Lesante Blu: Greece's Most Luxurious Escape (Leading Hotels of the World)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering turquoise waters of Lesante Blu, the place that claims to be Greece's most luxurious escape. And you know what? After spending a week there (and dodging a rogue pigeon) I think they might just be right. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, because this review is coming at you raw and real. Let’s get messy.
First Impressions & Getting There (and My Near-Death Experience with a Greek Taxi Driver)
Okay, lemme tell you, getting to Lesante Blu is an adventure in itself. Zante airport is… well, let's just say it has character. Finding a taxi that wasn’t from the Jurassic era felt like a Herculean task. I’m pretty sure the driver thought the speed limit was a suggestion. But hey, we arrived alive (mostly) and the first glimpse of Lesante Blu? Jaw-dropping. The Aegean Sea shimmered, the architecture was this sleek, modern minimalist dream, and I immediately shed my travel-weary skin.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Wonderful)
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I do have a bad ankle. So, accessibility is something I pay attention to. Good news: Lesante Blu is remarkably good at it. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. Wide corridors? Double-check. The staff were amazing - always helpful, always smiling. One time, I clumsily tripped on a… a… Greek rock (they’re everywhere!), and a waiter practically sprinted across the terrace with a wet towel and concern radiating from his face. However, I did notice a couple of minor hiccups. The entrance to the spa… well, it could have been a little easier to navigate. And some of the lower-level rooms might be a bit tricky for someone with serious mobility issues. But overall? Way better than a lot of places.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (With a Minor Pigeon Incident)
The rooms? Sigh. They are seriously something. We had a room with a private plunge pool (yes, private!). The bed was so comfortable, I'm pretty sure I achieved a new level of deep sleep. Blackout curtains? Essential. We also had the classic, “Where’s the TV remote?” scavenger hunt, which was solved. The included amenities like bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea and bottled water were a nice touch. The decor was sleek and modern, with lots of light and space. Oh! But the balcony! So beautiful and peaceful, until the aforementioned pigeon. He spent about an hour trying to get into the room, then decided to drop a massive load just outside the door as a parting gift. Thanks, buddy!
Food & Drink: Prepare to Stuff Your Face (and Possibly Cry Tears of Joy)
Okay, let's talk about food. This is where Lesante Blu truly shines. Forget dieting. You’re going to give in. Trust me.
- Restaurants: There are multiple restaurants, each with its own vibe. The main restaurant had a buffet breakfast that was insane. Freshly squeezed orange juice, a mountain of pastries, every type of egg you can imagine… It's a good thing they had a fitness center.
- A La Carte: The a la carte options were just as impressive. The Asian restaurant (who knew?) was unexpectedly phenomenal. The sushi was fresh, the flavors were complex, and the atmosphere was electric.
- The Poolside Bar: Where I spent a considerable amount of time. The cocktails were potent and perfectly crafted, and the snacks were delicious. My personal favorite? The Greek salad… simply divine.
- Room Service: Available 24 hours! No complaints here. Sometimes you just need a burger at midnight.
Body & Soul: Relaxation Overload
Okay, I’m not going to lie, I’m a spa addict. And the spa at Lesante Blu? Chef’s kiss.
- The Spa: This place is an oasis of calm. The treatments? Bliss. I indulged in a body scrub (felt like a whole new human!), a massage (melted away all my stress), and a sauna session (sweat it all out).
- Pool with a View: The outdoor pool is stunning, looking out to the sea. Pure Instagram gold, my friends.
- Fitness Center: I’m not a gym rat, but I did pop in a couple of times. It was well-equipped, and the view from the treadmill was pretty inspiring.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Protected
This is a big one. During these times, cleanliness and safety are paramount. Lesante Blu took it seriously.
- Hygiene Certification: They've got it.
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Yes.
- Daily Disinfection: Regular.
- Physical Distancing: They did it right.
It felt reassuring. They also had the option to opt out of room sanitization, which I appreciated.
Services & Conveniences: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Lesante Blu offers a ton of services.
