Some resort names fade into the background, well mannered placeholders in a sea of beige branding. Elisso, nevertheless, lingers. The phrase means “whirl” in Greek — a truth 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 mild re-entry, a delicate 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 had been far too early for check-in, the Normal Supervisor Harris was on reception to welcome us regardless. Our baggage had 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 had been prepared.
The room
Our ground-floor double suite was, in a phrase, was bathed in daylight and with a palette of unpolluted, impartial tones that contrasted with the blues of the pool and sky exterior. The patio missed the pool, however with enough privateness that it was a really enjoyable out of doors house to take pleasure in.
Our sons had been posted upstairs in a regular twin room with its personal balcony. Each rooms supplied ample house, had 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, fashionable 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.
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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 through the Summer time season.
Just a few steps away is the spa, the place remedies vary from deep tissue physique massages with gua sha to enjoyable facials, and there’s a small however well-equipped health centre should you’ve by some means 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 a wide range 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 situation
Elisso Lodge enjoys a quietly good location — simply 100 metres from the golden sands of Paralia Vasiliki, and a simple 10-minute amble to the village correct. This a part of Lefkada could be much less polished than the Instagram hotspots of Santorini or Mykonos, however all the higher for it.
The island itself has lots to supply guests – Porto Katsiki and Egremni seashores are only a brief drive away, and the shoreline’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters present the proper picture-postcard bundle. For individuals who enterprise inland, the areas mountains are house to some extra rugged elements of Lefkada, together with varied hikes and waterfalls. For many visitors, although, the true attraction 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 had been met not with raised eyebrows however open arms. In case you discover somewhat, you’ll discover hidden locations to calm down and unwind while a every day maid service means every part is saved spotless, with out it ever being intrusive, with complimentary bottled water usually replenished. These are maybe simply small touches, however made us really feel that the workers had been attentive and every part quietly ran like clockwork.
The price
In peak season, rooms begin a really affordable €250 per evening. Low season charges can dip to as little as €90, making it a lovely shoulder-season getaway. Becoming a member of the Elisso Rewards Membership earns you a further 10% off on direct bookings.
The very best bit
Location-wise, Elisso hits one thing of a candy spot. The resort is extraordinarily quiet but shut sufficient to the seaside that you would be able to wander down barefoot. Even when the village bars are buzzing with windsurfing vitality or the tavernas are energetic, you possibly can be part of the motion — or retreat from it — at will. This seamless entry to vigorous and quieter elements of Vasiliki is exactly what makes the Elisso Lodge the essence of an ideal vacation.
The ultimate verdict
The Elisso Lodge shouldn’t be flashy, nor overly-fussy, however as a substitute 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 part, Elisso offered us with a phenomenal counterbalance — it’s a resort that attracts you in gently, leaving you with a delicate swirl of fond recollections. It’s the type of place you come to. In individual, or in reverie. Or, should you’re like me, in writing — making an attempt to carry on just a bit longer.
Disclosure: This submit is sponsored by Elisso Lodge. Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airways.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.
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