Understated luxury. Pure simplicity, yet architectural genius. This is how you can describe Olea All Suites.
The Vibe
Zakynthos has not had the best reputation in recent years, most known for late night revellers. But the welcoming of new properties like Olea means it is experiencing a renaissance in luxury. This was certainly evident from the types of fellow guests, ‘The Row’ of travellers you could say, relaxed, non-invasive, but effortlessly stylish.
Poised high on a hilltop above the village of Tsilivi and surrounded by ancient olive trees, the adults-only Olea Hotel might just be the most serene spot on Zakynthos. It’s an absolute masterpiece of modern, minimalist design that’s all clean lines, natural materials, earthy tones and water as the centrepiece with a 4000 square metre man-made lake with suites and hotel facilities developing naturally around it, with sweeping views of the Ionian. It’s deeply calming and incredibly meditative, and as the designers have explained, the interiors “blur the indoor and outdoor worlds”.
The Rooms
The Design Hotel has 93 suites spread over a hillside. The rooms you want here are the swim-up suites that lead out onto the shared pool and boast their own terrace and sun deck. But for ultimate seclusion, I suggest upgrading to the honeymoon and presidential suites for a private infinity pool and sensational views over the ocean. They are as seductive as an adults-only room can be, with an indulgent in-room bathtub, walk in shower, a shaded deck for breakfast and sunset champagne, and a relaxing poolside bed lounger to take in the sun à deux. Plus, all rooms have blackout curtains so you can enjoy a very friendly lie in until lunchtime.
The Food + Drink
While the hotel’s interior is what stood out to me, the culinary experience is exemplary. As soon as you enter the hotel, you are welcomed with a chilled refreshing cocktail, sat on a bowl of ice, in the main restaurant of Olea, Omikron, with its sky high ceilings, its spaciousness and views that extend to the sea. This is where you’ll enjoy breakfast (bowls of thick Greek yogurt, local honeycomb, ripe fruits, and other morning specialties) and a buffet dinner.
My favourite perhaps is the Cocoon Restobar near the pool, a bohemian beach lounge with a sandy floor for barefoot dining. Fresh salads and vegetable dishes, grilled seafood, great smoothies and cocktails for lunch, accompanied by dips in the surrounding pool. Cocoon turns into Pacifico by Nikkei in the evenings, a popular Athenian restaurant serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion dishes in the tradition of Nikkei cuisine, with an open kitchen making your food live. Think fish ceviche, quinoa, aji amarillo peppers, soba noodles, and sashimi.
But, the fine-dining Flow Dine and Wine is where the magic happens. Up the polished stone steps, past the bamboo lanterns, you’ll meet a creative Mediterranean tasting menu with wine pairings (optional). While fine dining isn’t a regular choice for me, this offers a standout night on a romantic getaway. Prior to dining, enjoy sunset at Flow’s spin-off, the F Bar, a blend of elegance and whimsy, redefining the art of drinking with playful and imaginative twists.
The Little Extras
During the season, the hotel hosts a series of activities including an art exhibition, gastronomic events with acclaimed chefs, as well as bar take overs. Closing this season is dinner with Chef Nikos Psilos of Principote and Windmills at Mykonos, who will takeover Nikkei for an evening of indulgence. Plus, the hotel engages an annual Creative Residency programme. This year, the focus of the exhibition is the audiovisual work “Fleurs d’Ame,” inspired by ancient Greek mythology. Alongside this, the photographic works of Nikos Kontostavlakis are being displayed throughout the property, stunning stills reflecting everyday scenes from Olea, alongside a screening of the “Fleurs d’Ame”, accompanied by a musical re-execution of an excerpt from “Marie Antoinette,” from the album “Despo” by Zakynthian composer Pavlos Carrer.
The To-Do List
Wellness plays a big part here, understandably given the calming nature of the surroundings. There’s an outdoor and indoor fitness area, a beauty salon for some pampering (an essential part of an adults-only getaway), and The Royal Spa. The gentleness of the water surrounds you, a tranquil space where you can enjoy bespoke treatments using German brand Babor, offering a dreamy escape to rejuvenation.
Top tip: Hire a car (or driver) to whisk you away for lunch one afternoon to family-owned Nobelos, which has quickly become one of my favourite beachside restaurants. An idyllic setting on the northeast coast of Zakynthos in Agios Nikolaos, close to the famous Blue Caves, you’ll find this spot on the waterfront at the edge of a pine forest. Spend a day lounging on sunbeds on its small, sandy beach, then enjoy sea-to-fork fish and traditional Greek fare with produce sourced from the owner’s organic farm, and fish transported via wooden caique.
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