Alas Resort & Spa, Elea, Peloponnese, Greece - Explore & Book
"You may not have heard of Laconia, in the southeast corner of the Peloponnese, but it hides some lovely stretches of coastline fringed with citrus groves, shallow coves and fishing villages whose pace of life is suitably laconic (see, you have heard of it). And there are some stunning sites, too: the medieval rock-castle of Monemvasia, the handsome harbour of Gythion, the sand-dune beaches of Elafonisos, the Byzantine chapels of hilltop Geraki. At the centre of these four gems, sitting on a sea-washed spit beside its own private sickle of dark sand, is this surprisingly un-Spartan hotel (Sparta - yes, that Sparta - is the region's main town). There's an impressive double-height lobby with lamps floating like blobs of mercury, 37 spacious bedrooms and suites with taupe palettes and sea views, plus a subterranean spa with its own little pool. But life here takes place outdoors: around the freshwater pool with its thatched bar, the cushioned sofas on their hard-won strip of lawn, the dining tables beautifully laid with candlesticks and bottles of Alas-branded wine. It's only 20 paces to the hotel's little beach, whose enclosed waters are safe and sandy. In every direction you gaze over languid seas to the silhouetted mountains of the Mani, behind which the sun sinks with reliably Instagrammable golds. Highs Kids will love it here, parents too: upbeat staff, good affordable food, massages to ease you into holiday moodThe 2-bedroom senior suites have plenty of space for a family, the jacuzzi suites are great for a coupleIt's a 15-minute walk to the sleepy fishing harbour of Elea, with its bobbing boats and handful of summer tavernas and cafésThere's just enough local culture to keep curious parents happy, and more than enough beaches to please the kidsIt's fun being with mostly Greek guests; barely another Brit in sight Lows The hotel's beach is small with dark sand, but nicer ones are a short drive awayExpect modern architecture, with a touch of bling in the common areasThe pool can get loud with music, kids and visiting locals in high seasonWiFi, we're told, can be patchyIt's a 2-hour drive from Kalamata airport, 3½ hours from Athens (consider a stopover in Nafplio)" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
