For all-out relaxation, this chic, boutique hotel combines all the perks of a hotel with the privacy of a villa holiday in an unbeatable coastal location in southwest Kefalonia
Location
Perched on top of cliffs in the southwest of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands in western Greece. Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa sits between the sleepy fishing town of Spartia and Mount Ainos – the island’s tallest mountain – and is a swift 15-minute taxi or car journey from the airport. Catch a morning flight from the UK (which takes about 3.5 hours) and you can be by the pool by mid-afternoon.
The hotel has spectacular views out over the turquoise sea, with its own private, rugged cove a short buggy ride away.
It’s around a 20-minute drive to the capital Argostoli, with its pretty harbour, where you can see the famous turtles who huddle beside fishing boats in the morning. Another 10 minutes away is the iconic Doric Saint Theodore Lighthouse – the island’s most famous spot from which to snap a liquid sunset.
Another 50 minutes north from the hotel is the breathtaking Fteri Beach – a dramatic sweeping crescent flanked by limestone cliffs with impossibly clear water. It’s well worth the trip given it’s recently been named the world’s second best beach.
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The vibe
Just 12 impressive stone villas make up this chic, boutique outpost from the Relais & Chateaux group, reachable by rugged country roads that underscore the fact that it is the only luxury outpost in this corner of the island.
The reception, main pool, spa and restaurant area are huddled together, with nine of the properties reachable by winding paths which weave through lush gardens of agapanthus, lavender and gently swaying grasses. It gives the hotel the feel of an idyllic village; so tranquil that the only soundtrack in summer is the rhythmic buzz of cicadas.
Interiors by London-based interior architect Maike Gruna use a sun-bleached palette of blues and creams that nod to the Grecian setting without feeling on the nose. There are wicker chairs and light fittings, woods are stylishly weathered, and micro cemented walls and flagstone floors give a grounding, authentic feel to what is a relatively new hotel (it opened in 2023).
Service
Conversational and pleasingly informal, yet spoiling. The restaurant staff remembered my coffee orders from the first day, and treated my eight-month-old travel companion like a prince, offering to whip up pureed meals for him – which he lapped up.
Bed and bath
Villas are individually designed and orientated, though all come with well-stocked kitchenettes, private patios featuring outdoor plunge pools, showers and various arrangements of seating and loungers that mean you could happily spend all day there.
There are five room types, from one-bed to three-bed properties, to suit couples, families or groups. The one-bed, double-storey Elia Maisonette features its own sun-trap balcony looking out to the sea and the largest, Eliamos Villa, has a jacuzzi.
Zellige-tiled bathrooms with stylish brass fittings come with huge walk-in showers and separate loos, though there are no bathtubs.
I stayed in the Elia Villa which had a lush, charming garden and was positioned a few minutes up the hill from the hotel’s main facilities in a private compound which offered parking for those who have rented their own vehicles.
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Food and drink
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Olias restaurant which has an impressive, seasonal Greek menu, and offers tasting menus, including a seven-course Odyssey-themed version, to celebrate the new Christopher Nolan film. It’s open-air, looking out over olive groves and down to the sea – lending a magical feel to mealtimes.
Breakfast includes a personal buffet spread of breads, cakes, and fruit, and an a la carte offering allows you to add eggs or sweet dishes, from Nutella-covered pancakes to a Mediterranean stuffed omelette. Mains are classics such as moussaka and sea bass with confit tomatoes. There’s enough choice that you won’t get bored even if taking all your meals here for a few days. The hotel team are happy to cater to dietaries and intolerances.
Be sure to pair your meals with glasses from the easy-drinking Rebola-led wine list. Or enjoy the restaurant’s chilled out lounge area with a pre-dinner classic cocktail.
Facilities
While you might be reluctant to leave your villa, the main pool area is perfect for relaxing with plenty of loungers, sink-in bean bags and shady areas. The 89 metre-squared infinity pool overlooking the sea is perfect for laps.
The spa has two treatment rooms where therapists will pummel you to your preference, with lymphatic, pregnancy, relaxation or deep tissue massages available. There are daily Pilates and yoga flow classes in the airy outdoor gym with two reformer machines. Or make use of the wooden cycling machines and free weights any time of day.
There are also E-bikes which can be used to explore the surrounding area or to speed down to the private beach. There was no one else in sight when I spent a morning there, marooned on a smooth rock jutting out into the sea.
Accessibility
There is one accessible villa, in the Ammos one-bedroom category. The doors are wider, and the suite is open-plan with no indoor or outdoor steps. Access to the pool is supported by a handrail and the bathroom is a wet room. This suite is located close to the common areas, however the hillside layout means Eliamos may not be best suited to some accessibility needs.
Pet policy
Pets are allowed upon request at an additional charge.
Family-friendly
The hotel welcomes children, and can provide cots and high chairs. Microwaves in rooms make it easy to sterilise bottles, and staff are happy to adapt dishes to children, though there is no dedicated menu for them, and the hillside layout of the hotel means it isn’t best suited to curious toddlers. There are steps to the restaurant, so buggies will need to be carried for part of the journey from your accommodation.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in is 3pm; check-out is 11am.
At a glance
Best thing: The idyllic private gardens and patio areas at the villas.
Perfect for: Couples or small groups wanting perfect seclusion from their break.
Not right for: Those who like on-tap entertainment or buzzy nightlife.
Instagram from: A lounger by the pool looking down to the Ionian Sea.
Address: Spartia 281 00, Kefalonia, Greece
Phone: +30 2671 171100
Website: eliamos.com
Hayley was a guest of Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa
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