Naming your villa after the paradise reserved for heroes of Greek mythology does set rather a high bar in terms of expectations, but magnificent Villa Elysian rises confidently to the challenge. Dazzling in fresh white, its strong geometry is softened by the gnarly old olive trees in the walled garden that encircles the house, creating a contemporary oasis in this otherwise quite traditional corner of Zakynthos. Olive farming remains a vital part of the culture and economy here, and the owner’s family still tends the grove that extends beyond the garden walls. Beyond the olives are the island’s other great natural resources: sandy, gently-shelving beaches and an aquamarine sea, conveniently reachable on foot in five to 15 minutes.

Whilst sand between the toes is a singular sensory delight, it’s nothing compared with the style and glamour of Elysian’s pool and terrace, both finished in the same dark stone for a sleek and seamless look. Ultra-comfy loungers provide another reason to linger, and inside, the elegant understatement continues all the way from the living area to the master bedroom, complete with its own glass-fronted roof terrace. For younger guests, the walled, lawned gardens provide the perfect play space, with a little dappled shade from the olive trees and a small slide and swing set. Pool and garden lighting make these grounds even more seductive as darkness falls, so you could start your evening with drinks on the terrace before strolling to one of several local tavernas. For a wider choice and a more resort-style environment, Elysian is very conveniently located equidistant between Tsilivi to the south and Alykes to the north, each just a 10 to fifteen-minute drive away and both with sandy beaches to enjoy. This mid-island location also means that all the most celebrated sights, from Shipwreck Cove and the Blue Caves to Zakynthos town and the turtle nesting beaches, are between 20 and 50 minutes’ drive away.

Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themselves, ranging from simple seaside charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide.

We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.