Emelisse Art Hotel

Luxury on a sublime stretch of coast with exquisite sea views and rooms that spoil you rotten

This place has the lot: exquisite views over turquoise seas, unyielding luxury in super-cool rooms, smartly-cushioned loungers flanking the pool, and a path down to a smooth belt of rock where you can swim into a cave. It is the rarest of places, one that fulfils every detail of the dream. You are alone on a tiny peninsular with views across to the islands of Lefkada and Ithaca.

The hotel is made up of colour-washed houses, with soft yellow walls, tiled roofs, manicured rose gardens and watery views. Some have private swimming pools, all rooms have terraces or balconies that look the right way. Wander around and you find sofas on terraces that look out to sea, an enormous infinity pool down by the bar-restaurant, and two breakfast terraces up at the main house (one for the sun, one for the shade). At night, hundreds of candle lanterns illuminate the paths, while flames from a bonfire leap into the air. Food is irresistible and threatens waistlines, so make sure you do your lengths in the morning.

Highs

• The setting: enormous views over the Ionian Sea
• The infinity pool flanked by smart loungers and parasols
• Simply sumptuous bedrooms that indulge you ad infinitum
• Despite the Corelli factor, Kefalonia is a gorgeous island with breathtaking coastline and little mass development

Lows

• Luxury comes with a price tag, but you get the lot
• The buildings look a bit suburban, but they ooze style inside
• You’ll want a hire car, but hardly use it
• It's a largish resort by our (and the island's) standards, but still feels intimate