“A polished five-star traditional Zakynthian village-style retreat on the island’s quieter eastern coast, where traditional Ionian architecture, sea-view pool suites and an atmospheric platia – with tavernas and cafés – create a far more authentic feel than the usual fly-and-flop resort.”

Hotel review

Set in Akrotiri, just outside Zakynthos Town on the island’s quieter eastern coast, Lesante Cape is a member of Leading Hotels of the World that cleverly recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Greek village. Built around a central platia complete with kafenio, small supermarket, folklore museum and taverna hosting lively Greek nights, it feels worlds away from the standard all-inclusive resort.

The Lesante Collection, owned by the Vithoulkas family with many decades of experience of hospitality behind them, and opened in 2022, the resort draws inspiration from Zakynthian architecture with stone arches, earthy tones and wooden pergolas throughout. Nature was carefully considered during construction too, with many existing olive trees replanted rather than removed, then brought back to the property. 

Accommodation ranges across 85 suites and 10 villas, with two additional interconnecting villas planned for summer 2026, creating a sprawling six-bedroom option suited to celebrations and multigenerational stays. The standout is the Cape Three Bedroom Sea Front Pool Villa, with a vast 130sqm outdoor space comprising infinity pool, lawn and sun loungers overlooking the Ionian Sea.  The living roofs on top of the suites have many species of plants, encouraging bee pollination, a further nod to sustainability.

I stayed in a Signature Sea View Pool Suite which slept three and came with both a bath and walk-in shower, plus a private furnished terrace with a charming 20sqm pool. I particularly loved the illuminated walkways over water at night, which made the resort feel wonderfully airy and spacious, the serene spa with its heated indoor-outdoor pool, and the authentic village atmosphere that gave the property genuine character.

Dining is strong throughout. Novita, the relaxed lunch and dinner restaurant, specialises in seafood; the grilled sea bass with wild greens and freshly mashed potato was a standout.

Recommended for

  • Sights nearby

    • Explore Zakynthos Town, just minutes away, with its Venetian-influenced squares, seafront promenade and Byzantine Museum
  • Local exploring

    • Dive into local lore in a traditional Greek village setting, complete with its own folklore museum and taverna
  • Eco break

    • Embrace sustainability in this eco-haven, where over 400 native olive trees were lovingly replanted
  • Snorkelling

    • Snorkel in crystalline waters, uncovering a kaleidoscope of marine life at your fingertips
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • The accommodations boast private terraces, some with pool, and villas with their own outdoor gardens and pool
  • Spa

    • Embrace serenity in the hammam, where the warmth envelops you in a cocoon of tranquility
  • Other Activities

    • Embrace serenity in a hammam, where the warmth envelops you in a cocoon of tranquility
  • Cycling

    • Cycle through olive groves, the wind carrying whispers of the island's soulful past
  • Hammam

  • Gourmet

  • Eco

  • Family Suites

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Private Pool

  • Air conditioning

  • Restaurant

  • Boutique

  • Chic

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • On an island

  • Views

  • Wellbeing

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Romantic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    85 rooms in this hotel
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    The accommodations boast private terraces, some with pool, and villas with their own outdoor gardens and pool
  • Spa

    Embrace serenity in the hammam, where the warmth envelops you in a cocoon of tranquility
  • Swimming Pool

    Outdoor pool, heated indoor at the spa and some suites with own small pool
  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Hammam

  • Outdoor dining

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Air conditioning

  • Private Pool

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Babysitting

  • Restaurant

  • Garden

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Suites

  • Games room

  • Private villas

  • Concierge

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Explore Zakynthos Town, just minutes away, with its Venetian-influenced squares, seafront promenade and Byzantine Museum
  • Snorkelling

    • Snorkel in crystalline waters, uncovering a kaleidoscope of marine life at your fingertips
  • Other Activities

    • Embrace serenity in a hammam, where the warmth envelops you in a cocoon of tranquility
  • Cycling

    • Cycle through olive groves, the wind carrying whispers of the island's soulful past

Map & Location

Other reviews

Lesante Cape

This elegant spa resort, with its clipped lawns, gourmet restaurant and strikingly lovely infinity pools perched on the edge of Zakynthos’ remote Akrotiri peninsula, is a haven of peace. Superb sunset views to Kefalonia opposite, a secluded pebble beach and separate adult and children’s pools are icing on the cake

Originally published by The Telegraph

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