Located within walking distance of the charming port village of Agios Nikolaos, looking out over the iridescent blue of the Ionian sea, stunning Villa Cassiopeia is a luxurious choice for a multi-generation party or a celebration holiday. Generously sized for up to eight guests and very well equipped, Cassiopeia has everything we demand from a Signature villa for a truly exceptional stay.

Cassiopeia sits on a hillside dotted with olive trees and faces straight out to sea, where you can watch the quiet progress of fishing boats, leisure craft and distant ships gliding across the calm blue bay. The outside of the villa is a glorious riot of Mediterranean colour, with dazzling bougainvillea popping against the serene white walls, plus coloured pool lights and a hot tub giving a discreet party atmosphere if you’re in the mood to celebrate. Whole days can drift away here, lounging in the sun or the shade and knowing that local shops, bars and restaurants are just an easy walk away when you feel like a change of scene. Inside, the villa is a more neutral affair; the design is exceptional, with lots of wood making a pleasing contrast to the more typical tiled floors. Natural materials offset by original artworks elevate the interiors another notch or two, making Cassiopeia feel like a really privileged place to stay.

The sought-after north east coast of Zakynthos is a favourite with Simpson Travel guests, rockier, quieter and more dramatic than the south, scalloped by cobalt-blue coves and golden sandy beaches. Nearby Agios Nikolaos has evolved to meet the demands of more discerning visitors in recent years, so you’ll find a couple of new, upmarket restaurants, cocktail bars and a beach clothing boutique in addition to usual tavernas and café-bars. All of this adds up to a perfect destination for a family with teenagers, as they can stroll the 15 to 20 minutes into the port under their own steam. And if even that feels too far on a hot summer night, there’s a popular and rather elegant restaurant with sea and mountain views just a two-minute walk from the villa.

In addition to plenty of dining choices, Agios Nikolaos has its own pretty little beach (not to be confused with the much busier beach in the south with the same name), and from here you can hire a boat for the day or join an excursion to see more of the caves and hidden coves of this magnificent northern coastline.