Villa Lava sits in Vourvoulos, a village on Santorini's northeast coast about five minutes by car from Fira. The open-plan interior favours warm earthy tones over clutter, and the private terrace holds the villa's signature feature: an external jacuzzi with a pool view, set up for two rather than a crowd.

Down toward the seafront, tavernas and mini-markets such as Roza's, Aidani and To Limanaki cluster near the water. Vourvoulos Beach, a sandy stretch with turquoise water, lies close by and draws far fewer visitors than the island's better-known shores. East of the village, Vassaltis Vineyards offers Assyrtiko tastings and meals built around local produce, a fitting way to spend an evening without heading into Fira.

Inside, the sitting area doubles as extra sleeping space with its sofa bed, while daily maid service, bathrobes and slippers add a layer of ease to the stay. Individually controlled air conditioning and a flat-screen TV round out the practical side, leaving the terrace and its hot tub as the villa's main draw.