Naomi Chadderton checks into this plush adults-only hideaway a world away from the hustle and bustle of one of Greece’s most popular islands.
When you think of the Greek island of Zante, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me – I won’t lie – it takes me back to the heyday of my early 20s when I spent a week with friends soaking up the sun and drinking questionable cocktails in even more questionable bars.
Little did I know that beyond its lively main drags lie pockets of the most mesmerising calm, complete with unspoilt beaches, traditional tavernas, azure waters and sleepy fishing villages where the strongest thing you’ll drink is a homemade lemonade.
It was only on a return trip this summer that I discovered this softer, more soulful side of Zante – one that made me fall in love with the island all over again, yet for completely different reasons.
Hotel
King Jason Zante is a luxury adults only retreat positioned above the quiet bay of Tsilivi
Opened in 2024 as part of the Louis Hotels Exclusive Collection, I spent a dreamy four days at King Jason Zante.
A welcome new addition to the island’s luxury offering, this serene, adults-only escape couldn’t feel further from the island’s more raucous reputation – positioned above the quiet bay of Tsilivi, it’s built entirely around the idea of slow living, with lazy days by the pool, long lunches and a sunset soundtrack of cicadas and clinking glasses all par for the course.
And the pools. So many pools. In fact, nearly half the property is covered in shimmering water, and with over 10,000 square metres of it, there’s zero risk of the dreaded sunbed dash (though I did still spot a few early risers laying down towels just in case).
The whole place exudes a laidback, almost Maldivian calm.
Design-wise, think Ibiza meets the Cyclades, with whitewashed walls, natural textures and earthy tones that reflect the island’s own natural beauty. It’s effortlessly stylish, but never tries too hard.
Room
Luxury accommodations range from sleek superiors to expansive island suites
Home to just 87 suites, accommodations range from sleek superiors to expansive island suites, which come complete with private pools and generous terraces. I stayed in a deluxe swim-up suite with direct access to one of the quieter pools – ideal for rolling out of bed and straight into the water. It felt surprisingly private, despite being part of a larger complex.
Inside, the suite had all the luxe touches you’d expect: plush bedding, espresso machine, Bluetooth speaker, complimentary minibar (restocked daily, which was a lovely touch) and those Balearic-chic bathrobes you never want to take off.
Food and drink
Dining options include Haroub which serves a menu of Levantine cuisine
Food is a standout here, and far better than your average all-inclusive fare. The main buffet restaurant, Water Garden, serves all three meals and goes big on variety, so guests can expect live cooking stations, a bakery turning out fresh bread daily, and themed dinners that change nightly. There’s even a walk-in cave where you can book tastings of local wine, olive oil and charcuterie.
If you prefer to eat à la carte for lunch, head to Haroub for Greek salads, wood-fired pizzas and a Mediterranean tuna poke bowl or, if you fancy venturing out, Halfway House nearby does excellent fresh fish and cheap local wine.
For dinner, there are two à la carte restaurants to choose from – Pisco, which focuses on Peruvian cuisine, or go back to Haroub, which transforms in the evening into a Levantine feast. The former serves up beautifully executed dishes like seabass ceviche, charred oyster mushrooms and ribeye with chimichurri, while the latter goes big on sharing plates, fire-cooked meats and hands-on extras like pita-making classes and chef’s table experiences.
Booking before you arrive is essential for both – when we were there in early June, some nights were fully booked three days in advance.
As to be expected, the wine list is also impressive, with both local and international bottles from the cellar available to enjoy both during meals and in your room, plus carefully curated cocktails and quality spirits.
Spa and wellness
Purai Spa offers a wide range of treatments from massages to hammam rituals
Wellness is woven throughout the hotel’s DNA, with guests able to partake in morning yoga and Pilates sessions in peaceful corners of the property, while the Purai Spa offers everything from massages to hammam rituals in a space designed for deep exhale.
There’s also a sauna, steam room and hydro-massage pool, plus a 24-hour gym if you’re feeling energetic.
The hotel’s ‘slowness coaches’ lead meditations and tea rituals, and even guide silent leaf-picking walks – a slightly niche offering, but oddly therapeutic.
To do
Shipwreck Beach – probably Zante’s most iconic view – is just a 45-minute drive away
There’s plenty to do if you want to break up the sunbathing.
I joined a relaxed cooking class one morning, and later sampled local wines and tsipouro (local Greek brandy) in a guided tasting session. The hotel also prepares beautifully packed picnic baskets if you fancy heading off to explore the island’s quieter corners.
Tsilivi Beach is a short walk away, with clear water and enough space to spread out, while the town itself is modest but charming, with tavernas like The Olive Tree and Avli serving up comforting, flavour-packed Greek fare. And if you’re hiring a car, Shipwreck Beach – probably Zante’s most iconic view – is just 45 minutes away.
In a nutshell
King Jason Zante offers a grown-up, design-led take on the traditional island escape. With its slow-living ethos, polished service and genuinely good food, it’s a far cry from the Zante I once knew – and all the better for it.
Factbox
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the five-star King Jason Zante on an all-inclusive basis from £1,519 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Gatwick.
Address: Planos 291 00, Greece
Phone: +30 2695 044999
Website: kingjasonzante.com
Hotel images courtesy of King Jason Zante.