- Concierge: Super helpful – they booked tours, made recommendations, and generally made my life easier.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day.
- Laundry Service: Essential after a week of swimming and eating.
- Currency Exchange: Easy peasy.
- Free Wi-Fi: In every room and across the whole property! Good.
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach
While I spent most of my time horizontal, Lesante Blu offers tons of activities.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: I didn't but they seemed very professional
- Outdoor Venue (for special events): Same as above.
- Concierge: Always offering more (tours, day trips to other places)
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: Nice!
- Family/child friendly: It seemed pretty good, but I’m not a parent, so I couldn’t say for sure.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer: Easy – they arranged it for us.
- Car Park (on-site): Car rentals are available, too.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. Yes, it's expensive. But the level of service, the stunning location, the incredible food, and the sheer sense of relaxation make it worth every penny. It's the kind of place you go to disconnect, to rejuvenate, and to completely indulge. Just be prepared for the potential pigeon encounter. And the taxi ride. Those Greek taxi drivers… they're something else.
Lesante Blu: Your Escape Awaits - Book Now!
Tired of the daily grind? Dreaming of turquoise waters and luxurious pampering? The Leading Hotels of the World, Lesante Blu, beckons! We're offering an exclusive deal for our readers:
- Special Offer: Book your stay at Lesante Blu within the next month and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local Greek wine upon arrival.
- A free spa treatment for two at the award-winning Lesante Blu Spa.
- A guaranteed room upgrade (subject to availability).
- Why book now? Secure your slice of paradise before prices go up! Lesante Blu is the ultimate escape for couples, honeymooners, and anyone craving a dose of pure indulgence.
- [Link to Booking Page]
Don't just dream it, experience it. Book your unforgettable getaway at Lesante Blu today! Your soul (and your taste buds) will thank you.
OYO Minerva Guesthouse: UK's Hidden Gem? You WON'T Believe This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to delve headfirst into the (potentially disastrous) glamour of Lesante Blu, The Leading Hotels of the World in Greece. My expectations? Sky-high. My ability to deliver a coherent travelogue? Possibly nonexistent. Let's see how this unfolds…
The Lesante Blu: A Greek Tragedy (But Hopefully a Delicious One)
Day 1: Arrival and An Expensive Existential Crisis
- Morning (Early, and God, do I hate mornings): Wake up in… who even knows where? The airport? A hotel room I vaguely remember booking? Nope. Still, alive! Praise be. The pre-dawn flight to Zakynthos was a blur of airplane peanuts and vaguely judgmental stares. I’m officially a grumpy travel person, I think.
- Arrival at Lesante Blu: OMFG. Okay, initial reaction: jaw on floor. The panoramic view from the lobby? Unfair. Like, genuinely unfair to all other hotels. The lobby itself is modern, pristine, and reeks of money and good decisions… both of which I am currently lacking.
- The Room (a.k.a. My Temporary Kingdom): Sweeping views of the Ionian Sea! A private plunge pool! A bed I could genuinely get lost in (and probably will). I almost cried. Not in a good way. More of an "overwhelmed by my own mediocrity" kind of cry.
- Snack-Time Disaster: Okay, this is where the cracks start. I'm starving. Tried to order room service. They were out of the club sandwich. The Club Sandwich. I think I might hate this place already. Kidding! (Sort of.) Settled for a mediocre Greek salad which, looking back, was just a precursor of the emotional roller coaster that was my culinary experience there.
- Afternoon: Poolside Bliss (with a side of self-doubt): The pool. The infinity pool. The pool of dreams. Spent several hours pretending to be a glamorous, sophisticated traveler, while secretly worrying I was going to splash someone with my awkward butterfly stroke. Also, the sun is intense. I think I'm going to get fried!
