Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa

Apollonion Resort & Spa is a beautiful, quiet, and relaxing spot that leisure travelers generally rave about for its quality amenities and services. Rectangular, off-white buildings with terra-cotta roofs are typical of the area, while verdant grounds, cobblestone paths, and stone walls add beauty and charm. Outdoor spaces drip with greenery and flowers, and many pathways are shaded under beautiful vine-drenched pergolas. Interior spaces vary in style, though generally the design has a neutral- or earth-toned color scheme, with some funky artwork and sculptures to add interest. The overall look is simple, however, and doesn't live up to the advertised five-star rating. Kid-friendly features and quiet areas draw families and couples alike, though the atmosphere is generally tranquil. 

This hotel is in western Cephalonia, near beaches along the southern tip of a peninsula. It is in a quiet spot, next to a rental agency and a hotel, but there's little else in the immediate surrounds. It is a five-minute walk down the road to Xi Beach, a beautiful spot famous for its red sands. The beach has sunbeds for rent and there are several restaurants and bars in the area, all within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. It is an 11-minute drive to the nearby town of Lixouri, where there are many restaurants and shops, plus a ferry to Greece’s mainland. The island’s capital city of Argostolion is roughly an hour drive from the hotel. A bus stops at the front of the hotel, and Cephalonia International Airport is a 65-minute drive away. 

Standard rooms are modestly done with tile floors, simplistic wood furniture, and an underwhelming beige palette. Wavy brown-and-blue bedspreads and paintings over the beds provide the only color. Rooms are spacious and clean, outfitted with king-size or two twin beds, and extra twins or pullout sofas for additional guests. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, many with beautiful sea views. Also standard are 32-inch flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and safes. Upgrades include options for separate bedrooms -- some in a second-story loft -- a second bathroom, whirlpool, and/or semi-private pool. Functional bathrooms have shower/tub combos, while those in higher-category units have deep tubs and separate showers. Hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided, as are a full range of free Skin Essentials toiletries.

There are enough quality amenities here that guests can have a lovely vacation without ever leaving the property, though most will at least head out to the nearby beach. The two restaurants on-site serve delicious Greek and Mediterranean food. Breakfast and dinner buffets are excellent, offering plenty of variety -- the made-to-order omelet bar at breakfast is a particular hit. A pool bar also serves snacks during the day. The pool itself is large, surrounded by ample comfortable sunbeds under linen umbrellas. A big wading pool on the patio is available for kids and more shaded seating is at the pool bar. 

A pleasant spa houses rooms for various massages and treatments, a large whirlpool, sauna, and hammam. Also here are a beauty and hair salon and a small fitness center with a decent range of equipment. A shaded outdoor playground, roomy indoor play space, game room, and coin-operated computers provide fun for children of all ages. No kids' club or supervised entertainment is available though. Tennis courts, an art gallery, and an outdoor movie theater are nice extras. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.