Assessment: Elisso Resort, Vasiliki, Kefalonia, Greece

Some lodge names fade into the background, well mannered placeholders in a sea of beige branding. Elisso, nonetheless, lingers. The phrase means “whirl” in Greek — a truth that might really feel contrived if it weren’t so completely apt. The lodge leans into the metaphor with panache: the swirling winds of Vasiliki Bay lure windsurfers from throughout Europe, whereas the environment of the lodge itself swirls with power, heat and a way of movement. After every week of bobbing between Ionian islands with Sail Ionian’s casual flotilla, the grounding luxurious of Elisso was greater than a lodge keep. It was a delicate re-entry, a tender touchdown with model.

The welcome

We arrived salty-haired and semi-tanned, with baggage in tow, straight from every week on the water. We knew we had been far too early for check-in, the Basic Supervisor Harris was on reception to welcome us regardless. Our baggage had been kindly saved while we took a brief stroll to a beachside taverna simply across the nook, returning in a few hours when our rooms had been prepared.

The room

Our ground-floor double suite was, in a phrase, was bathed in daylight and with a palette of fresh, impartial tones that contrasted with the blues of the pool and sky outdoors. The patio neglected the pool, however with ample privateness that it was a really stress-free out of doors house to get pleasure from.

Our sons had been posted upstairs in an ordinary twin room with its personal balcony. Each rooms supplied ample house, had been air-conditioned and geared up with high-quality furnishings and linen.

The toilet

An excellent lodge rest room walks a tightrope between design and practicality. Elisso pulls it off with crisp lighting, trendy glass basins, ample counter house and a shower with bathe over it. Complimentary toiletries from Anyah – an eco-friendly Italian model that focuses on sustainability and mild formulations – are additionally equipped.

The services

On the coronary heart of the lodge lies the out of doors pool: giant, clear, and surrounded by loungers that all the time appeared to have loads of availability regardless of us visiting in the course of the Summer season season.

A couple of steps away is the spa, the place remedies vary from deep tissue physique massages with gua sha to stress-free facials, and there’s a small however well-equipped health centre if you happen to’ve in some way not already expended all of your power swimming or windsurfing.

Breakfast is a Mediterranean-inspired buffet set-up with Greek yoghurt thick sufficient to face a spoon in, native honey, just-baked pastries, seasonal fruits and quite a lot of cooked choices.

The terrace transforms within the afternoons right into a snack bar and loungey out of doors bar house — a intelligent and informal transition that lets the lodge stretch into the night with out making an attempt too onerous.

The situation

Elisso Resort enjoys a quietly sensible location — simply 100 metres from the golden sands of Paralia Vasiliki, and a straightforward 10-minute amble to the village correct. This a part of Lefkada could be much less polished than the Instagram hotspots of Santorini or Mykonos, however all the higher for it.

The island itself has loads to supply guests – Porto Katsiki and Egremni seashores are only a quick drive away, and the shoreline’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters present the right picture-postcard bundle. For individuals who enterprise inland, the areas mountains are dwelling to some extra rugged elements of Lefkada, together with numerous hikes and waterfalls. For many visitors, although, the true attraction is true there on the lodge doorstep – the wind, the bay, and the gradual drift between swimming, sunbathing and souvlaki.

Different good touches

From the second we arrived — early, sea-worn, and barely dishevelled — we had been met not with raised eyebrows however open arms. For those who discover a bit, you’ll discover hidden locations to chill out and unwind while a day by day maid service means all the pieces is stored spotless, with out it ever being intrusive, with complimentary bottled water repeatedly replenished. These are maybe simply small touches, however made us really feel that the employees had been attentive and all the pieces quietly ran like clockwork.

The associated fee

In peak season, rooms begin a really affordable €250 per night time. Low season charges can dip to as little as €90, making it a pretty shoulder-season getaway. Becoming a member of the Elisso Rewards Membership earns you an extra 10% off on direct bookings.

The most effective bit

Location-wise, Elisso hits one thing of a candy spot. The lodge is extraordinarily quiet but shut sufficient to the seaside that you would be able to wander down barefoot. Even when the village bars are buzzing with windsurfing power or the tavernas are energetic, you may be a part of the motion — or retreat from it — at will. This seamless entry to energetic and quieter elements of Vasiliki is exactly what makes the Elisso Resort the essence of an ideal vacation.

The ultimate verdict

The Elisso Resort will not be flashy, nor overly-fussy, however as an alternative a sound luxurious lodge providing with a way of belonging. It’s a lodge the place you’ll be remembered and welcomed — with out intrusion or extra, however with care and thoughtfulness.

After every week of casual crusing, the place logistics are free and the horizon is all the pieces, Elisso offered us with an exquisite counterbalance — it’s a lodge that attracts you in gently, leaving you with a tender swirl of fond recollections. It’s the sort of place you come back to. In particular person, or in reverie. Or, if you happen to’re like me, in writing — making an attempt to carry on just a bit longer.

Disclosure: This publish is sponsored by Elisso Resort. Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airways.