This all-villa Kefalonia hotel is perfect for a restorative island break

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa sets a new standard for accommodation and wellness facilities on this picturesque Greek island, finds Hayley Spencer Perched on top of cliffs in the southwest of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands in western Greece. Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa sits between the sleepy fishing town of Spartia and Mount Ainos – the island’s tallest mountain – and is a swift 15-minute taxi or car journey from the airport. Catch a morning flight from the UK (which takes about 3.5 hours) and you can be by the pool by mid-afternoon.

The hotel has spectacular views out over the turquoise sea, with its own private, rugged cove a short buggy ride away. It’s around a 20-minute drive to the capital Argostoli, with its pretty harbour, where you can see the famous turtles who huddle beside fishing boats in the morning. Another 10 minutes away is the iconic Doric Saint Theodore Lighthouse – the island’s most famous spot from which to snap a liquid sunset.

Another 50 minutes north from the hotel is the breathtaking Fteri Beach – a dramatic sweeping crescent flanked by limestone cliffs with impossibly clear water. It’s well worth the trip given it’s recently been named the world’s second best beach. Why The Odyssey film will make this secret Greek peninsula a holiday hotspot Just 12 impressive stone villas make up this chic, boutique outpost from the Relais & Chateaux group, reachable by rugged country roads that underscore the fact that it is the only luxury outpost in this corner of the island.

The reception, main pool, spa and restaurant area are huddled together, with nine of the properties reachable by winding paths which weave through lush gardens of agapanthus, lavender and gently swaying grasses. It gives the hotel the feel of an idyllic village; so tranquil that the only soundtrack in summer is the rhythmic buzz of cicadas. Interiors by London-based interior architect Maike Gruna use a sun-bleached palette of blues and creams that nod to the Grecian setting without feeling on the nose.

There are wicker chairs and light fittings, woods are stylishly weathered, and micro cemented walls and flagstone floors give a grounding, authentic feel to what is a relatively new hotel (it opened in 2023). Conversational and pleasingly informal, yet spoiling. The restaurant staff remembered my coffee orders from the first day, and treated my eight-month-old travel companion like a prince, offering to whip up pureed meals for him – which he lapped up.

Villas are individually designed and orientated, though all come with well-stocked kitchenettes, private patios featuring outdoor plunge pools, showers and various arrangements of seating and loungers that mean you could happily spend all day there. There are five room types, from one-bed to three-bed properties, to suit couples, families or groups. The one-bed, double-storey Elia Maisonette features its own sun-trap balcony looking out to the sea and the largest, Eliamos Villa, has a jacuzzi.

Zellige-tiled bathrooms with stylish brass fittings come with huge walk-in showers and separate loos, though there are no bathtubs. I stayed in the Elia Villa which had a lush, charming garden and was positioned a few minutes up the hill from the hotel’s main facilities in a private compound which offered parking for those who have rented their own vehicles. How this quiet Greek Island became a perfect romantic hideaway Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Olias restaurant which has an impressive, seasonal Greek menu, and offers tasting menus, including a seven-course Odyssey-themed version, to celebrate the new Christopher Nolan film.

It’s open-air, looking out over olive groves and down to the sea – lending a magical feel to mealtimes. Breakfast includes a personal buffet spread of breads, cakes, and fruit, and an a la carte offering allows you to add eggs or sweet dishes, from Nutella-covered pancakes to a Mediterranean stuffed omelette. Mains are classics such as moussaka and sea bass with confit tomatoes.

There’s enough choice that you won’t get bored even if taking all your meals here for a few days. The hotel team are happy to cater to dietaries and intolerances. Be sure to pair your meals with glasses from the easy-drinking Rebola-led wine list.

Or enjoy the restaurant’s chilled out lounge area with a pre-dinner classic cocktail. While you might be reluctant to leave your villa, the main pool area is ideal for relaxing with plenty of loungers, sink-in bean bags and shady areas. The 89 metre-squared infinity pool overlooking the sea is perfect for laps. The spa has two treatment rooms where therapists will pummel you to your preference, with lymphatic, pregnancy, relaxation or deep tissue massages available.