The Escape: Greece

Located in the village of Tsilivi (also known as Planos) on the island of Zakynthos, the Olea All Suite Hotel offers a pristine paradise set atop a hill and surrounded by olive trees and greenery. A nice change of pace and location is offered as opposed to the typical tourist destinations of Mykonos and Santorini. Hotel residents can enjoy neighbourhood caves, monasteries, churches, fishing and diving spots as well as a beach to the north.

Designed by Block722architects+, the architecture and design invites one to embrace wellness with the help of the use of natural materials throughout that soothe the senses. Oak, rattan and bamboo feature throughout the resort with earthy tones that allow you to connect with nature. The resort also hosts thatched rooves, oak wood, and bamboo contrast tropical-modernist cube structures with water flowing through it. Statement pieces of lounge furniture are peppered throughout the resort.  The stunning setting doesn't let you do anything but appreciate your surroundings, unwind and relax.

Pools and streams meander throughout the resort and the constant flowing of water puts you in the mindset of going with the flow. The Olea All Suite Hotel is founded by the island's first family in hospitality, with the owner Christos Xenos and his daughter Venia Xenou. Found more than 20 years ago, Christos initially thought the site could be used as a family home but then decided to develop the area into a hotel so more could enjoy it. With her contemporary touch, Venia breathes a new life into an idyllic location.

To further unwind, the Olea spa beckons with a Hammam, a steam bath, a sauna, and a yoga pavilion, with range of deep relaxation treatments including cryotherapy and Ayurveda available. The dedicated concierge team at Olea All Suite Hotel also organizes wine tasting sessions, lessons in Greek cooking, intimate candlelight dinners, sunset boat trips, sailing, horse-riding, fishing excursions, and more.

The hotel hosts three restaurants - Omikron Restaurant, an international buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, Cocoon Restobar that serves sweets & ice-cream, fresh juice, coffees, wines and cocktails, during the day and evening, and Flow Dine & Wine, an a l a carte creative Mediterranean restaurant.

Images courtesy: Design Hotels