Agrilia Hotel

Separated into several cream-colored buildings with terra-cotta tile roofs, the hotel has a warm and serene vibe. The lobby is decorated in creamy tones with orange chairs and wall art; a front desk sits near a table with tour and travel information, the restaurant’s daily menus, and shuttle bus schedule to the beach and airport. Several cozy seating areas are spread throughout the room, and books are available for guests to borrow. Wide doors lead out to the restaurant and wooden patio area, which has chic wooden lounge chairs with white cushions and umbrellas surrounding the pool. Winding paths direct the way to guest rooms. Guests -- mainly couples -- unwind in hammocks strung between trees, stroll through the olive grove and lush garden, or sip cocktails beneath the turquoise canopy of the poolside bar.

The hotel is tucked onto a sleepy road between olive groves and gardens in the small village of Agrilia, the oldest settlement on the island of Zakynthos. The area is quiet and beautiful, with rolling hills and turquoise water, and far enough from the nearby towns to offer a real sense of peace and tranquility. Guests who want to explore a bit more can venture to nearby Laganas (five-minute drive) and the center of Zakynthos (15-minute drive) for more dining and entertainment options. The hotel offers a free shuttle (about a six minutes' drive) to the Laganas beach, and both taxis and buses are available for guests who want to avoid the 30-minute walk.

The 32 rooms are spacious and have modern wood furnishings, and an elegant color palette of cream and taupe. All include free Wi-Fi, as well as mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, tube TVs, coffeemakers, and private balconies overlooking the garden or pool area. Standard Rooms have a good amount of space, while the larger Superior Rooms work well for multiple couples or families. Suites have a separate sitting area, and space for four to sleep comfortably. Rooms facing the garden or on upper levels offer the most quiet and privacy. Bathrooms are modern and basic, in brown and cream tile, with stall showers.

As a smaller boutique property, this hotel doesn’t have quite as many amenities as some of the larger hotels in Laganas. However, the features that it does offer are beautiful and thoughtful, designed with couples in mind. There is a large lap-style pool and adjacent whirlpool. Restaurant seating spills onto the poolside wood patio, allowing guests to dine by the water -- or enjoy the Greek cuisine indoors if they prefer. A poolside bar serves a limited menu along with cocktails. There is a private outdoor dining table on the lawn, as well. All rooms and public areas offer free Wi-Fi, and free parking is right on the property. The on-site shop, Agrilia Harvest, sells locally made, natural items such as soaps, jams, and oils.