“An intimate Relais & Châteaux retreat on Kefalonia's rugged south coast, Eliámos pairs contemporary villa living with understated Ionian luxury, panoramic sea views and deeply rooted local experiences. A serene spa, infinity pool, and farm-to-table dining, it's a slice of Greek island perfection”

Hotel review

Perched on a hillside outside the village of Spartia on Kefalonia's quieter south coast, Eliámos is a masterclass in understated luxury. Opened in 2023 by Kefalonian owner Spyros Korsanos and his German wife, interior architect Maike Korsanos, the 11-villa Relais & Châteaux retreat was designed from the inside out. Living roofs, replanted olive and lemon trees, and more than 14,000 native plants allow the low-rise buildings to blend effortlessly into the landscape, with panoramic views encompassing both the Ionian Sea and Mount Ainos.

Accommodation comprises six one-bedroom villas, four two-bedroom villas and a spacious three-bedroom villa, each with its own private saltwater plunge pool and generous outdoor terrace. My sea-view villa combined pale timber, local stone and handcrafted ceramics with thoughtful details including retractable mosquito screens, allowing the doors to remain open to the sounds of nature after dark. Despite the hotel being fully occupied during my stay, the generous spacing between the villas meant it never felt busy.

Dining centres on Olais, where Mediterranean cuisine is given a distinctly Kefalonian identity. Traditional island dishes, including the famous Kefalonian meat pie, sit alongside beautifully prepared seafood; the sea bream with silky avgolemono sauce and the rich moussaka were particular highlights. Complimentary wine tastings, curated island experiences led by knowledgeable local guides and restorative treatments from the resident physiotherapist reinforce the hotel's connection to the island beyond its beautiful setting.

Just a short drive from Spartia, where locals gather beneath the church in the evenings, Eliámos offers a peaceful retreat that remains deeply connected to authentic Kefalonian life.

Rebecca's Hot Tip: Be sure to take part in the wine tasting at the hotel. It's an excellent introduction to Kefalonia's lesser-known wine varieties and local producers before exploring the island's vineyards yourself.

Recommended for

  • Great walks

    • Explore Kefalonia's rugged beauty with a guided hike through wild olive groves and along cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea
  • Spa breaks

    • The serene setting, indulgent treatments, and private wellness suites promise a rejuvenating escape from everyday stress
  • Groups

    • The spacious 3-bedroom villas, complete with private pools and sweeping sea views, offer the perfect island retreat
  • Kayaking

    • Paddle along the coast in a sea kayak, gliding past hidden coves and unspoilt beaches that few visitors ever reach
  • Cooking classes

    • Enjoy a Mediterranean cooking class using local ingredients, learning traditional recipes to take a taste of Kefalonia home
  • Yoga

    • Indulge in a personalised yoga session on a secluded terrace, surrounded by stunning sea views and the gentle breeze
  • Restaurant

    • Enjoy fresh, healthy, and flavoursome food in the restaurant with organic, local and regionally sourced food
  • Snorkelling

    • Take a short boat trip to Myrtos Beach, where you’ll discover crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • The villas have covered verandas and private terraces
  • Pet friendly

    • Pets are welcome. A charge may apply
  • Views

  • Luxury

  • Family Suites

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Private Pool

  • Air conditioning

  • Contemporary

  • Wellbeing

  • On an island

  • Beach nearby

  • Chic

  • Boutique

  • Sea Views

  • Artworks

  • Spa

Facilities

  • Rooms

    12 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Enjoy fresh, healthy, and flavoursome food in the restaurant with organic, local and regionally sourced food
  • Swimming Pool

    There's an infinity pool plus the villas boast saltwater pools with stunning views
  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible)
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    The villas have covered verandas and private terraces
  • Pet friendly

    Pets are welcome. A charge may apply
  • Private villas

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Outdoor dining

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Massage

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Private Pool

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Suites

  • Room service

  • Spa

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Explore Kefalonia's rugged beauty with a guided hike through wild olive groves and along cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea
  • Kayaking

    • Paddle along the coast in a sea kayak, gliding past hidden coves and unspoilt beaches that few visitors ever reach
  • Cooking classes

    • Enjoy a Mediterranean cooking class using local ingredients, learning traditional recipes to take a taste of Kefalonia home
  • Yoga

    • Indulge in a personalised yoga session on a secluded terrace, surrounded by stunning sea views and the gentle breeze
  • Snorkelling

    • Take a short boat trip to Myrtos Beach, where you’ll discover crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Eliamos appeals to travellers seeking a more considered kind of luxury, one that is rooted in authenticity rather than excess. It is a place where guests can disconnect from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with nature, themselves and the spirit of Kefalonia.

The combination of contemporary design, complete privacy, exceptional views, and heartfelt Greek hospitality creates an experience that feels both elevated and deeply personal. Guests often tell us that what stays with them most is not only the beauty of the setting, but the sense of belonging, the feeling that they have discovered a hidden corner of Greece that feels entirely their own.

What is there to do in the area? Kefalonia offers a wonderful balance of natural beauty, authentic island life and meaningful experiences, and Eliamos is ideally positioned for guests to explore it at their own pace.

Guests can discover some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, from the famous white pebbles and turquoise waters of Myrtos Beach to quieter hidden coves accessible by boat. The nearby village of Argostoli, just a short drive away, offers a glimpse into local life, with its waterfront promenade, traditional tavernas, boutiques and the chance to spot sea turtles in the harbour.

For those looking to explore Kefalonia’s culture and heritage, the island’s monasteries, charming villages and Venetian influences provide a fascinating journey through its history. Guests can visit the historic Agios Gerasimos Monastery, explore the underground beauty of Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave, or wander through mountain villages such as Assos and Fiskardo, known for their colourful architecture and relaxed atmosphere.

