Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Suite 5, Elpida Suites, Lefkada
Escape to Paradise: Suite 5 at Elpida Suites – Lefkada: My Honest & Messy Take! (Spoiler Alert: It's Mostly Awesome!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and probably some Greek coffee) on my stay at Suite 5, Elpida Suites in Lefkada. Forget the flowery brochure prose; this is the real deal. And trust me, after a week of sunshine, feta, and trying (and failing) to properly pronounce "Lefkada," I have Opinions.
First Impressions & the "OMG, I'm Finally Here!" Moment:
The drive to Elpida Suites is… well, let's just say my GPS had a mild existential crisis at one point. But the moment you arrive? WHOA. That view. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. It's the kind of view that makes you forget you’re juggling a suitcase, a hat that keeps flying off, and the desperate need for a pee break after the long flight (and the over-caffeination).
Accessibility? (Because, Let's Be Real, It Matters):
Okay, so I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did try to scope out accessibility properly. I did look into Facilities for disabled guests, but let’s be honest, I'm not fully "in the know" in this department. I did see an Elevator, which is a massive win, and the suites seem generally well-laid out, but I highly recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific needs, especially because of the hilly terrain.
Cleanliness & Safety: (Because COVID-19 Sucks, But We Still Wanna Trip!):
Okay, this is where Elpida really shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge!), and I felt incredibly safe. They're doing a fantastic job. Let's break it down:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Double check (I'd like the see a before and after of anyone cleaning my room!).
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, strategically placed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could see the care in their eyes! They treat you well!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly upheld, but people are going to people, right?
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes! Felt secure!
- Rooms sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch for the eco-conscious.
- Safe dining setup: A huge win, I loved the way they set up breakfast!
Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (Suite 5):
The suite itself? Absolute bliss. Let's run through the Available in all rooms features, and then my honest take.
- Air conditioning: Needed, and it worked like a charm.
- Alarm clock: Who uses these anymore? But it was there!
- Bathrobes & Slippers: YES! Essential for lounging.
- Bathroom phone: Okay, maybe I’m too young to care, but cool.
- Bathtub: Luxurious, but I used the shower most days.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for catching up on sleep (or avoiding sunburn).
- Carpeting: Plush, and clean.
- Closet: Plenty of space for all my (over)packing.
- Coffee/tea maker: My daily ritual!
- Complimentary tea: Lovely touch.
- Daily housekeeping: The room practically sparkle from those Daily housekeeping
- Desk: Good for a quick email check, but the terrace was far more appealing.
- Extra long bed: Yes! I'm tall, and this was a godsend!
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Essential. My hair is an unruly beast that needs taming!
- High floor: The view! The view!
- In-room safe box: Secure, but I’m not carrying around a king's ransom anyway.
- Internet access – LAN & Wi-Fi [free]: Worked like a dream. No buffering, thank goodness.
- Ironing facilities: I ironed one shirt. Once. Don't judge.
- Laptop workspace: See Desk comments.
- Linens/Towels: High quality, fresh, and fluffy.
- Mini bar: Tempting, but I mostly stuck to water and wine.
- Mirror: Multiple, and crucial for making sure you look presentable after a day at the pool.
- Non-smoking: Yes! Thank goodness!
- On-demand movies: Didn't touch them. Too busy staring at the view.
- Private bathroom: Absolutely.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Kept my wine perfectly chilled. Priorities.
- Safety/security feature: Peace of mind.
- Satellite/cable channels: Good for the news, but the view was better.
- Scale: (gulp).
- Seating area: Comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Lovely.
- Shower: Great water pressure.
- Slippers: Comfy.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Socket near the bed: Genius!
- Sofa: Great for lounging after a big meal.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, but you can still hear the waves crashing. Which is glorious.
- Telephone: Mostly ignored, but it was there.
- Toiletries: Good quality.
- Towels: See Linens.
- Umbrella: Essential for Greek sun
- Visual alarm: I didn't need it, but it's there.
- Wake-up service: Set my own alarm, but good option too.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
My honest take on the room: It’s amazing. It's elegant, comfortable, and perfectly designed for relaxation. The layout is efficient, the decor is tasteful, and the views from the balcony… chef's kiss. I spent a lot of time on my balcony, just soaking it all in. The bed was divine. The air conditioning was silent and efficient. I truly felt like I was living in a little slice of paradise.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Food Glorious Food!):
- Restaurants: Yes! You're in Greece, so prepare your stomach!
- A la carte in restaurant: Delicious options.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were happy to cater.
