A new luxury boutique hotel, Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, recently opened its doors on the southern shores of Kefalonia, Greece. Perched above a secret cove and remote beach, this five-star retreat is made up of 12 villas on a private estate with a locally inspired restaurant, spa, outdoor gym, and an array of nature-based activities.
London-based Hamburg-born interior architect, Maike, of Maike Gruna Interiors, is in charge of the architecture alongside her husband, Spyro Korsianos. The property’s design intertwines luxury with an understated modernity that echoes Kefalonia’s preserved landscape.
Accommodations
Each of the 12 one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas has its own private saltwater pool or hot tub, kitchen, outdoor dining area, barbeque, and terrace, providing a true home away from home experience. With views over the glistening Ionian sea or sprawling olive groves, each villa connects with the island’s earthy character, and suits the needs of every guest.
Spa and Wellness
Nature-based relaxation and wellness take center stage. The outdoor gym facing the sea features wooden Pilates reformers and a Nohrd rower and bike, as well as an in-house Reformer pilates, yoga and fitness instructor. Other highlights include an expansive infinity saltwater pool and relaxation area, remote beach, and spa offering massages, reflexology, and aromatherapy treatments. Eliamos aims to redefine the wellness getaway, using nature’s undisputed healing powers and encouraging guests to find inner peace.
Culinary
With Chef Socrates Malinganis, Eliamos creates authentic, yet refined dining inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and showcasing quality ingredients sourced from local farmers and organic producers. Guests enjoy fresh, health-conscious dishes, prepared using traditional Kefalonian recipes and ingredients, including local feta and fresh Kefalonia cream cheese calledPrentza, local meat and poultry, and fresh fish from the Ionian Sea. Dishes are decorated with pine nuts, cardamom, fresh mint, dry figs, and walnuts. After dining, guests mark the end of each day with a carafe of Robola, the authentic wine of the island, at Eliamos’ bar terrace.
Activities and Excursions
Guests have the opportunity to embark on numerous nature-based activities, such as hiking, cycling, and boat trips. You can boat to the neighboring islands of Ithaca and Zante, ride on Jeep safaris around the island, stargaze at the Dark Sky Park within the Mount Aenos National Park, wine taste, turtle watch, and more. The secluded beach beneath the hotel invites guests to bask in sun and enjoy pre-ordered picnic hampers at their sun loungers, crafted by Chef Malinganis.
Sustainability
Eliamos is rooted in sustainability and uses environmentally-friendly practices. Kefalonia recently became a member of the UNESCO Geoparks Network, showing sustainability has never been more important for the destination. Eliamos will be free of single-use plastic and will seek to eventually become fully plastic-free. Measures such as wooden key cards, wooden gym equipment, refillable bathroom amenities, and supplying reusable water bottles are the first steps of this initiative. Solar panels were installed, water waste is reused to irrigate the gardens, local stone and building materials have been used throughout, and the restaurant will source produce from local farmers and suppliers to support the surrounding community.
