Bob the Navigator directed us to this place, which I had never heard of.

We are looking for a beautiful, romantic place with tons of natural beauty, where we can wander, eat, sleep, do nothing, shop if we want, but not feel we "have to" sightsee - to spend some time next May.

We want big time R&R - we lost a beloved 17 year old cat a month ago, and are heartbroken. We had put off many trips due to her illness, and now feel the need to get away, plus our free Delta tickets expire 12/31/2005.

If anyone can provide info. on accomodations, villages, etc. to stay, we would appreciate the help. We love smallish "boutique" type hotels, and would just HAVE to have a view with this type of place.

But where in Europe would you like to go?

Sun? Cities? Is language an issue?

IMHO nowhere heals the soul like Provence -- and you can do as much or as little sightseeing as you like. Distances to interesting sites are small.

Oh stupid stupid me. Santorini, of course. I read the message and glossed over the title. Sorry can't help you --I've never been. Please ignore previous -- unless you change your mind and decide to stick to the mainland

The most beautiful village of Oia on Santorini is the perfect place for the two of you to go. May is the best month before the High Season tourist rush begins. The weather is warm, the skies mostly clear, and the incredible blue water inside the caldera will sooth your soul. Oia is far enough from the main village of Fira as to feel like another world. The fact that no motorized traffic is allowed in the center of the village helps to perpetuate its timeless feel. There are plenty of restaurants for variety, some nice shops, and most importantly the fantastic view of the caldera and the sunsets off the tip of the island. The architecture is as it was hundreds of years ago, the people warm and welcoming. If you're up to it you can walk down the steps to the fishing wharfs below Oia, at Amoudi or Armeni. It's a perfect place for exploration, for sitting on your balcony reading a novel or enjoying the fantastic views. Buses or taxis will take you wherever you want to go around the island. There are 2 archaeological sites on the island for exploration. Go to the website below and feast your eyes on photos others have taken of this most amazing of villages.

http://www.webshots.com/search?query=oia&new=1

Brotherleelove - and others -
Can you recommend hotels in Oia?

Short list is Esperas Trad Houses, Perivolas, Katikies, and Sun Rocks (we especially like that they do not allow children).

We are thinking since it is a long (14 hr) flight for us from Boston, that we might try to do 2 full weeks. Would 2 weeks be too much on Santorini, and if so, what other island could others suggest that is equally atmospheric with shops/restaurants?

May I suggest the Fanari Villas in Oia above Amoudi Beach. Their website is www.fanarivillas.com We stayed there in late May and enjoyed it very much. Restful and quiet ... a short walk to the shops and restaurants. Personally, I think a week is nice on Santorini and then on to Rhodes (S. Nicolis has a nice atmosphere in the Old Town). I wish you a restful and healing trip after losing your beloved pet.

Thank you. Will check out those villas also. To complicate matters, we just ran across another hotel that looks beautiful - Astra Apartments.

We like Astra and Sun Rocks (we think) the best, but would like feedback from people who know these places and the location, etc.

ONLY 2 weeks? I've spent 6 months there twice and hated to leave both times!

Sun Rocks isn't in Oia, so for me that's a no-brainer (forget about it!). Esperas and Katikies are _very_ nice, have great views for the sunset but a partially blocked view of the caldera, which is what most people are so mesmerized by, including me. Perivolas is my choice amongst those you've mentioned. It's been there longer and has a stellar reputation. It's near the entrance to the village but off the road so you won't be bothered by a lot of traffic. You will, however, have to walk into the heart of the village when you want to partake of it's amenities, not far, less than 1/4 mile. The walk itself is relaxing and beautiful, and you'll be fairly close to two very good restaurants, Laokasti and Finikia. But the best restaurants are "1800" and the "Oia Cafe-Restaurant."

You will love Oia. We loved Esperas, but that was 7 years ago. If you do book it, be sure to have them send a taxi to pick you up--the access is tricky. And, have lunch or dinner at Katrinas Cafe in Ammoudi--600 feet straight below you. Barbra and James were there our last visit--yes, that Barbra.