The ES Magazine team recommend three stunning escapes to bookmark now.
THE LUXURY RENTAL
PIANO HOUSE, PAXOS
It is believed that Paxos was created when Poseidon, the God of the Sea, hit Corfu with his trident and created the perfect setting for his clandestine romance with the nymph Amphitrite. For the truly swoonworthy views, though, you’ll want to ascend the island’s rocky hills to discover Piano House.
Framed by dramatic cliffs and sparkling Greek waters below, this stone-walled house is a veritable temple to fun. Split between three buildings (which can sleep up to eight guests), the airy whitewashed rooms provide a beautiful backdrop for the eclectic bric-a-brac and antique furnishings curated by the owners, with a special focus on – surprise, surprise – sea-faring artefacts. For those that haven’t quite found their sea legs, there’s plenty opportunity to make a splash in the house pool before heading into Paxos’ charming tavernas in Loggos or Lakka for a sundowner. Heaven sent? Our thoughts exactly.
Piano House sleeps up to eight in four bedrooms and costs from £2,545 per week, villa rental only, including maid service (scottwilliams.co.uk)
THE ‘TAKE THE FAMILY’ ONE
PALEROS BEACH RESORT
Have toddlers in tow? The Ionian coast is one of the closest parts of Greece to get to (read: a three-hour flight from Gatwick) and allows for a seamless arrival at the Paleros Beach Resort. Set on its own quiet little bay, with the all-too-familiar Greek backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves, the resort boasts 130 rooms and all the facilities a frazzled family could want. Wander down to the beach front and you’ll find an expert crew of instructors on hand to cater to all your watersport needs - sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and, if you’re feeling particularly perky in the morning, stand-up paddleboarding yoga classes on the sparkling sea. Back on dry land, there are guided bike tours, including a 50k morning ride and back to the stunning island of Lefkada - rides at a variety of paces depart at different times, meaning all levels can give it a go.
For the little ones, things get going from breakfast (which is exemplary Mediterranean fare with a changing daily menu) at the kids club: with a British-trained team behind it and catering for babies as young as four months through to teenagers. Mark Warner have a stellar reputation for crafting a roster of age-appropriate activities to keep them engaged and happy, along with two sizeable swimming pools on site. For those feeling a little more adventurous there’s the quaint local fishing village of Palairos, with its quintessentially Greek tavernas and local hangouts – many on the waterfront. A favourite of ours was the yacht club: frozen margaritas at sunset sitting at tables on the sandy beach, a crackling fire pit, woodfired pizzas and the freshest catch of the day.
Paleros Beach Resort, from £1,389pp departing 27 August in a family room, including flights, transfers, seven nights accommodation, watersports, land activities and childcare all on a half-board basis (markwarner.co.uk)
THE MEGA HOTEL ONE
MANDARIN ORIENTAL COSTA NAVARINO
A first for the luxury hotel group, the Mandarin Oriental has finally planted its flag in Costa Navarino. Part of the Greek region of Messinia, the resort draws from its enviable beachfront location and the majestic beauty of unspoiled countryside that surrounds it. Sleek design is one of the MO group’s signatures and each of the 99 suites and villas are outfitted in chic, serene tones and authentic Greek flourishes. But the real star of show is the 1,500 sq m spa, which marries traditional Mediterranean rituals and the native flora and fauna of Greece - a no brainer given the rich history of the region - with high performance products and treatments, and a stunning 25m indoor/outdoor pool to boot. Dive in – the water’s lovely.
