With the Paris Olympics round the corner, the luxury resort of Porto Zante Villas & Spa on Zakynthos Island is inviting guests to a unique experience exploring the western coast of the Peloponnese and visiting Ancient Olympia on their own private yacht.
With much better beaches – and access to them – than Mykonos and, if you ask me, much more beautiful, the island of Zakynthos is a favourite among discerning travellers. It is actually the third largest island in Greece and it is located in the Ionian Sea. It is also much greener and less busy than its Aegean Sea counterparts. This is an island where you can still find a little beach and nobody but you will be there.
Porto Zante, in the area of Tragaki, is only 20 minutes from the airport, 10 from Zakynthos town and just round the corner from the nearest village. Despite its easy access, Porto Zante is the perfect hideaway as it is tucked away in a secluded bay, with its own white-sand beach. It is from here that your privately chartered yacht will pick you up and take you to Ancient Olympia, to visit the temples of Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of the Greek gods.
Private beach at Porto Zante Villas & Spa, on Zakynthos Island, off the west coast of the Peloponnese.
Like in many other cultures, fire held a lot of symbolism in Ancient Greece. When Zeus was honoured at the Olympic Games every four years, additional fires were lit at his temple and that of his queen, Hera. It is in front of the ruins of Hera’s temple that the modern Olympic flame is set alight every two years. In a week, on 26th July, it will arrive to Paris.
To the east of Zeus’s temple, we find the ancient Olympia stadium, dating back to 776 BC, where many of the sporting events at the Ancient Olympic Games took place. Unfortunately, Roman emperor Theodosius I (Christian), abolished all pagan festivals – including the Olympic games – in 393AD. Ancient Olympia is so significant to the culture and heritage of humanity that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site back in 1989.
Reconstruction drawing of Zeus’s temple from the 19th century and what is left of it today (photo © George E. Koronaios).
After soaking on ancient culture, I recommend you take some time to explore Navagio Beach, completely off the beaten path, and just 20 minutes away by boat from Porto Zante. The pristine Dafni beach, in the tiny island of Marothonisi, part of Zakinthos Marine Park, is also nearby, but it was recently named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by Condé Nast Traveller, so I doubt it will keep being so for much longer. On Marothonisi you may also be lucky enough to see the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles.
Back at Porto Zante, you’ll feel like a god/goddess yourself. The boutique luxury hotel comprises just nine villas, all of them on the beach and all of them with their own private pool. The opulent interiors are adorned with pieces from Armani Casa and with Gervasoni furniture, paintings by renowned Greek artists, and the finest exclusive amenities. The waterfront spa offers a wide variety of holistic treatments that combine natural products with special massage techniques.
Each of the nine villas at Porto Zante Villas & Spa are located on the beachfront and are secluded from each other, offering total privacy.
Although there are plenty of local options for dining in the towns nearby, should you prefer to stay at the resort, the Club House restaurant serves exquisite Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and there is also a luxury Asian fusion restaurant, Maya, with a to-die for menu populated with fresh sushi, sashimi and Thai options.
Maya offers a world-class Japanese experience overlooking the magical Ionian Sea. The Club House specialises in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, in a relaxed beachfront setting.
So if you are one of those discerning and experienced travellers recently disappointed by the hordes invading the Aegean islands, turn your head west and consider Zakynthos and Porto Zante. You won’t be disappointed.
Rates start at £2,000 per night for a one-bedroom villa accommodating two to four guests. For more information, visit www.portozante.com.
Author: Julia Pasarón
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