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

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.

Having returned from yet another incredible trip to Greece, I thought I’d share with you some of our favourite places to eat from our latest spell in the South Ionian. This is by no means exhaustive – after all, we had just two weeks and were only able to visit a handful of different islands during that time. But we did enjoy some excellent meals, all special for a variety of different reasons…

For superb views: Kastro Cafe, Il Borgo and Olive Lounge, Kastro, Kefalonia

During our stay at Angel Pools Villa, we ate at all three eateries in Kastro – all special for different reasons, but all with one thing in common – a wonderful view out towards Argostoli and the Mediterranean beyond.

Head to Kastro Cafe for an excellent all-day breakfast, to Il Borgo for a more traditional taverna experience and to Olive Lounge – where it’s recommended to book ahead – for Greek dining that’s a little more upscale and contemporary.

For waterfront dining: Lamda Casual Dining, Vasiliki, Lefkada

We ate at a few places on the waterfront in Vasiliki but none matched the Greek cuisine we enjoyed at Lamda Casual Dining. The lentils served with smoked eel, cauliflower purée, and aromatic oil are a very enjoyable dish, as is the seafood orzo, glistening with shrimp and squid and cooked in a tomato and basil reduction. And all this at a table right by the water’s edge.

Read our full review here.

For something different: Lord Falcon, Fiskardo, Kefalonia

If you fancy a change from Greek cuisine, then there’s an excellent Thai restaurant tucked away in one of Fiskardo’s back streets. The starter combo is a great way to enjoy a selection of appetisers, and the chicken Panaeng curry or the grilled sea bass fillet served with a spicy Som Tam salad are both excellent choices from the mains, full of authentic flavours.

For where the locals go: Tzivras, Argostoli, Kefalonia

We stumbled upon Tzivras by chance as we wandered the streets of Argostoli and were so glad we did. They have a no nonsense approach to Greek food – no frills, just solid dishes with some gutsy flavours. My favourite was the giant beans. This isn’t upscale dining but there’s a good reason why the locals frequent this little taverna…

For the warmest of welcomes: Patio Dining, Vasiliki, Lefkada

For the warmest of welcomes and a lively Greek dining experience just one street back from Vasiliki’s harbour front, head to Patio Dining. You won’t be beckoned in by waiters here – they just let the food do the talking. Choose from a range of wholesome Greek dishes and be sure to try the prawn saganaki – it’s rich, spicy and utterly delicious.

Read our full review here.

For fresh fish and seafood: Sea Salt, Svoronata, Kefalonia

Last but by no means least – and the perfect place to call at either the beginning or end of your holiday in Kefalonia (or ideally both!) – is Sea Salt. Enjoying the most heavenly setting overlooking Ai Helis beach, you could be forgiven for not realising that the international airport is less than 10 minutes away. If the setting doesn’t blow you away, then the seafood will… try the scallops or octopus to start and, if it’s on the specials, the grilled bluefin tuna belly is to die for.

Read our full review here.

Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by AEGEAN Airlines.

Outfit Details:
Missoni Swimsuit, Alemais Pants (more sizes here, dress version on sale), Chanel, Rebecca de Ravenel & JiaJia Necklaces (old, similar here, here & here), Valentino Hat, Similar Tote Here, Christopher Esber Sandals

Greece has a way of reordering your senses with colors appearing in a whole new way. Cobalt isn’t just blue, it’s depth and salt and shadow all at once. And cream isn’t neutral, it’s bone, plaster, the underside of a fig leaf in full sun. Together they’re the palette I keep slipping into, unconsciously echoing the rhythm of the islands. Aegean chromatics aren’t a trend. They’re a mood, a memory, a way of seeing. And right now they’re everything I want to wear. Our first full day in Greece started with a 7 hour boat day in Paros. The water is a striking color, cold but refreshing with the summer heat. We sailed around, stopping near a wind-less alcove for lunch, jumping into the water to cool off afterwards. With everyone jet-lagged, the rocking of the boat slowly tucked us all into a quiet afternoon nap before arriving back to land.

July began with the final stretch of our time in Greece — slow days in Spetses followed by our last few nights at Amanzoe. This trip has been such a gift, filled with so many quiet moments I’ll carry with me for a long time. After weeks of being away, we’re heading into a month that feels full — full of motion, transitions, and the beginnings of a few exciting new projects.

What We’re Doing

• Finishing our last week in Greece at Amanzoe, wrapping up over three weeks away.
• Returning home briefly before heading to Harbour Island with the girls — their first time visiting. We’ll be staying at Bahama House, where Thomas and I have stayed twice before.
• Spending just one week at home between trips, which means a lot of unpacking, laundry, and repacking.
• Preparing for another trip in early August — this time to the West Coast for a family getaway.
• Starting several exciting new partnerships this month — early development on a few product collaborations set to launch next year. I’m so excited to begin and even more excited to share what’s coming.

What I’m Wearing

What I’m Buying

What I’m Eyeing