Review: Elix, Mar-Bella Collection

_Location: Set on a pine-forested hill above Karavostasi Beach on the Perdika coast of mainland Greece, Elix, the youngest member of the family-run Mar-Bella Collection, is a 90-minute drive from Preveza airport and the perfect setting for guests who want to surround themselves with nature.

_{First impressions:} From the moment I entered the lofty reception, where echoes of the region’s Ottoman influences are reflected in beautiful textiles and furnishings, I fell for Elix’s grown-up decor and style. Its pared-back, understated design is carried throughout the restaurants, rooms and suites, all of which contrasts natural materials and muted colours with those rich, Ottoman-style touches to create a sense of calm beauty. The 200-step walk down through the gently rustling pine trees (there’s also a funicular) to the wide beach adds to a sense of being away from the crowds.

_{The facts:} Elix comprises 146 rooms and suites with a private furnished balcony or terrace offering expansive views of the Ionian Sea and the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu. Many rooms are swim-ups or have private pools – some long enough to do decent lengths in – and they’re all bright and breezy stunners, thanks to their incredible sea views, decor and amenities you can’t fault.

On the food front, four options offer two casual and two à la carte venues, including Pearl, which serves Greek food designed by renowned chef Gikas Xenakis, while guests on the new Premium All-Inclusive package get a dine-out option too. A small spa, tennis courts, large infinity pool, kids’ club and sand-and-shingle beach complete an appealing offering.

_{Ideal for:} Nature-loving families. Although the hotel exudes an adult-only air, 35% of rooms are designed for families, with some that can accommodate up to six guests.

_Explore: Elix’s secluded setting lends itself to hiking and biking, and the hotel provides trail maps of routes in the area – some leading to gorgeous secluded coves inaccessible by car. Guests on its Signature Life programme get two bikes per suite per stay for a two-hour biking tour. Fourteen miles south of the hotel is the lovely town of Parga, where a clamber up to the old fortress offers fabulous views, and a catamaran trip with snorkelling is the perfect way to spend the day.

_Wow: Room 433 and its private infinity pool come in at a whopping 80sq m. However, all the pool rooms have wow factor, from the Deluxe Doubles whose swim-up pools span the length of six rooms to the two-storey maisonette Suite Sea View with private pool, which sleeps four.

_{Book it:} Rooms start from €173 per room per night, half board.
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