Review: Effortlessly enchanting Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa
This 12-villa Relais and Chateaux property is nestled on the breathtaking southern shores of Kefalonia
Location: Sitting pretty on the southern shores of Kefalonia, Eliamos feels blissfully remote. But for those who know where to look, a scattering of secluded coves lie hidden along the coastline just a short stroll away. The quaint village of Spartià is also close by, offering a handful of shops and restaurants, while the island’s busier capital, Argostoli, is a 20-minute drive. The airport is 15 minutes away.
First impressions: A patchwork of slender olive trees, fragrant mint and rosemary bushes, blushing white roses and vibrant violet bougainvillea tumble down the hillside from the hotel’s restaurant, where we sit sipping a refreshing mocktail. The beauty of Eliamos is effortlessly enchanting. The property feels like a charming Greek town in miniature, with its central, sun-kissed taverna, whitewashed villas nestled along winding stone pathways and resident cat Tiger, who chattily welcomes us to her home.
The facts: Maike Korsianos, founder of London-based design firm Maike Gruna Interiors, and her husband Spyro, whose family hails from Kefalonia, opened the doors to Eliamos in 2023 after a decade-long search for the perfect spot amid the island’s unspoiled landscapes. And find it they did. The Relais & Châteaux property – a recipient of two Michelin Keys – houses 12 villas, each featuring one to three bedrooms. Nine overlook the shimmering Ionian Sea, while the remaining three are nestled deeper inland, among sun‑dappled hills and meadows of wildflowers. The minimalist, boho-chic interiors of each villa – designed by Maike – create a sanctuary of calm, with earthy tones and natural textures. Spacious living areas spill out onto private terraces with saltwater pools, where bean bags and sunloungers invite lazy afternoons, while shaded dining tables offer an idyllic spot for an aperitif.
The restaurant, where guests eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves traditional Greek cuisine with an elevated twist. In the evening, expect dishes such as deconstructed kreatopita, where layers of flaky filo mingle with rich ragù, and creamy trahanoto – Greece’s answer to risotto – with succulent Ionian lobster. While the menus aren’t extensive, the choices are far from limited, with special experiences such as a private tasting menu by head chef Sokratis, barbecue nights, in-villa dining and cooking demonstrations. During the latter, we learn how to make authentic gemista – vegetables stuffed with herbed rice – and uncover the secret to whipping up perfectly creamy, garlicky tzatziki. Elsewhere, a saltwater pool, bordered by aromatic lavender and lush foliage, crowns the property, while an open-air gym invites guests to join a complimentary daily Pilates class and personal training sessions. The spa offers a range of massages, which guests can enjoy in one of two treatment rooms or from the comfort of their villa.
Ideal for: Wellness seekers, nature lovers and anyone in search of slow mornings, sea views and sun-drenched serenity.
Explore: For guests with four wheels who aren’t afraid to brave Kefalonia’s mountainous roads, the island beckons. Recommend clients head north to the sleepy seaside town of Assos, where pastel pink and apricot[1]hued houses overlook a shimmering bay and tourists lounge on the pebbled shore. Nearby, Fiskardo is home to waterfront tavernas and chic boutiques. Eliamos’s concierge team can also arrange excursions such as wine-tasting tours, private boat trips, visits to the island’s mystical caves and stargazing at Ainos National Park.
Wow: There’s something about Eliamos that encourages you to slow down and notice beauty in every corner: the way the light filters through an olive branch; thoughtfully chosen adornments; bartenders snipping herbs from the garden to garnish cocktails. By the end of the trip, my camera is brimming with countless snapshots of quiet corners and pleasing details that I missed at first glance.
Book it: Rates start from £650 per night including breakfast, based on two people sharing an Amos Sea View Suite with private pool.
eliamos.com
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