- Asian breakfast: I tried it and enjoyed it!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Fine dining at the top level!
- Bar: Good for pre-dinner drinks.
- Bottle of water: Available, always!
- Breakfast [buffet]/Breakfast service: The buffet was amazing. Fresh pastries, incredible fruit, the full works.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Yes, and the coffee was strong and perfect to start your day!
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh. My. Goodness. Warning: You will gain weight.
- Happy hour: Sold!
- International cuisine in restaurant: The choice is awesome!
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a mid-afternoon cocktail.
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent to have, especially after a late night!
- Salad in restaurant: Always available, always delicious!
- Snack bar: Great for a quick bite by the pool.
- Soup in restaurant: Delicious.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Available.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Lots of delicious options.
My stream-of-consciousness food memory: Let's talk breakfast. Honestly, I’m not a morning person, and I also had an incredible breakfast at the hotel. I would drag myself to the buffet, still half-asleep, expecting the usual hotel fare. But no! This was different. The pastries! Flaky, buttery, and utterly irresistible. The fresh fruit was bursting with flavor. Then there was the Greek yogurt with honey and nuts – pure heaven. And the coffee…I swear it tasted like liquid sunshine. One morning, I accidentally ate three croissants. No regrets. Zero. Okay, maybe a little regret as I waddled back to my room, but mostly, it was pure breakfast bliss. Don't get me started on the dinners. The food in general, it was all amazing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Pure Bliss):
- Body scrub/Body wrap, I did not use these services, but from the look of the Spa and the other guests… Wow!
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness, I did visit the gym briefly, the view from the treadmills made things easier to get through.
- Foot bath: Oh! Heaven!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-pressed brochure itinerary. This is my real attempt to navigate the chaotic beauty that is Suite 5 at Elpida Luxury Suites in Lefkada, Greece. Prepare for the rollercoaster…
Lefkada, Here I Come (And Maybe Leave a Toothbrush)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Beach Contemplation (plus a near-disaster – already!)
Morning (ish): Plane lands! A sigh of relief that I didn’t accidentally book a connecting flight through Siberia (again). The drive to Elpida. I'm already picturing myself, a bronze goddess, reclining on the balcony. Reality? I forgot the damn sunscreen. Sigh.
Afternoon: Check-in. Suite 5 looked AMAZING online, BUT wow. It’s even better. Seriously, the view… I could cry. Okay, maybe I did cry a little. Tears of joy, mixed with a healthy dose of "finally made it after that epic flight delay." The plunge pool? Tiny, but perfect. The little touches – fresh fruit, a bottle of local wine… the owners, lovely people, the owners had a real eye for detail, and their small touches made me warm up.
- Pro-tip: Don't immediately start unpacking thinking you're in paradise and run out onto the balcony… I did. Almost tripped, spilled my wine, and narrowly avoided dropping my phone into the abyss. A lesson in unpacking before complete relaxation.
Late Afternoon: Attempted beach exploration. Found a secluded cove a short drive away. The water… CRYSTAL CLEAR. Just gorgeous! Spent an hour wading, feeling like a mermaid. (A slightly sunburned, wine-stained mermaid.)
- Anecdote: On the way back I got lost. Like, hopelessly, Grecian-labyrinth-lost. My sense of direction? Clearly, on vacation. Eventually found my way to a taverna, ordered a massive Greek salad out of sheer hunger mixed with humiliation. The salad was a triumph. The directions I got were less so.
Evening: Dinner. The taverna was called "Taverna Chaos." It had a name I should have heeded. Gorgeous setting, great food, the waiter seemed to know everything about the island… I ordered the grilled squid. My teeth could no longer manage it. I just didn't have the heart to refuse the squid.
- Quirky Observation: The cats. Oh, the cats! They were everywhere, plotting world domination, but also incredibly fluffy and cute. One tried to steal my bread. I’m pretty sure I gave it half. Don't judge.
- Impression: I did not manage to learn any Greek that first day.
- Emotional Reaction: Happiness. Pure, unadulterated, sun-soaked happiness. This is what I needed.
Day 2: Boat Trip & Questionable Lobster (and a Potential Crush?)
- Morning: Woke up feeling like a million bucks. Then remembered the sunburnt face. Slathered on the aloe vera.
- Little Details: Even though I have a balcony, I still chose to eat breakfast at the restaurant downstairs in order to get the food.
