Situated above a secluded beach on the southern shores of Kefalonia, Greece, Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa is a Two-Michelin-Key hotel and the only Relais & Châteaux property in the Ionian. The space redefines what it means to escape, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean, meticulously landscaped grounds, and a level of service second to none. Its 12 spacious villas, each with a private saltwater pool and expansive outdoor living spaces, are designed to blend seamlessly with the terrain, evoking the intimacy of a secret retreat while offering the amenities of a five-star luxury hotel. Just 15 minutes from Kefalonia International Airport and 20 minutes from Argostoli, the island’s capital, Eliamos is both secluded and connected. The resort offers private transport to the island upon arrival, a dedicated villa concierge, packing and unpacking service, and chilled champagne at check-in.
Accommodations: Immersed in Nature and Elegance
Villa options range from one bedroom to three bedrooms and include welcome amenities, kitchenettes, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, stocked mini bar and snacks, high-end sound systems, outdoor showers, and luxury linens.
Among the collection, the Eliamos Three-Bed Villa is the largest, featuring three bedrooms with private en-suite bathrooms, dressing areas, and panoramic sea views. The spacious living room opens to a covered veranda with an alfresco dining space and direct access to the saltwater pool and garden. The Thalassa Villa, ideal for families or friends, spans 143 square meters and includes two ensuite bedrooms, an airy living room, and a terrace leading to a private pool framed by Ionian Sea views.
For couples seeking a serene hideaway, the Ammos Suite offers an open-plan bedroom and lounge, extending to a private terrace with a saltwater pool and outdoor shower. Alternatively, the Elia Maisonette and Elia One-Bedroom Villas overlook the olive groves, blending rustic charm with understated luxury. With sophisticated interiors, alfresco dining spaces, and tranquil garden pools, these villas evoke a connection to nature and the essence of a private Mediterranean home.
Dining and Wellness Experiences: A Celebration of the Senses
At Eliamos, gastronomy and wellness intertwine to reflect the rhythms of island life. The resort’s culinary philosophy is guided by a “farm-to-table” ethos, showcasing local Kefalonian ingredients, herbs, olive oils, and wines through contemporary Mediterranean dishes. Olais Restaurant, named after the songbirds that fly through the olive trees, provides a dining experience that feels as restorative as it is indulgent. Expect vibrant, seasonal dishes, including fresh-caught fish, Kefalonian Kreatopita (Meat Pie), and free-range mountain-rooster over views that stretch to the horizon. Decadent desserts such chocolate trunk, halvas, and a local cheese platter, highlighting a variety of Hellenic cheeses and homemade chutney, round out every meal. Mornings include a breakfast spread with a wide range of sweet and savory delights, served on your private terrace, the poolside deck, or in the restaurant. Local-made granola paired with fresh fruit and Kefalonian honey is a fan favorite.
Guests can savor a Chef’s Table experience with Chef Sokratis, join “Grill Under the Stars” evenings, where island flavors come alive over open flames and local music, and participate in hands-on cooking classes, transforming learning traditional recipes into shared memories.
Wellness at Eliamos is equally intentional. The property’s spa and fitness spaces are designed as havens of renewal, offering treatments inspired by ancient Greek rituals and natural botanicals sourced from the island. Yoga sessions overlooking the sea, personalized massage therapies, and guided hikes through the surrounding hills create a holistic approach to relaxation. Well-being flows through every element of the stay, encouraging guests to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover balance amidst the beauty of Kefalonia. Guests can join morning Pilates sessions led by an in-house instructor or personal training that includes reformer work, cross-training, and strength sessions. The on-site Nohrd outdoor wooden gym features premium German equipment, ensuring fitness enthusiasts feel right at home.
Adventure and Discovery
Beyond the villas, Eliamos offers a curated range of experiences designed to reveal the island’s natural and cultural treasures. Complimentary offerings include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for exploring the Ionian’s clear waters, along with hiking, e-biking, and family-friendly activities like pool volleyball. In-house experts lead bespoke excursions to ancient sites, vineyards, and local artisan communities. Nature excursions, from sea turtle spotting to Jeep safaris and sunset viewing at Mount Ainos National Park, can be booked through the concierge team. They can also curate tailored experiences for couples and families, from boat tours exploring the island’s hidden beaches and caves, to romantic picnics and guided dives to secret coves and shipwrecks.
Local Excursions
Begin your exploration beyond the resort at the enchanting Melissani Cave, an underground lake illuminated by shafts of sunlight that dance across bright turquoise waters, followed by a visit to the nearby Drogarati Cave, known for its vast chambers and stalactite formations. Nature fans will love Mount Ainos National Park, where endemic Kefalonian fir trees and roaming wild horses create a hiker’s paradise with panoramic views across the island. Along the coast, Myrtos Beach dazzles with long stretches of white pebbles and steep cliffs, while Antisamos Beach, near the harbor town of Sami, offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
Venture north to the postcard-perfect village of Assos, where pastel homes cling to the hillside above a tranquil bay, and boutique shops and bakeries offer local treasures. Continue to Fiskardo, a cosmopolitan marina village filled with fancy seaside restaurants, luxury yachts, and colorful Venetian-era buildings that survived the massive 1953 earthquake. Inland, explore Argostoli’s fish and produce markets, charming gelato shops, and vibrant waterfront cafés. For a taste of Kefalonia’s rich heritage, visit the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, the island’s patron saint, or sample local specialties at family-run wineries tucked into the hills.
A Sanctuary for the Senses
At its heart, Eliamos is a celebration of relaxation, luxury, and nature set in a stunning location and supported by an incredible team. True Greek hospitality is treasured by new and returning guests, and days unfold to the rhythm of the waves while nights shimmer with the quiet magic that only this island can offer. Special packages include options for romance, multi-generational holidays, and wellness experiences. Learn more at eliamos.com.