The bluest seas and skies await at two hedonistic Lesante resorts on the small but perfectly formed Ionian island of Zakynthos
Words: Sandy Cadiz-Smith
The southernmost of the Ionian islands, Zakynthos is small and perfectly formed. At just 17km wide and 40km long, it has a deliciously intimate feel with its narrow lanes winding through verdant forests and olive groves. We’ve never see so many olive trees, of all shapes and sizes, with the oldest standing proud for over 2,000 years. Also known as The Flower of the East because of its fertility, it’s one of the greenest Greek islands and is also home to stunning cliffs, hidden sea caves and, of course, those dazzling Grecian shades of blue – from sea to sky.
The first of our two-centre stops is Lesante Blu, a luxurious resort for adult guests (16+) located in the picturesque village of Tragaki, a short drive from the airport. Perched on high it looks out over the mesmerising azure sea. It’s a view we can’t tear ourselves away from, and luckily everything is designed to ensure we don’t have to.
Our spacious suite is bright and contemporary with a lavish marble-clad bathroom. We’re immediately drawn to the balcony which looks across shimmering terraced infinity pools and lush manicured gardens towards the private beach and the bluest of horizons. The perfect spot to while away the time is made all the more indulgent by our own personal hot tub bubbling away in the corner.
We spend our days exploring every corner of the resort. We take advantage of the serenity of the Essence Spa and emerge revitalised after a therapeutic massage. The sandy beach with its ultra-comfy beach beds is the perfect spot for relaxation and a dip in the balmy sea. Refreshment is never far away, with the Ostria pool bar and chic beach bar both close by and a beach-side restaurant serving a vast selection of delightful dishes. At night we treat ourselves to dinner at the main restaurant, Melia, enjoying the flavours of the Mediterranean and seasonal local ingredients. Every mouthful is a treat at Lesante Blu, and it’s a wrench to tear ourselves away.
Luckily we don’t have far to go, and ournext destination, Lesante Cape, is the latest addition to the Lesante collection and about a 10-minute drive away. This family-friendly resort opened in June 2022 and is quite simply stunning. The village-style layout here is inspired by traditional architecture and design with beautiful stonework and flowers and herbs that perfume the warm air with their aromas.
Lesante Cape days start with the sensational breakfast spread (we’ve never seen so many early morning sweet and savoury treats). We also enjoy leisurely poolside lunches and fine dining evenings. The food is heavenly, and every restaurant comes with a view. We love the artisanal shops, wine cellar (Zakyntheon wine is surprisingly good), cultural museum and traditional taverna at the heart of the resort. Think classic kebabs, succulent salads and dips, plate smashing and exuberant Greek dancing.
There’s an onsite fruit and vegetable garden with outdoor kitchen where we enjoy a cooking lesson and sample the ultimate farm-to-table lunch. Nourishing the local environment as well as its guests is paramount at Lesante Cape. We take time out to explore more of the island, meandering around the streets of the capital, Zakynthos Town, with its colourful bougainvillea spilling over the whitewashed buildings and its picturesque yacht-filled harbour. And we browse in the cornucopian shops of nearby Tsilivi, a bustling little town with a beautiful beach and lots of enticing bars and restaurants.
One day, we head out to sea for a private yacht cruise and visit the loggerhead turtle beach the island is famous for. We even try creating our own pottery at the Hanne Mi Ceramic Art Studio (ceramichannemi.com) before returning to our Greek island home to absorb more of those turquoise vibes in Lesante luxury. You can never have too much of that, after all.
Lesante Collection lesantecape.gr and lesanteblu.gr
Further reading: Holiday nanny guide
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