The island is also a destination for nature and adventure lovers, with opportunities for hiking through olive groves and mountain landscapes, sailing to nearby islands such as Ithaca, kayaking along the coastline, diving in crystal-clear waters, and cycling through scenic routes.

At Eliamos, we encourage guests to experience Kefalonia beyond the traditional highlights, whether through a private sailing journey, a wine tasting celebrating local Robola varieties, a farm-to-table culinary experience, or simply taking the time to enjoy the island’s slower rhythm and breathtaking landscapes.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast at Eliamos is a celebration of the flavours and traditions of Kefalonia, combining wholesome ingredients, local produce and a relaxed Mediterranean approach to the first meal of the day. Guests can enjoy a beautifully prepared breakfast featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, homemade creations and traditional Greek flavours from locally sourced cheeses and yoghurt with honey, to fresh fruit, pastries, artisan breads and regional specialities. Wherever possible, we work with local producers to showcase the richness of the island, including Kefalonian products and ingredients that reflect the character of the destination.

Breakfast can be enjoyed at our restaurant overlooking the surrounding landscape, or in the privacy of each guest’s villa, allowing guests to start their day in the way that feels most personal to them.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Dining at Eliamos is centred around authentic Greek flavours, seasonal ingredients and memorable culinary experiences that celebrate the island’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Guests can enjoy a selection of dining experiences throughout their stay, from relaxed lunches and light bites to beautifully prepared dinners inspired by Kefalonian cuisine. Our approach is rooted in simplicity and quality, showcasing local ingredients, traditional recipes and the flavours of the Mediterranean, while adding a contemporary touch.

Beyond the everyday dining experience, we create special culinary moments for our guests, including private dinners, locally inspired menus, wine experiences featuring Kefalonia’s renowned Robola variety, and our signature Kefalonian Celebration Table, where guests can experience the warmth of a traditional island feast.

For those wishing to explore the local dining scene, Kefalonia offers an excellent selection of authentic tavernas and restaurants. We often recommend guests discover the waterfront tavernas of Argostoli, enjoy fresh seafood by the sea in villages such as Lourdas and Assos, or visit the charming northern harbour of Fiskardo, where traditional Greek cuisine meets a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Some of our favourite recommendations include family-run tavernas serving locally caught fish, handmade pies, slow-cooked meat dishes and regional specialities, places where guests can experience the true hospitality and flavours of Kefalonia. Our team is always happy to tailor recommendations depending on whether guests are looking for a romantic seaside dinner, a traditional village experience or a memorable sunset meal.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? At Eliamos, each villa has been thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of privacy, space and connection with the natural surroundings of Kefalonia. Our most popular accommodation categories are the One Bedroom Villas and the larger Two Bedroom Villas, as they perfectly capture the essence of the Eliamos experience: having your own private retreat, complete with a pool, outdoor living spaces and uninterrupted views of the Ionian landscape.

The One Bedroom Villas are particularly popular among couples and solo travellers seeking a peaceful and intimate escape, offering a beautifully designed sanctuary where guests can slow down and enjoy complete privacy. Our larger villas appeal to families and friends travelling together, providing generous living spaces while maintaining the feeling of a private Mediterranean home.

What guests appreciate most is that every villa feels unique and personal, blending contemporary Greek architecture with natural materials, local craftsmanship and the surrounding landscape. Rather than simply being a place to sleep, the villas become a private space to relax, reconnect and experience the slower rhythm of island life.

Many guests tell us that the combination of privacy, thoughtful design, personal service and the ability to enjoy moments such as breakfast by their private pool or sunset overlooking the Ionian Sea is what makes their stay at Eliamos truly memorable.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Eliamos welcomes guests of all ages and is designed to offer a comfortable and memorable stay for couples, families and friends travelling together.

For families, the spacious villa accommodation provides the perfect balance of togetherness and privacy, with generous living areas, private pools and outdoor spaces where guests of all generations can relax and enjoy quality time together. Our larger villa categories are particularly well suited for families or groups travelling together, offering additional bedrooms and ample space for a more comfortable stay.

We are able to accommodate children and can arrange suitable sleeping arrangements depending on the villa category and family requirements. Our team is always happy to assist in tailoring the experience, whether that includes family-friendly activities, exploring Kefalonia’s natural beauty, enjoying the beach, discovering local culture or creating memorable culinary experiences together.

At Eliamos, we believe luxury should be inclusive, a place where guests of all ages can reconnect with nature, experience authentic Greek hospitality and create meaningful memories together.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? We would love for guests to discover Eliamos as more than just a place to stay, but as a place to reconnect, slow down and experience the true spirit of Kefalonia.

Created as a contemporary Greek village immersed in nature, Eliamos celebrates the harmony between architecture, landscape, wellbeing and genuine Greek hospitality. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to offer guests a sense of tranquillity, from the privacy of their villa and the beauty of the surrounding landscape to the authentic experiences that connect them with the island.

Our hope is that guests leave not only with memories of beautiful views and unforgettable moments, but with a deeper connection to Kefalonia, its flavours, traditions, people and natural beauty. Eliamos is an invitation to experience Greece at a slower pace, with warmth, authenticity and a true sense of belonging.

Other reviews

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa

Fancy without frivolities is how you'd describe Eliamos. Hidden on a fir-blanketed hillside with views of a silent, ultramarine Ionian, this clutch of 12 elegant yet down-to-earth villas is poised to become the island group’s consummate summer retreat. But the biggest surprise is unveiled at its deliriously good in-house restaurant

Originally published by The Telegraph

Eliamos, Kefalonia

An idyllic island retreat designed for travellers looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of daily life

Originally published by Conde Nast

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