- Late Morning: Boat trip! Cruised along the coast, visiting various beaches, swimming in turquoise coves. Pure bliss, maybe the best day ever. The captain, a charming, sun-weathered Greek god lookalike, kept winking at me. (Or maybe he has something in his eye? Probably.)
- Anecdote: The snorkeling was… a disaster. I couldn't get the snorkel to stay put. Kept swallowing seawater. Looked like a drowning walrus. Beautiful fish, though! Swallowed a little water.
- More Details: My tan lines were even.
- Afternoon: Lunch on a secluded island. Lobster was on the menu. I love lobster, but my bank account doesn't. Overpriced and a little tough. Note to self: stick to the local specialties.
- Evening: Dinner at a taverna in Nidri. The charming captain? There with a group of friends. He gave me a wink. Okay, this might be a thing.
- Impression: Nidri is touristy, but charming. The lights reflecting in the water, the laughter, the promise of something new… it was like stepping into a movie scene.
- Emotional Reaction: Nervous excitement, a serious case of "butterflies," and a secret wish that I hadn't forgotten to pack my good mascara.
Day 3: Waterfalls, Windmills & Existential Crisis Revisited (and a surprise.)
- Morning: Explored the waterfalls. Stunning! Took a million photos, because, aesthetics. The water was FREEZING, but exhilarating. Felt cleansed of all the world's worries… for about five minutes.
- Observation: The trees are so green. The water is so blue. Everything is so beautiful. Almost too beautiful. Like… is this even real?
- Afternoon: Visited a beautiful hilltop windmill for sunset. Ordered some snacks and sat in the sun.
- Anecdote: On the way back from the windmills, I had a breakdown. Not a full-blown, screaming-at-the-gods breakdown, but a quiet, introspective one. "What am I doing with my life?" "Am I happy?" "Do I have enough feta?" (Answer: always no.)
- Emotional Reaction: A moment of vulnerability. A reminder that even paradise has its moments of profound sadness. But the good stuff? It makes it all worthwhile.
- Evening: Back at Suite 5; The captain came to my balcony.
- Impression: A perfect end to a near-perfect day. And the captain speaks perfect English!
- More Details: I started learning Greek.
Day 4: Pure Relaxation & the Unforeseen
- Morning (ish): Slept in! Finally. Room service, with a view. Nothing left to do but relax and read a few books.
- Pro-tip: Order the fruit platter. Those grapes are magical.
- Afternoon: The captain called. I was invited to a party.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement.
- Evening: Party.
- Anecdote: I made a fool of myself on the dance floor.
- Impression: The locals know how to party!
- Little Details: This is what I wanted.
Day 5: Departure & the Aftermath (and I still have a toothbrush?!)
- Morning: One last breakfast on the balcony. Squeezed in a quick dip in the pool.
- Little Details: I'm leaving. I don't want to.
- Afternoon: Plane. Goodbye, Lefkada. Goodbye, sunshine. Goodbye, possible romance.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet mix of sadness and gratitude. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a reset.
- Quirky Observation: I actually did pack my toothbrush this time! A small victory.
- Evening: Home. The real world. But with a tan, a renewed sense of self, and a thousand memories.
This is just the beginning, a snapshot of a trip that was a tangled mix of beauty, chaos, and pure human-ness. Elpida Luxury Suites? Worth every penny. Lefkada? Prepare to fall in love. And me? I'm already planning my return.
Escape to Paradise: Spain's Hidden Gem, Hotel Posada San Antonio El Bosque
Okay, spill the beans! Is Suite 5 at Elpida Suites *really* worth the hype? I've seen the pictures...
Alright, buckle up buttercup. WORTH THE HYPE? Look, I've been to places, I've seen things… and sometimes, the Instagram is just *lying* to you. But in this case? Yeah. Yeah, it's kind of a big deal. I mean, the pictures? Deceivingly *accurate*. The infinity pool? Actually *more* stunning in person, because you can't Photoshop the smell of the sea and the way the sun just kisses your skin as you're sipping that goddamn Aperol Spritz. (More on that later, the Aperol Spritz situation was… a journey.)
But the hype... it's about more than just the aesthetics, it's about how it *makes* you feel. Like, remember that time you dreamt of being a Bond villain, but, like, a chill Bond villain? That's the vibe. You feel ridiculously pampered. Like someone's main job is to anticipate your every whim. And mostly succeeds, I might add.
Let's be honest. The view? Is it *actually* as good as they say? Like, sunrise, sunset... tell me everything.
