Lesante Cape Resort & Villas

When I arrived at Lesante Cape Zakynthos, the first thing that struck me about this luxury village resort is just how authentic it feels, all honeyed stone, red pantile rooftops, whitewashed walls and swoon-worthy archways like portals to paradise. Much of the action centres around a lively cobbled piazza where guests chat over Greek coffee as children chase each other around the 400-year-old olive tree. There’s a traditional taverna here, too, as well as a boutique and a small folklore museum. The Ionian’s startling blues can be glimpsed from almost every part of the resort, including most of the guest accommodation. Plush suites and villas couple that signature Zakynthian authenticity – natural woods, exposed beams, tactile fabrics – with modern luxuries including supersize LCD TVs and organic Zealots of Nature toiletries. 

Plush sea-facing villas up the stakes with decadent outdoor hot tubs and family-sized private pools. The spectacular views of sparkling blue waters and deep orange sunsets on show during our stay looked like they’d been projected on the horizon just for us.

The short 20-minute drive through Zakynthos town from the airport is just long enough to build up some excitement and soon after stepping off the plane, we were settled into our wonderful room. The palette of creamy coffee tones instantly made me begin to relax (and start planning the redecoration of my house).

It's hard to believe that, at the time of my stay, the hotel was only a little over a year old; it gave airs of history, elegance and tradition. With the hugely welcoming nature of the staff and the fact your own personal concierge greets you like an old friend, it's easy for Lesante Cape to instantly feel like the most beautiful home away from home. And it’s as welcoming for couples as it is for young families, with ample space to go around for everyone.

The layout of Lesante is reminiscent of a mythical maze, and at each turn of a corner, there is a delightful new discovery. The hotel is perched on the gently sloping cliff-face and as you weave your way through the resort you are welcomed by immaculate landscapes, alabaster white walls and infinity pools in abundance. It’s a traditionally Grecian aesthetic. Not to mention the idyllic and adorable church that sits at the heart of the hotel – in all honesty, an elopement was not off the cards. 

Some people say that too much choice is never a good thing, but those people clearly hadn’t been blessed enough to eat at the many restaurants at Lesante. Whether you feel like a fancy feast at the fine-dining Fiore or some gastronomic Greek delights like the tyropita (a traditional cheese pie) and the red shrimp pasta at Novita, everyone is covered. And for those that like an evening tipple, the hotel’s in-house sommelier is on hand to guide you through the extensively curated local and worldwide wine list. And let’s not forget Elea, where the breakfast buffet will have you waddling to your sunbed (most likely with a cinnamon bun and pistachio croissant for elevenses in tow).

There’s a pool for everyone, too – couples should locate the adults-only option, equipped with hammocks aplenty. No matter which sunlounger you seek out, there are panoramic blue views on display. The hotel’s app lets you order refreshments directly to your sunbed, and you can also book spa treatments and taxis, and even ask for advice on what to order for dinner that evening.

The hotel’s Armonia spa is the perfect place to head after one ouzo too many. It offers an impressive array of treatments – some of which feature a Balinese percussion technique or a full-body mask – as well as an indoor-outdoor pool and a nail salon. 

My love affair with the Greek islands is something I can be caught waxing lyrical about frequently, and this trip will be no exception. Sitting back at the hotel, watching the sun go down behind Kefalonia with a copy of Captain Corelli’s Mandoli in hand (I’m nothing if not on brand), is a most special memory of mine. Zakynthos now holds a special place in my heart, in the shape of Lesante Cape.