“Child-free” sounds a rather harsh piece of Victoriana while adult-only smacks of something rather saucy. Yet although The Lesante Blu is neither of these things it also happens to be both.
Since opening for business last summer, this adult-only/child-free five star hotel has become a magnet for those who want sleek, modern accommodation (marble, marble, glass rooves and more marble) as well as glorious views, delicious food and an infinity pool which seems to spill into the dazzling Ionian sea.
Infinity pool (c) Lesante Blu
Fronting a picture perfect beach in the small resort of Tragaki (i.e. very little to do there), this sophisticated piece of modern artistry is only 14 km from Zakynthos International Airport. And yet a world – world – away from the party animals and package tour families drawn to the island for some noisy fun.
Who for
Lobby (c) Lesante Blu
As the child-free/adult-only tag suggests, this is the place to go if you don’t want your holiday compromised (gentle speak for ‘ruined’) by howling babies, rampaging toddlers, and excitable teeny boppers. Having holidayed with children (both my own and other people’s) my husband Martin and I have spent years dealing with lobster red kids with no discernible volume switch. And since circumstances meant we had to take our holiday peak season, this was a chance to try somewhere that could make all that noise goes away. If only for a while.
Accommodation
Although catering for a niche market, the Lesante Blu is by no means some chi chi boutique hotel. Rather it is capacious for this kind of accommodation with 93 rooms.
Accommodation (c) Lesante Blu
We stayed in a superior double room whose spacious interior was exacerbated by the muted décor. There were all the usual add-ons including fluffy bathrobes and an iPod docking station whilst the shower was big enough to host a small family gathering. In terms of upgrades, there are deluxe suites, honeymoon suites and junior suites each with a decked terrace with private pool, as well as extras like a VIP welcome treat, a 42” LCD TV and complimentary access to the gym. Though since this was adult only (child free!) accommodation, a sense of privacy prevails over the entire hotel.
Food and drink
There are plenty of dining options. The Melia restaurant next to the sea offers international fine dining dishes. With tiled canals threading around the restaurant and the blissful vista of the Ionian sea, this was the place to eat if you wanted the truly romantic experience.
The restaurant and the blissful vista of the Ionian sea (c) Lesante Blu
Frankly, we didn’t since it also meant being rather restricted by specific choices. Instead we elected to eat each evening in the Gaia main restaurant which seemed to offer the fabled “something for everyone”, in the form of a broad and eclectic buffet.
Buffet (c) Lesante Blu
In one corner a chef was rustling up homemade pasta with on-the-spot bespoke sauces. Yet the buffet itself ran the gamut from traditional Greek (lamb, lamb and more lamb) to herby fish, exotic rice and beetroot based salad.
Facilities
Sitting in squashy loungers by the L-shaped pool (complete with a whirlpool bath) was restful enough. But for that extra level of languorous relaxation it’s worth checking out the Essence Wellness & Spa.
Essence Wellness & Spa (c) Lesante Blu
For those not put off by the soaring summer temperatures, theres a wide range of activities including a fully equipped gym and a tennis court.
What’s nearby
In Tragaki, there really is nothing to do other than stroll to one of the local Tavernas. But if you want lively bars, restaurants and – yes – karaoke, the village of Tsilivi is only ten minutes away.
The tick box attractions for day trippers has to include a visit to so-called Shipwreck Beach: a once secluded cove, crowned by the wreck of a rusting boat and reached only by sea. Combine a visit to the beach with a boat trip to the nearby Blue Water caves, stunning geological formations which take their names from the distinctive turquoise of the sea.
READ ALSO: Top 5 beaches of the Greek Islands
In peak season, however, be warned these top tourist stops are incredibly crowded. (Though it does make returning to the peace of an adult-only hotel all the sweeter.)
Personally, I was keen to feel the true Greekness of this lush island. A yearning which was satisfied by a visit to the delightful Therianos organic farm in the centre of Zakynthos, which cultivates and creates gorgeous local products such as raisins, olive oil and honey.
Is Wi-Fi available
Yes
How much
Starting price is 175 Euros per night for a double room with sea view.