Bart's best of: sleeping on Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos, or colloquially actually 'Zante' (which sounds even more beautiful), might be the one Menorca among the Ionian Islands. Wonderfully small, everything is well organized and the beaches are generally easy to navigate the smaller kids. Although the island is really beautiful, especially the north, the only 'downside' is that the Greeks do not always care about the formal and casual looks from their places. And then the island also lost a lot of the beautiful old Venetian architectural style after the earthquake of 1953... Anyway, you get it - just look through it and you might just bump into a real pearl...
To start off right: if you are traveling with your family, go to this delightful hotel. The small family hotel is perfect for those with small kids and who want to be on 'the good side' of the island, but also want to explore the rest. Or for those who don't really want to leave the house at all with the same family... That's also possible, always wonderful and ultimately relaxing, although you will of course miss a lot. But if you go for that, then... Sea Gate definitely recommended. Small, a nice swimming pool where the little ones can have a great time, a private beach and, above all, a layered structure that means Porta del Mar has many different angles and height differences, so you can always find a (new) retreat spot.
Although we especially thought the restaurant was a standout (very nice and important if you are with small kids and also spend quite a bit of time in and around your apartment/hotel room). There is a fixed menu (the gyros are almost perfect) and a daily changing menu with surprising local dishes (fingers crossed for the orzo). About that room/your apartment: 10 points there too. They are spacious, tastefully classic and incredibly comfortable. More to applaud? Yes. The staff. 10 points. Sea Gate
You smell the sea and hear its waves, the wind blowing through the linen curtains and the tropical birds flying by. Via a short walking tour you arrive at a small castle named Pelagos Blue Zante bears, in Greek Zakynthos. So, it's high time to disconnect from the busy life in the Netherlands. Here it is quiet, idyllic and uncomplicatedly wonderful. Authentic blue shutters? Check. Large pots filled with exotic flowers? Check? Tropical temperatures, excellent service, a unique view of the Ionian Sea? Check check check. Or Pelagos Blue Zante via the Dutch ByJune is it recommended? So what!
You drink your cup of coffee on your own terrace for a while, from there it is a short walk down where you are immediately in beautiful surroundings, and close to the swimming pool, for a cooling dip, a beautiful view of the island in the bargain .
Moreover, Pelagos Blue Zante is a perfect starting point to discover Zakynthos. You can automatically book a rental car via ByJune – a must on Zakynthos. It is no more than a few minutes' drive to Vassilikos and/or one of the beautiful beaches (Gerakas and Dafni Beach for example) nearby.
Perhaps the surprise of Zakynthos and now a phenomenon on the island: Nobelos Seaside Lodge. Super deluxe holiday lodges, right next to the sea. The waves just don't enter your room. Inside, everything has been kept quite characteristic: walls with exposed cobblestones, heavy solid wooden bed frames and lots of linen and crocheted details. Eating alone is always a good idea. On site you can enjoy all the beauty in it Nobelos Bio Restaurant, which is highly recommended in itself is.
From intimate suites for couples to sophisticated villas for large families, the sleeping quarters at The Peligoni Club come in all shapes and sizes. With private pools, al fresco dining areas, an outdoor kitchen, manicured gardens, amazing views and some with private beach access. They are all beautifully designed. You can cook yourself, eat in the club or eat in one of the many and varied local restaurants.
The Peligoni Club is not just a nice holiday resort, but a unique concept that allows the whole family to relax in their own way. Peligoni is one membershipclub, which means that when you book a villa, you immediately purchase a membership that covers the entire stay. Super-super-all-inclusive, covers it all here. This gives you access to all the facilities and activities that the Peligoni has to offer.
This year again, The Peligoni Club has put together a series of events. They have sporty wellness weeks, a mini festival, or just a very nice summer holiday with the family. Listed below:
PACE Wellness Week (20 – 24 May) – The new season kicks off with PACE Wellness Week on May 20 to 24. This popular week is all about sportsmanship, wellness and relaxation.
