Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Kefalonia
You may remember this idyllic isle from the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. And it’s every bit as romantic and picturesque as that film portrays. The largest in the Ionian archipelago, it offers perfect beaches, clear warm seas, mountains, quaint fishing villages and a network of underground nymph caves to be explored. This is not the place to come if you want to party; the atmosphere is laid-back, with tourists preferring to hike, swim, eat, sip wine and unwind. As it’s been inhabited since Paleolithic times there’s much history and Kefalonia is home to endangered metre-long Caretta-Caretta turtles.
Kefalonia, Lourdhata
F Zeen Retreat
(5 stars)Take an adults-only holiday at the F Zeen Retreat, beside Lourdas Beach in Lourdata Village. Outdoor yoga spaces, a seaside saltwater pool (plus two further pools), an alfresco cinema and the Ido spa await guests coming here. The hotel is close to Mount Aenos, set on a pretty hillside that leads to the coast. Built-in an authentic style, it’s surrounded by olive, lemons and cypress trees and bougainvillaea, adding to the laid-back, Grecian vibe. 53 rooms are split into ten categories, half in a new deluxe wing, all with native Apivita bath products. Two restaurants serve dishes crafted from the onsite F Zeen fruit and vegetable patch.
Kefalonia, Fiskardo
Emelisse Nature Resort
(5 stars)At the Emelisse Nature Resort guests are accommodated across a number of two-storey villas, with 63 rooms and suites in total. Some of the villas have private pools shared by the inhabitants, but everyone has access to the gorgeous infinity pool, surrounded by plush, deep red daybeds. Kids have their own pool – and playground – plus there’s an open-air cinema and parents can take advantage of babysitting services. It’s ideal for those who like to stay active, with tennis courts, free bicycle hire and proximity to Fiskardo harbour for watersports and dives. There are two eateries, one all-day casual venue and another for candlelit a la carte dining.