Porto Zante Villas and Spa is an ultra luxe resort with nine beachfront villas on the Greek Island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea. We just returned from a visit and it was fabulous.
Getting to Porto Zante Villas and Spa
Zakynthos Island is located just west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian Sea. For the most part, Zakynthos is a seasonal island (a la Greece's answer to Nantucket) with regular flight service from Athens and other major cities. We flew nonstop from JFK to London's Gatwick, and then flew nonstop from Gatwick to Zakynthos.
Many Porto Zante clients fly privately into Zakynthos. From the airport to the resort is a leisurely 20-minute drive.
If you are exploring mainland Greece, there is ferry service to/from Zakynthos and travel time is about 90 minutes.
Set on a windy local road elevated over the turquoise sea, Porto Zante's discretion and exclusivity begins with its entrance. No sign from the road, you pull to a double gated entrance (double-gated to preserve the privacy of their many high profile guests from paparazzi). Your driver announces your arrival, the first gate opens, your arrival is noted, the second gate opens, and you enter into this hideaway gem.
Porto Zante's Comforts
Set on a private beach, with a spa, multiple restaurants, a gym, and kids' club, it is amazing to see this level of amenities for nine villas.
No expense has been spared at Porto Zante Villas and Spa. The perfect client is one who is seeking complete privacy and an opportunity to slow life's business pace. Porto Zante's nine uber luxe villas range from 1-4 bedrooms and start at 850 square feet up to 4,500 square feet for the four bedroom Imperial Spa Villa. Each villa has its own full size private pool and impeccably curated outdoor living space. A hammock for a catnap, yellow umbrella protected chaises to sunbathe and stare at the sea, thatched roof pergola to enjoy breakfast and listen to birds chirp. Inside, the villas include large living rooms with couch and dining table, butler pantry, spacious separate bedrooms, full walk-in closets, and multiple full bathrooms.
Bathroom amenities include Bulgari Green Tea shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and soaps, housed in Dionysian marble bath fixtures. Bath linens are top quality Ralph Lauren items, in-room coffee is Nespresso, with espresso cups and items from Raynaud china. If you must be connected to work while on vacation, there is a 27" Apple iMac in the villa with perfect wifi connectivity.
Tip: Our favorite villa is the two bedroom Royal Infinity Villa. Hanging over the Ionian Sea, this villa was inspired from the overwater bungalows in the Maldives. In addition to enormous indoor and outdoor space, the Royal Infinity Villa has private stairs leading you directly from your pool area down to the private beach. A very special benefit!
About Porto Zante's Beach
Wow! With calm, crystal clear water, the beach mimics the swimming pools in the villas above. Turquoise water to rival Maldives and Anguilla, from the beach you have direct views to Kefalonia Island in the distance. Guests enjoy time on and in the water with kayaks, snorkel gear, and stand up paddle boards.
Porto Zante Villas & Spa's Additional Highlights
In 2018 Porto Zante was named Greece's Leading Hotel Spa at World Spa Awards and we understand why! Porto Zante's unique waterfront spa is perched in the cliff directly above the sea. From the spa treatment room you hear the lapping waves below and feel the warm sea breeze off the water. Treatments include local Greek products by APIVITA and a focus on holistic wellness. Treatments can also be scheduled in your private villa if you prefer.
There is a small gym at Porto Zante Villas & Spa, enough to burn some calories and work up a sweat. Cardio machines are by Technogym.
Next door to the gym is Porto Zante Villas & Spa's Kids' Club. With drop in opportunities, kids can play games, have fun with the toys, and fun around in the resort's playground. It is a nice way for kids to enjoy their own fun, and parents to have a little downtime to relax.
Dining at Porto Zante Villas & Spa
Guests have several choices here, with two restaurants and two bars. The gastronomic experience at Porto Zante is off the charts, and we are pretty discriminating foodies! Their Club House Restaurant specializes in Greek and Mediterranean dishes. We enjoyed perfectly picked fresh vegetables, grilled fish caught each day and prepared simply and cleanly with local olive oil, salt & pepper, homemade pasta with locally caught lobster, and other traditional Greek dishes. Every meal was stellar.
Adjacent to Club House Restaurant is Maya, Porto Zante's Asian inspired restaurant. With access to the daily fisherman's catch, the sushi and sashimi is amazing. Consulted by some of the culinary world's top Asian chefs, Maya's fish is prepared from the morning's catch, their grilled Wagyu steaks are perfectly seared, and their tempura is ideally lightly battered.
If you are enjoying your villa too much and do not wish to leave, Porto Zante's amazing team will provide dining in your villa 24/7.
Cocktails to Write Home About
The mixologist at Porto Zante Villas & Spa creates some amazing cocktails. Tip: Try the Avocado Sour for something unique and refreshing. And be sure to enjoy the Greek Mastiha digestif after dining. We loved the Mastiha blended with local honey. We also enjoyed their gin & tonics, crafted from boutique houses and mixed with flavorful tonics. Porto Zante has a lengthy wine list with all the world's top vintages, and we would encourage you to try the Greek white wines, which rival many of the French and Italian vintages.
About Zakynthos...Things to Explore While at Porto Zante Villas & Spa
The concierge at Porto Zante can arrange a private boat charter for a day to explore the island; a must do! Many of Zakynthos' most beautiful beaches are only accessible by boat, like aptly nicknamed Shipwreck Beach. The white cliffs contrasting with the baby blue sea is stunning, and you will enjoy plenty of opportunities to jump off your boat and take a swim. There are sea caves to explore, opportunities to swim with turtles, and local tavernas to stop for lunch.
Fifteen minutes' drive from Porto Zante, is the main town. Here you can visit the St. Dionisios monastery and the museum of Dionisios Solomos, who wrote the Greek National Anthem here in Zakynthos.
What We Loved
Porto Zante Villas & Spa is a very special property. Its complete discretion and privacy welcome the world's elite, from royal families to musicians to actresses to global business tycoons. The staff at Porto Zante is amazing! Their genuine warmth and smiles, their approach to service in an anticipatory way (before you even ask), and their respect for your comfort and privacy is unparalleled. We fell in love with the team here and John Sotirakos, Porto Zante's owner and our host, has created a phenomenal organization.
Same rates, more benefits.
Elli Travel's rates are the same as those on the website. Book your stay at Porto Zante Villas & Spa with your Elli Travel Advisor to receive the following benefits:
Daily Continental breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in your villa
Complimentary 50-minute massage for two people, once per stay
One complimentary lunch or dinner for two people, excluding alcohol, taxes & gratuity
Complimentary VIP Lounge Access in all major European airports
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Contact your Elli Travel advisor, or email vacations@ellitravel.com to secure your travel arrangements.