The Ultimate Peligoni Family Holiday (June – October) -From June to mid-September and the second half of October, The Peligoni Club is the ideal holiday destination for families and families with children. Plenty of activities for young and old, such as sailing and SUPing.
The House Party (24 – 29 September) The House Party, an annual mini-festival at the club, will take place from September 24 to 29, where guests can party all day and retreat to a beautiful villa with their own company in the evening.
PACE Wellness Week (7 – 11 October) The second edition of PACE Wellness Week takes place from October 7 to 11. A week full of sportsmanship, wellness and relaxation.
Shellona Luxury Rooms & Apartments is a truly beautiful beachfront apartment complex, located in the famous Laganas. And although we immediately advise against the latter (hello - party until the end morning glory– English), Shellona is highly recommended. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a truly relaxing holiday, alone or with family and friends. The complex was renovated down to the last detail in 2020, with all the modern facilities you can think of and always environmental friendliness in mind. It works like this: mostly natural materials, handmade decorative elements (rattan, bamboo) and a lot of wood from olive tree branches from the olive groves of the Shellona family. And that together creates the beautiful picture that Shellona ultimately turns out to be.
A wonderful 'I don't want to go home yet' stay on Zakynthos awaits you in the Golden Sun Hotel. For starters: the location. You are a stone's throw from Kalamaki beach and a tiny distance from Laganas beach (which you should avoid). Highlights of this hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant, the resort Features a swimming pool that will keep you occupied for a day or two and if that is not enough, then the picture of a resort speaks volumes in itself.
The Bay Hotel and Suites is a recently renovated and rather tasteful resort set in the middle of a private beach (win!) and surrounded by green gardens. The friendly service and peaceful atmosphere make The Bay an ideal holiday destination for… Who wouldn't? There is no need to leave the resort. You can enjoy a meal in one of the two restaurants, there is a swimming pool and the private beach just mentioned and the rooms (or suites, they also have them) are fully equipped.
For those who like privacy, but would rather not rent a complete villa/holiday home: Garden of Eden is -as you can expect- beautiful and wonderfully private. This piece of land south of Zakynthos town is dotted with a total of eleven bungalows around a nice swimming pool. The bungalows have a cheerful color on the outside and the inside is simply authentic. As we are used to from the Greeks, that is. Lots of wood, but bonus points for the beautiful four-poster beds. And of course your own kitchen.
A typical Greek house on top of a mountain, surrounded by olive trees. Bright pink flowers climb up the cream-colored facade. Light blue shutters on the windows. Private balconies. A swimming pool. Sea view. This Greek pearl in the north of Zakynthos scores bonus point after bonus point. We're talking Villa Aria. This beautiful authentic house has been completely renovated in the old style as a holiday home. With its own kitchen and sleeping place for about six people (three bedrooms and two bathrooms), there is no more perfect place to stay on the island. Promise.
Lack of luxury on Zakynthos? No. Lesante Blu is a gigantic resort in Tsilivi, Greece. It looks like the end point of the island, with the spectacular view of the sea from the infinity pool. Nothing could be further from the truth, because with a thirty-minute car ride you will already be in the capital of the island. Although leaving the resort is almost out of the question, you might think. There are several restaurants, a wellness area (saunas, indoor swimming pool, Turkish steam bath: everything) and everything is quite strategically laid out. So that - wherever you are - the view is mighty beautiful. They did that smartly. The interior is also pleasing to the eye, with... muted tones, fabric curtains fluttering in a breeze of the island and interesting modern works of art. And all of this is quite sober, yet beautiful and serene, keeping the (sea) view of Lesante Blu as a focal point. Smart.
Another one that falls into the category of pure luxury. How about a freshwater swimming pool, a separate children's pool, Pool snack bar while you imagine yourself in a green oasis where your every need is served. A perfect place to relax with the family or with your partner/friend. All good in the hood.
