Kefalonia, a Greek island to the west of the mainland, may not have the same name recognition as Santorini or Mykonos, but that’s precisely why you should go there. The charming island with its idyllic tiny towns and sparkling waters is an attraction of choice for Greek tourists.

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, a resort with 12 villas that overlook olive fields and the Ionian Sea, will become the island’s newest luxury lodging on May 5. With an on-site restaurant, spa, and infinity saltwater pool, theboutique hotel combines modern architecture and amenities along with the island’s wonderful surroundings. It occupies an area on a private estate that is both quiet and secluded.

“My husband and I have been visiting Kefalonia for more than 15 years, but we always felt that the hotel market was somehow lacking,” Maike Korsanos, the designer atMaike Gruna Interiors, who owns the property with her husband, Spyro Korsanos said, perTravel + Leisure. Our dream was to create something special on this beautiful green island.”

She took into account both aesthetics and practicality when designing the one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, which have outdoor eating areas, private pools, and expansive views of the mountains and the sea. Bamboo walls and pergolas shield guests from unwanted attention.

Genuine Kefalonian ingredients and recipes, as well as fresh seafood, local veggies, and meats are served to guests at the hotel’srestaurant. Korsanos pointed out that many of these ingredients are used in dishes as well as the hotel’s cocktail bar.

“The restaurant, which is built of natural stone blocks, is nestled within the olive grove and surrounded by olive, orange, apple, lemon, and pomegranate trees as well as large areas of herbs like lavender, oregano, thyme, and sage,” she said.

The health center, which features a fully furnished gym (with even greater seaside views), and the spa, which has two treatment rooms where guests may indulge in an aromatherapy session or a massage, are other highlights of the boutique hotel.

Eliamos also provides a wide range of excursions and activities for those who are interested in exploring Kefalonia or the nearby islands of Ithaca and Zante, such as stargazing at Mount Aenos National Park, wine tasting, hiking, and boat journeys.

If you agree that this vacation should be your next, then you can reserve a room at the Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa for as little as $384 per night by visiting theirwebsite.

Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.

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