Located in the heart of the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos in Greece offers a blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich historical heritage, and luxurious comforts. Renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and verdant landscapes, this enchanting island is the perfect escape for those seeking a serene yet opulent villa holiday. With a trove of exclusive properties dotting its picturesque coastline and hillsides, Zakynthos invites discerning travellers to immerse themselves in an ambience of elegance and tranquillity. Whether it’s lounging by a private infinity pool, exploring hidden coves, or indulging in gourmet cuisine, the island promises a luxury holiday experience that epitomises the essence of lavish relaxation and unparalleled beauty. Here are our favourite luxury villas to stay at on the island.
Villa Athina
Stay on a private estate in Poet’s Corner, with only one other holiday villa in the vicinity. Occupying two stories and in an elevated spot on a hillside in Akrotiri, it has sea views. And Zante town is only five minutes away. Your outdoor facilities comprise a pool, a double daybed, chair-shaped inflatables, sunloungers, a stone barbecue and a dining table. Indoors is a lounge area with fireplace, a dining kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms with Coco-Mat beds — one of the bedrooms also has a jacuzzi tub with ocean vistas.
Villa Sintrivani
With one and a half acres of land and a 13-metre pool, this three-storey villa is much like a mini resort all of its own. It has six bedrooms in total (several of which have balconies), spread across all three floors. Open-plan living spaces create a sociable atmosphere, with room to spread out both inside and on the large alfresco terrace for group BBQs. A Sonos sound system, pool inflatables and a library of books serve to keep those of all ages entertained. And the nearest beach, Agios Nikolaos, is just under two miles away.
Peri Beach Villa
The hydro-jetted pool, jacuzzi and steps up to the jacuzzi at Peri Beach Villa are illuminated after dark, creating an atmospheric glow that serves (along with the sea beyond) as a glamorous backdrop to your evening drinks, or meal on the upper dining terrace. Meals can be prepared outside, on the BBQ or in the pizza oven, or Ampula Beach is on the doorstep and watersports equipment and bicycles can be requested for an additional fee. The property comprises a main house with four bedrooms and a further guest cottage with an en-suite double and kitchenette.
Villa Rouge
A meandering property made up of pretty terracotta buildings, tropical gardens, a basketball court, long pergola housing multiple double daybeds, a hammock, an 18-seater alfresco dining area and glittering kidney-shaped pool, all overlooking the Ionian Sea. Villa Rouge has seven bedrooms, each with an en-suite. There’s also a billiard room, a laundry, a dining and lounge area with a fireplace and kitchen with appliances such as a juicer and Nespresso machine. Follow the staircase at the foot of the garden down the hillside and you’ll arrive directly onto the beach below.