Klelia Beach Hotel

The Klelia Beach Hotel has a grand Grecian front with red roof tiles and large arches that open into the surprisingly modern lobby. The decor is cool and serene, there are gray sofas scattered with dusty rose-colored cushions and checkered floor-tiles leading out through to the leafy grounds. Outside, paths lined with blossom-filled trees run through well-kept lawns. It's a pretty place, with ample space and views that stretch from mountains to sea. The vibe is relaxed, a far cry from the more hectic hotels at the other end of the bay. Guests are mainly couples and families and they mix well together, chatting around the pool and in the restaurant. 

The Klelia Beach Hotel is located in Kalamaki -- at the quieter, more scenic end of Laganas Bay on the south coast of Zakynthos. There are shops and restaurants a few minutes away on foot. It's around a 15-minute walk to the center of Kalamaki, where there are more restaurants and tavernas plus a water park for children. Alternatively, buses stop outside the hotel and reach the center in around five minutes. The beach is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel. It's a protected area due to the turtles, so there are no motorized water sports available but guests can take a paddle bout out and try to spot marine life. Zakynthos Airport is less than a 10-minute drive away, and the island's main town Zakynthos -- or Zante -- is just a few minutes further north. It's about an hour's drive to popular Shipwreck Bay on the North-Western coast, and 50 minutes to Kampi -- the island's top spot to watch the sun go down. 

Rooms at the Klelia Beach Hotel have a fresh, bright, decor and come in a range of configurations to suit all budgets from entry-level Economy Lower Floor Rooms to Sea View Suites. Lower Floor rooms are below ground level, with low level terraces. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and fridges. Family Rooms have a double and single bed; baby cots are available for an extra charge. Bathrooms are tiled white and feature shower/tub combos and hairdryers. Sea View Suites have private outdoor jetted tubs. All units feature a furnished balcony or terrace, and many offer lovely views of the mountains or sea. 

The Klelia Beach Hotel's features are focused on the outdoors. The hotel has a pretty outdoor area, with lawns and sun loungers surrounding the pool and whirlpool. There's a separate children's pool and a playground, air hockey table, and even a mini farm with horses for petting. The fitness room has a dated bench press and free weights, and there's a range of massage and beauty therapies on offer. It's an all-inclusive resort which includes three meals a day, plus snacks and drinks from the poolside restaurant. Menus include both local and western dishes -- previous British guests rave about the Sunday roast. Packed lunches are available for those heading out for the day and the all-inclusive package can also be used in sister hotels across the island. The hotel has a program of low key entertainment, such as bingo and karaoke nights. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal can be spotty.