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 truly beautiful, the only 'downside' is that the Greeks do not always care about the island formal and casual looks from their places. And then the island also lost a lot of the beauty of the old Venetian architectural style after the earthquake of 1953. Well, you get the idea - just look through it. Anyone who succeeds might just bump into a pearl:
You smell and hear the sea waves, the wind blowing through the linen curtains and the tropical birds flying by. You arrive at the small chateau via a short walking tour Pelagos Blue Zante in Zakynthos. You come here to take a break from the busy life in the Netherlands. It is quiet, idyllic and simply wonderful here. It's because of the temperatures here.
When you walk downstairs after your coffee on your own terrace, you can go straight to the swimming pool for a big dip. The swimming pool has a really cool view over the whole of Zakynthos. Perhaps one of the most beautiful, we think.
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 also 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.
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.
