Olea All Suite Hotel

5 star oasis in Zakynthos .

Another star choice for the collection, Olea All Suite Hotel is a veritable oasis in the middle of Zakynthos. We visited the first week of July and left 100% satisfied.

Read on for our impressions ⇩

The Hotel

An awarded 5-star resort, possibly the most premium accommodation option available in the island of Zakynthos. Its style is self-defined as tropical modernism and the description fits like a glove. Minimalist lines blend with natural elements, resulting in a calming opulence that simultaneously seduces and relaxes. To us it felt like being in Indonesia.

Apart from the suites the complex houses restaurants, bars, a 300 sq.m. spa, a gym, shop, as well as an assortment of pools. Mini carts operate across the premises to transport people from one point to the next. Given the size of the estate, this (free) service is much appreciated; that said, walking around the grounds is a positively enjoyable experience.

The Room

Olea features 93 suites but you wouldn't know because they are unintrusively distributed across its ample grounds. We were offered a double upgrade (thank you wonderful people) and ended up in an amazing front row, upper level room, overlooking the entire complex and the sea ahead. Comfortable and plush, it sported a well-insulated bathroom and a sexy little veranda with front row seats to the spectacle. Big bottle of water & bedtime chocolate come complimentary on a daily basis.

The Pool

The hotel is practically a giant swimming pool! A labyrinth of pools, of various shapes and sizes, runs across its central grounds. Premium spots include the isolated island, accommodating 2 sunbeds - for "exhibitionistic privacy" (be seen from everywhere) and heavy tanning - and the wall of shaded beds at the far end of the pool, to cool down and inspect the surroundings.

The feeling of the pool area is downright exotic and despite being entirely artificial it is irresistibly inviting. We made sure to savour it at every opportunity - much as we love the real thing, this was too good to ignore. Special mention to the communal restrooms: one could mistake them for private ones, they are tended practically non-stop.

Location

The resort is located at the Tsilivi area of Zakynthos, a 10 minute walk from the village and a 10 minute drive from the port & island's capital. Rising across a hill, amidst olive trees and abundant nature, it seems like a fortress of elegance in the middle of otherwise non-descript surroundings - so good-looking it almost seems out of place.

Eating & Drinking

When it comes to food & beverage Olea offers an array of options. Breakfast is served at the impressive Omikron restaurant, next to the hotel's reception. A sumptuous buffet of sweet & savoury bites is complimented by an à la carte menu accessible via QR code at the tables or from the hotel's app. The restaurant also serves dinner.

Flow dine and wine is Olea's fine dining option, serving creative mediterranean cuisine. Reservations are in order here. Last, but definitely not least, Cocoon restobar serving lunch and dinner (also snacks, drinks and the full works throughout the day) and Pacifico by Nikkei, serving Peruvian high gastronomy (reservation required), both housed at the pool's main station, surrounded by water.

Afternoon cocktails by (and inside) the pool became our essential daily ritual. In general, we avoided extra muros bars and opted to always enjoy drinks at the hotel; The O Bar, the F Bar and -our all-time favourite- Cocoon cater for all needs, offering a selection of quality spirits.

Service

Olea is manned by a small army of professionals, ensuring desires are promptly met. Service is attentive and competent, everyone being alert to cater to the guests' needs. During breakfast attention is borderline too much, with offers for refills and crockery removal constantly disrupting the flow. Overall though we are very happy with the attention we got and the agreeable way it was delivered.

The Crowd

I believe I did spot one (1) family during our stay, also a group of 3 (same sex) friends. Other than that it was just well-off couples, from around the world, covering the entire age spectrum. The hotel's atmosphere is erotically charged to one inch of being a love nest. My recommendation? Leave the kids at home.

Is it instagramable?

Just look at the photo below and tell me! There is an abundance of spots to capture alone or use as a backdrop for killer selfies.

My Top 3

Sand at the floor of the Cocoon bar restaurant
The hotel's downloadable app, accessible via a personal guest code
The free express-massage by the pool, courtesy of the spa, 2x daily (divine)