Lesante Blu

Lesante Blu, a Michelin Key Selected property in Zakynthos, Greece, is widely celebrated as an exceptional adults-only retreat, offering a luxurious and tranquil escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Lesante Blu is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "paradise" and "the best hotel in Zakynthos." Reviews consistently rate the experience as exceptional and highly recommend the resort for a relaxing, luxurious holiday.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise Lesante Blu for several standout features:

• Adults-Only Policy: Creates a peaceful and romantic atmosphere ideal for couples and quiet contemplation.
• Stunning Sea Views: Panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, often including the islands of Kefalonia and the Peloponnese, are a major draw from almost all areas of the resort, including suites and the infinity pool.
• Magnificent Infinity Pool: The expansive, L-shaped infinity pool, perched above the ocean, is a truly breathtaking feature.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's unwavering patience, professionalism, and attentiveness are frequently highlighted as a major differentiator.
• Fine Dining: The quality and creativity of the culinary offerings, particularly at Melia Fine Dining, receive high acclaim.
• Sleek, Modern Design: The hotel's contemporary architecture and interiors, utilizing a soothing palette of beige, grey, golden, and white, contribute to a luxurious ambiance.
• Private Beach Access: The resort boasts a private, tranquil beach area with crystal clear waters.

3. Room Quality

Lesante Blu is an all-suite hotel, featuring 92 suites that primarily offer an open-plan layout.

• Design and Comfort: Suites are described as modern yet warm, with a contemporary aesthetic employing beige, grey, golden, and white color palettes. They are spacious, clean, and well-equipped with amenities like wall-mounted LCD TVs, lavish marble-lined bathrooms, separate bathtubs, and huge shower cabins.
• Views and Outdoor Space: All suites boast stunning sea views from private balconies or terraces.
• Premium Options: Many suites enhance the luxury experience with private outdoor jetted tubs or private infinity pools.
• Minor Criticism: While generally praised, one review noted some rooms had "a bit of an old-fashioned vibe" with dated furniture, suggesting a need for updates in some areas. Another mentioned that the polished, modern interiors, while appealing, might lack a strong sense of local Greek identity.

4. Dining Experience

Lesante Blu offers a diverse and highly-regarded dining experience across its three restaurants and bars.

• Melia Fine Dining: This signature restaurant is consistently praised, having been awarded "Best Fine Dining Luxury Unique Experience in Southern Europe" in 2020. Helmed by Executive Chef Nikos Ispiroudis, it offers creative, multi-course menus (often 11-13 courses) with Greek and international gourmet dishes, all complemented by sublime ocean views.
• Gaia Restaurant: Serves an excellent American buffet breakfast with a wide variety of fresh and high-quality foods, including numerous pastries, cakes, and hot dishes made to order. It also offers Greek and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner, with a rotating 5-course menu for half-board guests.
• Ostria All Day Restaurant: A poolside à la carte option serving fresh fish, various cuts, traditional Greek dishes, and light meals like sushi for lunch.
• Bars: The resort also features the Almyra Beach Bar and Panorama Champagne Bar.
• Vegetarian Options: One reviewer noted that while the food is delicious, the tasting menu at Melia wasn't explicitly veggie-friendly, and more plant-based options at breakfast could be beneficial.
• Pricing: While dinner may be included in half-board, some guests noted the cost of extras, such as an €8 bottle of water at dinner, to be on the higher side.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Lesante Blu receive near-unanimous praise, frequently cited as one of the hotel's strongest assets.

• Guests describe the team as unfailingly patient, highly professional, incredibly attentive, kind, warm, and helpful.
• Staff go above and beyond to make guests feel pampered and well-cared for, assisting with bookings and ensuring every need is met.
• A specific staff member named Peggy was highlighted by a guest for her exceptional friendliness and attention, described as "the soul of this hotel."

6. Location & Accessibility

Lesante Blu is situated in the picturesque village of Tragaki, on the eastern side of Zakynthos.

• Secluded Beachfront Setting: The hotel's privileged position on a beautiful strip of land right on the beach provides a sense of tranquility, nicely cushioned from more tourist-heavy areas of the island.
• Proximity to Attractions: It's approximately 20 minutes' drive from Zakynthos Airport, about 4.3 miles from Zakynthos Town, and 1.9 miles from Tsilivi.
• Transport: Due to its secluded nature, renting a car or arranging taxis is recommended for exploring the island. The hotel offers car hire, bike hire, and airport shuttle services.
• Unique Access: The hotel's pier offers direct sea access and can be used for private yacht excursions to attractions like the Blue Caves and Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach.
• Accessibility: The property offers some accessibility features, including elevators, handrails in stairways, and wheelchair accessibility (with potential limitations).

7. Value & Pricing

While Lesante Blu is a luxury 5-star resort, often with "higher side" rates and extra charges, many guests feel the value for money "far exceeds expectations."

• Price Range: Kayak data suggests nightly rates can range from approximately $348 to $716, depending on the room type and season.
• Michelin Key Selection: Its selection for the Michelin Key signifies a high standard of design, architecture, interior design, quality, and service.
• Overall Experience: Guests believe the exceptional service, stunning facilities, and peaceful atmosphere justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Wi-Fi Stability: Some guests experienced slower internet speeds in their rooms compared to the pool or sea areas.
• Sun Lounger Availability: During busy periods, some guests noted an issue with sun loungers being reserved early in the morning but not used for hours, and a limited number of loungers offering unobstructed sea views by the main pool.
• Beach Condition: While private, the beach is a narrow strip of sand and pebbles, and some erosion has been observed. There was also a mention of garbage on the non-hotel part of the adjacent beach that was visible and needed cleaning.
• Room Design (Subjective): As mentioned, one reviewer felt the modern design, while polished, lacked a distinct local character.
• Vegetarian Options: Limited plant-based options were noted in some dining areas, particularly for breakfast.

Sources

1. wbpstars.com
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4. lesantecollection.gr
5. booking.com
6. outthere.travel
7. theluxurytravelexpert.com
8. tui.co.uk
9. expedia.com
10. thetravelmagazine.net
11. michelin.com
12. kayak.com