Okay, the view. Prepare yourself. It's… look, I hate being dramatic, but it's borderline *biblical*. We're talking "tears in your eyes because nature is a masterpiece" kind of good. Sunrise? Oh, sweet baby Jesus. The sun just explodes over the Ionian Sea, painting the water in a blaze of golds, pinks, and oranges. I almost cried the first morning, I swear. My partner, (who is usually immune to my emotional outbursts) actually *gasped*. Sunset is even *better*, because the colours deepen, the light softens… and you're surrounded by the scent of jasmine and the promise of a perfect evening.
I *specifically* remember one sunset, where the clouds decided to put on a show of their own. Like, puffy, fluffy, cotton candy clouds that turned the sky into a goddamn painting. And I just sat there, on the balcony, sipping that Aperol Spritz – (we’ll get to the Aperol Spritz, I promise!) – and just… breathed. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I may have even taken, like, a thousand photos. (Judge me, I don't care.) Though the pictures don't do it *any* justice, sadly. Like, at all.
The infinity pool...tell me all the juicy details. Did you actually *use* it, or was it just for Instagram?
Oh honey, did I *use* the pool? It's like you don't even know me! The infinity pool wasn't just a prop; it was my personal spa! I spent hours (blissful, glorious hours) slowly roasting in the sun, sipping coffee, reading trashy novels, and occasionally contemplating the meaning of life (or, more realistically, what I was going to eat for lunch).
It was ridiculously private, too. I never felt like I was on display, which is a HUGE win for this introvert. The water temperature was *perfect*, the views... well, we've already established the views were stunning. It was so quiet -- just the sound of the water lapping over the edge. Okay, admittedly, there WAS one moment where I may have accidentally spilled some of that delicious Aperol Spritz into the pool. (Don't tell anyone.)
Let's talk about the staff. Were they actually as helpful as the reviews say? Were they... pretentious?
Okay, the staff. This is important. I get a bit prickly about stuffy hotel staff, you know? I've had experiences where the concierge looks down their nose and acts like you are bothering them by existing. I'm happy to say, the folks at Elpida Suites were the opposite. They were phenomenal. Genuinely friendly, helpful, and didn't make me feel like a complete idiot when I asked for recommendations. I think I accidentally called the housekeeper 'mama' - it just felt right, you know? They were so accommodating. Like, when I ran out of ice for my… *ahem*… Aperol Spritz (yes, again!), they were there in a flash. That's probably the most important part of this whole experience.
We're talking *genuine* hospitality. They remembered your preferences, offered insightful suggestions about local restaurants, and just generally made you feel like you were a welcome guest rather than just another number. It’s the little things, right? Like, the way they'd leave a fresh flower on your pillow at turndown service. Or the way they'd always ask if you needed anything else before they left. It made you feel like you were being pampered. Honestly, they were the best!
Okay, the food situation. Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? Give me the lowdown. Anything to skip?
Alright, the grub. Let's start with breakfast, because… breakfast is important, people! Breakfast at Elpida Suites? Absolutely divine. I won't lie, I looked forward to it every single morning. Freshly squeezed orange juice, a mountain of Greek yogurt with local honey and granola, plus a rotation of pastries and hot items. (The spinach and feta pies? Pure, flaky perfection.) They also have REAL coffee. And for me, that's a huge win right off the bat. And the best part? You can take it out on your balcony and enjoy that killer view.
Lunch and dinner were more adventures in the local tavernas, which, frankly, is what you *should* be doing. The staff always had great recommendations. I mean, you're in Greece! Go explore! I would, however, advise you to *always* try the local seafood and the greek salad. Always. You won’t regret it. The only thing to skip? Don't skimp on the Aperol Spritz. Just saying.
What was your *favorite* thing about staying at Suite 5? And what was your most challenging (if there was one)?
Okay, my *favorite* thing? That's easy. The utter feeling of tranquility. The ability to just *switch off*. I'm usually a whirlwind of anxiety and overthinking. At Suite 5, I just… didn't. I could actually breathe, relax, and truly enjoy the moment. That's the biggest deal for me -- mental health is important! It felt like a total reset. Plus, the bed was heavenly. Oh, and the Aperol Spritz. Did I mention those? (I'm sensing a theme here.)
The most challenging thing? Hmmm… okay, I'll admit it. Leaving. Literally, actually getting on that plane and leaving. I could have easily stayed there forever. I'm seriously contemplating selling all my belongings and just moving in. Okay, maybe not. But the thought did cross my mind. And the regret… that was a challenge. Regret that I won't be back there *rightHotel Blog Guru
