible, but planning menus earlier would have allowed for more customization.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Book a Villa with Le Collectionist?
If you’re looking for a hands-off luxury stay where logistics are handled by professionals and the property is exactly as promised, Le Collectionist is a reliable choice. Their Santorini collection specifically offers a mix of traditional cave houses and contemporary properties in prime caldera locations with full-service support.
This is not the right option for budget travelers or party-goers looking to stay close to Fira’s nightlife. But for couples, families, or small groups seeking relaxation, privacy, and personalized service, the investment pays off.
Summary: What Makes Le Collectionist in Santorini Unique
- Professional curation of villas — not user-uploaded or peer-reviewed
- Dedicated travel advisor & concierge — from inquiry to post-departure follow-up
- High service level — chef, driver, cleaning, and wellness professionals available on request
- Private, high-end architecture — not hotel-styled spaces, but real homes with character
- No hidden costs or misleading ads — everything matched what was promised
Would I book again? Absolutely — and next time, I’d explore their collection in Mykonos or Crete.
Let me know in the comments or through megri.com if you have questions about the booking, services, or recommendations for your own Santorini villa trip.
