Review: Elisso Hotel, Vasiliki, Kefalonia, Greece

Some hotel names fade into the background, polite placeholders in a sea of beige branding. Elisso, however, lingers. The word means “whirl” in Greek — a fact that could feel contrived if it weren’t so perfectly apt. The hotel leans into the metaphor with panache: the swirling winds of Vasiliki Bay lure windsurfers from across Europe, while the atmosphere of the hotel itself swirls with energy, warmth and a sense of motion. After a week of bobbing between Ionian islands with Sail Ionian’s informal flotilla, the grounding luxury of Elisso was more than a hotel stay. It was a gentle re-entry, a soft landing with style.

The welcome

We arrived salty-haired and semi-tanned, with luggage in tow, straight from a week on the water. We knew we were far too early for check-in, the General Manager Harris was on reception to welcome us regardless. Our bags were kindly stored whilst we took a short stroll to a beachside taverna just around the corner, returning in a couple of hours when our rooms were ready.

The room

Our ground-floor double suite was, in a word, was bathed in sunlight and with a palette of clean, neutral tones that contrasted with the blues of the pool and sky outside. The patio overlooked the pool, but with sufficient privacy that it was a very relaxing outdoor space to enjoy.

Our sons were posted upstairs in a standard twin room with its own balcony. Both rooms offered ample space, were air-conditioned and equipped with high-quality furnishings and linen.

The bathroom

A good hotel bathroom walks a tightrope between design and practicality. Elisso pulls it off with crisp lighting, modern glass basins, ample counter space and a bath with shower over it. Complimentary toiletries from Anyah – an eco-friendly Italian brand that focuses on sustainability and gentle formulations – are also supplied.

The facilities

At the heart of the hotel lies the outdoor pool: large, clean, and surrounded by loungers that always seemed to have plenty of availability despite us visiting during the Summer season.

A few steps away is the spa, where treatments range from deep tissue body massages with gua sha to relaxing facials, and there’s a small but well-equipped fitness centre if you’ve somehow not already expended all your energy swimming or windsurfing.

Breakfast is a Mediterranean-inspired buffet set-up with Greek yoghurt thick enough to stand a spoon in, local honey, just-baked pastries, seasonal fruits and a variety of cooked options.

The terrace transforms in the afternoons into a snack bar and loungey outdoor bar space — a clever and casual transition that lets the hotel stretch into the evening without trying too hard.

The location

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Elisso Hotel enjoys a quietly brilliant location — just 100 metres from the golden sands of Paralia Vasiliki, and an easy 10-minute amble to the village proper. This part of Lefkada might be less polished than the Instagram hotspots of Santorini or Mykonos, but all the better for it.

The island itself has plenty to offer visitors – Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches are just a short drive away, and the coastline’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters provide the perfect picture-postcard package. For those who venture inland, the regions mountains are home to some more rugged aspects of Lefkada, including various hikes and waterfalls. For most guests, though, the real appeal is right there on the hotel doorstep – the wind, the bay, and the slow drift between swimming, sunbathing and souvlaki.

Other nice touches

From the moment we arrived — early, sea-worn, and slightly dishevelled — we were met not with raised eyebrows but open arms. If you explore a little, you’ll find hidden places to relax and unwind whilst a daily maid service means everything is kept spotless, without it ever being intrusive, with complimentary bottled water regularly replenished. These are perhaps just small touches, but made us feel that the staff were attentive and everything quietly ran like clockwork.

The cost

In peak season, rooms start a very reasonable €250 per night. Off-season rates can dip to as low as €90, making it an attractive shoulder-season getaway. Joining the Elisso Rewards Club earns you an additional 10% off on direct bookings.

The best bit

Location-wise, Elisso hits something of a sweet spot. The hotel is extremely quiet yet close enough to the beach that you can wander down barefoot. Even when the village bars are buzzing with windsurfing energy or the tavernas are full of life, you can join the action — or retreat from it — at will. This seamless access to lively and quieter aspects of Vasiliki is precisely what makes the Elisso Hotel the essence of a perfect holiday.

The final verdict

The Elisso Hotel is not flashy, nor overly-fussy, but instead a sound luxury hotel offering with a sense of belonging. It’s a hotel where you’ll be remembered and welcomed — without intrusion or excess, but with care and thoughtfulness.

After a week of informal sailing, where logistics are loose and the horizon is everything, Elisso provided us with a beautiful counterbalance — it’s a hotel that draws you in gently, leaving you with a soft swirl of fond memories. It’s the kind of place you return to. In person, or in reverie. Or, if you’re like me, in writing — trying to hold on just a little longer.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Elisso Hotel. Our trip was sponsored by AEGEAN Airlines.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.