Assessment: Elisso Lodge, Vasiliki, Lefkada, 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 reality that would 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 ambiance 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 delicate 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 Normal Supervisor Harris was on reception to welcome us regardless. Our luggage 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 unpolluted, impartial tones that contrasted with the blues of the pool and sky exterior. The patio missed the pool, however with adequate privateness that it was a really stress-free out of doors area to take pleasure in.

Our sons had been posted upstairs in a regular twin room with its personal balcony. Each rooms provided ample area, had been air-conditioned and outfitted with high-quality furnishings and linen.

The toilet

A very good lodge toilet walks a tightrope between design and practicality. Elisso pulls it off with crisp lighting, fashionable glass basins, ample counter area and a shower with bathe over it. Complimentary toiletries from Anyah – an eco-friendly Italian model that focuses on sustainability and delicate formulations – are additionally equipped.

The amenities

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

A couple of steps away is the spa, the place therapies 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 someway 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 area — a intelligent and informal transition that lets the lodge stretch into the night with out making an attempt too exhausting.

The placement

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

The island itself has lots to supply guests – Porto Katsiki and Egremni seashores are only a brief drive away, and the shoreline’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters present the proper picture-postcard bundle. For many who enterprise inland, the areas mountains are dwelling to some extra rugged points of Lefkada, together with numerous hikes and waterfalls. For many company, although, the true enchantment 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 just a little, you’ll discover hidden locations to loosen up and unwind while a day by day maid service means every little thing is stored spotless, with out it ever being intrusive, with complimentary bottled water usually replenished. These are maybe simply small touches, however made us really feel that the workers had been attentive and every little thing quietly ran like clockwork.

The fee

In peak season, rooms begin a really cheap €250 per night time. Low season charges can dip to as little as €90, making it a horny shoulder-season getaway. Becoming a member of the Elisso Rewards Membership earns you a further 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 seashore you could wander down barefoot. Even when the village bars are buzzing with windsurfing power or the tavernas are lively, you’ll be able to be a part of the motion — or retreat from it — at will. This seamless entry to full of life and quieter points of Vasiliki is exactly what makes the Elisso Lodge the essence of an ideal vacation.

The ultimate verdict

The Elisso Lodge is just not flashy, nor overly-fussy, however as a substitute 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 unfastened and the horizon is every little thing, Elisso offered us with a gorgeous counterbalance — it’s a lodge that pulls you in gently, leaving you with a delicate swirl of fond reminiscences. It’s the form of place you come back to. In individual, 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 put up is sponsored by Elisso Lodge. Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airways.