Catch The Last Of The Summer Sun At New Luxury Hotel Elix, Greece

Elix, the newest property to join Mar-Bella Collection, a family-owned Greek hotel group opened in 2021, on the Ionian coast of the West side of mainland Greece. It’s in one of the most unspoilt regions of mainland Greece and feels like a real hideaway. It is the ideal destination for couples and families with grown up children keen on active outdoor adventures.

The location

Located near historic Parga, with the stunning beach of Karavostasi stretching out below, the hotel sits discreetly on top of a pine-forested hill, with panoramic views of the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu

It’s the remote region’s first luxury hotel and what an architectural beauty it is. Architect Konstantinos Kydoniatis has done a stunning job blending local stone and expansive glass windows into the landscape. Inside, the high-ceilinged reception area features plenty of comfortable chic sofas and the walls are decorated with traditional costumes hung in huge frames.

Amenities

Rooms, four restaurants and the large infinity pool are across eight floors, linked by steps and elevators. The 146 open-plan rooms, in various categories, all have terraces with views of the deep blue Ionian Sea. The selection of rooms includes maisonettes, swim-up rooms and suites with private pools. Decor is in an earthy palate, with blond-wood furnishings, light tiled floors, cushions with traditional embroidery, rattan lampshades and bean bags chairs for relaxing on the terrace. Amenities include organic toiletries and Nespresso machines.The resort makes it easy to spend your entire vacation there. Karavostasi beach, reached by many stone steps or funicular, has a well-equipped water sports centre with kayaks and bikes.

The Beach restaurant serves a tasty range of basics (falafels, salads and burgers). The other culinary offerings are equally impressive with a choice of restaurants and laid-back bars. Saffron offers casual all-day buffet dining and Italian themed Indigo offers breakfast, lunch and dinner while Pearl offers a Modern Greek fine dining experience from Sotiris Evaggelou, one of Greece’s most renowned chefs.

Nearby

The beach at the hotel is long and well kitted out with sun loungers and umbrellas while for a change of pace, there’s a gorgeous beach with crystalline waters ten minutes down the road from the hotel. At the bottom of the hill down a small track you’ll find a beautiful cove and sandy beach where, at the most, you might find is a lone sailboat. Also be sure to hike through the beautiful pine forests adjacent to the hotel where you’ll be treated to lovely views of one of the most picturesque areas of Greece.

For a change from the hotel dining, there are a few local Greek bistros a short stroll from the beach or Perdika, on a hill four miles away, has a few restaurants serving local cuisine (Kebabs, Greek salad, gyros).

The hotel organises excursions from Karavostasi beach to visit the island of Paxos, with swimming and visits to the famous Blue Caves, as well as sunset trips to visit to the attractive village of Parga and pretty beaches.

Practicalities

British Airways has daily flights from London Heathrow to Corfu and has just started offering flights from London Gatwick three days a week.

A suite at Elix starts from 196 euros on half Board basis in low season. Elix ultra-all-inclusive starts from 258 euros for 2 adults in a Standard Sea view room. And if you book by 31 August, there’s a last minute deal of 15 % off selected room for dates until 20 October 2023.

Or book through BA Holidays offering 7-nights at Elix from £722 per person on a half-board basis and including flights from London Heathrow.

The best way to reach Elix is by boat from Corfu. There are regular public ferries but to avoid taxis on both ends, and for a more relaxing journey, the hotel can arrange a luxury speedboat transfer for 500 euros. You’ll arrive in comfort and style and it’s also a sensible option if you’re travelling with a up to six people. There are also less frequent flights to Preveza Airport 50 miles away on the mainland and the hotel offers a minibus/taxi transfer.