Assessment: Elisso Resort, Vasiliki, Kefalonia, Greece

Some resort 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 resort leans into the metaphor with panache: the swirling winds of Vasiliki Bay lure windsurfers from throughout Europe, whereas the ambiance of the resort itself swirls with vitality, 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 resort 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 have been far too early for check-in, the Basic Supervisor Harris was on reception to welcome us regardless. Our luggage have 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 have 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 exterior. 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 have been posted upstairs in an ordinary twin room with its personal balcony. Each rooms provided ample house, have been air-conditioned and geared up with high-quality furnishings and linen.

The lavatory

An excellent resort 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 provided.

The services

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

A number 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 in case you’ve someway not already expended all of your vitality 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 resort stretch into the night with out making an attempt too onerous.

The placement

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 is likely to be much less polished than the Instagram hotspots of Santorini or Mykonos, however all the higher for it.

The island itself has a lot 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 proper picture-postcard bundle. For many who enterprise inland, the areas mountains are residence to some extra rugged elements of Lefkada, together with varied hikes and waterfalls. For many friends, although, the true enchantment is true there on the resort 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 have been met not with raised eyebrows however open arms. In case you discover just a little, you’ll discover hidden locations to chill out and unwind while a each day maid service means every thing is stored spotless, with out it ever being intrusive, with complimentary bottled water frequently replenished. These are maybe simply small touches, however made us really feel that the employees have been attentive and every thing quietly ran like clockwork.

The fee

In peak season, rooms begin a really cheap €250 per evening. Low season charges can dip to as little as €90, making it a gorgeous 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 resort is extraordinarily quiet but shut sufficient to the seaside that you could wander down barefoot. Even when the village bars are buzzing with windsurfing vitality or the tavernas are lively, you possibly can be a part of the motion — or retreat from it — at will. This seamless entry to full of life 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 resort providing with a way of belonging. It’s a resort 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 every thing, Elisso offered us with a good looking counterbalance — it’s a resort that attracts you in gently, leaving you with a tender swirl of fond recollections. It’s the sort of place you come to. In individual, or in reverie. Or, in case you’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.