Table for One in Santorini: My Solo Dining Experience at Botrini’s
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Why Santorini? Why Solo?
When I booked my solo trip to Santorini, it wasn’t just a vacation. It was a gift to myself, a celebration after a record-breaking, exhausting year in my corporate career, and a moment of healing after heartbreak. I wanted a destination where I could balance quiet luxury with soul-restoring beauty.
Santorini was my answer. I knew that even if I never left my hotel, I could float in my private pool overlooking the iconic caldera and still feel immersed in its magic. But as I’ve learned on every solo trip, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to the most unforgettable experiences. For me, that moment happened at Botrinis Santorini.
The Setting: A Rainy May Evening by the Infinity Pool
It was mid-May, and the island was wrapped in cool, rainy weather. When I arrived at Botrinis, the staff guided me to a table outside by their infinity pool overlooking the iconic Santorini Caldera. I noticed quickly that I was the only solo diner in the restaurant, but instead of feeling awkward, I was immediately put at ease.
The staff placed a heater by my table and even brought me a soft blanket for comfort. The atmosphere was serene and soft, inspiring music floated through the air, blending with the misty horizon. It was as if the restaurant had curated this moment just for me.
🍴 The Experience: A Story with Every Plate
Botrinis is known for its storytelling, and that evening, every course was introduced with its own tale. I didn’t just eat; I experienced. Each dish connected me to a larger narrative of place, flavor, and artistry.
And then something unexpected happened, tears began to slip down my cheeks. Not because I felt lonely, but because I felt proud. Proud of booking this trip alone. Proud of sitting at that table. Proud of creating this experience for myself.
As someone who grew up in a small farming town, halfway across the world, I couldn’t believe I was here; in a bucket-list destination, savoring a Michelin-starred meal, simply because I had chosen to honor myself.
🌸 Why Botrinis Is Perfect for Solo Travelers
Dining alone in luxury restaurants can sometimes feel intimidating, but Botrinis reminded me why it can be deeply empowering.
Here’s why I recommend it for women traveling solo in Santorini:
The staff make you feel prioritized and welcome, even as a solo diner.
The ambiance is intimate but never isolating.
Dining is immersive, with stories shared for every dish.
The view of the iconic Santorini caldera landscape is unforgettable.
This is a place where “table for one” feels not just accepted, but celebrated.
🛎 How to Recreate This Experience
If you’re planning your own luxury solo trip to Santorini, here’s how to weave in a dining experience like mine:
Stay: Choose a boutique hotel or villa with a private pool. It gives you the freedom to retreat when you want solitude. A few of my favorite Santorini Hotel recommendations:
Grace Hotel Santorini (modern cliffside suites with infinity pools)
Canaves Oia Suites (classic Santorini elegance)
Katikies Hotel (romantic, whitewashed luxury)
Check Availability & Prices Here for each hotel.
Dine: Reserve Botrini’s in advance, especially during peak season. Check Out More Unique Dining Experiences Here.
Travel: Flights into Santorini can be Booked Easily Here.
💫 Reflection: A Table for One in Santorini
My evening at Botrinis wasn’t just dinner; it was a turning point. It was the moment I realized I could step beyond heartbreak, beyond exhaustion, and into a life I was creating just for me.
This dinner remains one of my top solo dining experiences worldwide, not only because of the food or the view, but because of the confidence it awakened in me.
Sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin at a table for one.
📖 Continue the Table for One Series
This story is part of my signature Table for One series, where I share luxury solo dining experiences from around the world.
✨ Next up: Table for One in Amsterdam, Netherlands
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