- Evening: Dinner… or, The Culinary Adventure Begins: Restaurant "Thalassa" - The on site restaurant. Okay, the food was… mixed. The view? Stellar. The service? Attentive, if a little too attentive at times. The fish, thankfully, was fresh. My attempt to order a fancy wine? A monumental failure. I ended up with something I think tastes like old socks. I think my bank account needs a vacation after this. I feel like a fraud. But hey, the sunset was pretty. Even the socks wine couldn't ruin that.
Day 2: Zakynthos, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Tourist Traps (Maybe…)
- Morning: Breakfast – A Battle of Wills: The breakfast buffet. Oh, the breakfast buffet. Overwhelming. Delicious. Triggering. Eggs Benedict, fresh fruit, pastries… I ate enough to feed a small army. Then, I berated myself for eating so much. It's always the way.
- Mid-Morning: A Day Trip to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach): Okay, tourist trap alert! But honestly? Worth it. The water is that ridiculous turquoise you only see in postcards. The shipwreck itself? Surprisingly dramatic. The sheer number of people taking selfies? Less dramatic, but understandable. I'll admit it, even I took like a hundred pictures. And got a tiny bit sunburnt in the process. I went back to the hotel for a much needed break. I was feeling utterly drained by the experience.
- Afternoon: More Pool, More Questionable Decisions: Back to the infinity pool to nurse the slight sunburn and try to decide if I love this hotel or hate it. The sun is still brutal. Spent an hour reading, which mostly involved me staring at my phone, the ocean, and my life choices.
- Evening: Dinner… Take Two…: This time, I attempted to dine at the "Neptune" Grill, located on the beach. The food was… better. The setting, romantic with lit torches and the sound of the waves. Did it help me enjoy the food more? Maybe. Did this place win back some points from me? Yes! But alas, the meal, and the experience, were a blur. I now can barely remember what I ate.
Day 3: The Final Chapter (and My Deepest Regrets)
- Morning: Last Breakfast (and an Attempt at Dignity): Ate a more restrained breakfast, after the food-coma from the previous day. I am beginning to feel the pull to return to reality, and so it's bittersweet.
- Mid-Morning: Spa-Tastic: Okay, here's where Lesante Blu really redeemed itself. The spa. Oh, the spa! Booked a massage. Spent an hour melting into a puddle of pure bliss. The therapist was amazing. All the stress, the self-doubt, the wine disappointment? Gone. Worth the money? Absolutely.
- Afternoon: Goodbye Blues: One last swim! One last mournful look at the sea. Started packing. I'm already sad to leave. This place, despite its flaws and my emotional baggage, has cast a spell.
- Departure: The Existential Hangover… and a Promise: Leaving! Back to the airport. Back to real life. I now crave greasy food and Netflix. The experience at Lesante Blu? A whirlwind of beauty, minor disappointments, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Would I go back? Probably. Will my bank balance ever recover? Unlikely. Would I change a thing? Maybe the wine choices. But hey, that's life, right? And now I'm off to plan my next trip, wherever the wind takes me… so, peace out!
P.S. I forgot to mention the tiny, chirping bird that landed on my balcony every morning. It became my companion. I feel empty now that I have left.
KLIA2 Paradise: 2BR Condo w/ Pool, WiFi, & Stunning Views!
Is Lesante Blu really worth the hype (and the price tag)? Is it *actually* luxurious? Because honestly, I'm on the fence...
Okay, deep breaths. This is the big one, isn't it? The question that's probably burning a hole in your wallet. And the answer? Ugh, it's complicated. Let's be honest, “worth it” is subjective. It depends on how much you value, well, *everything* luxurious. Think private plunge pools, sunsets that make you gasp, and service bordering on psychic.
I went. I saw. I mostly conquered. But here's the messy truth: There are moments when you feel like royalty. Like the time I was wandering around in a total daze after a massage, and a waiter appeared *out of nowhere* with a perfectly chilled glass of prosecco. That's the good stuff. Pure, unadulterated luxury. The "I deserve this!" feeling. Yes, that part is pretty amazing.
Then there are the moments... the *slightly* less dazzling moments (because, remember, perfection is boring, right?). Like when my air conditioning decided to take a coffee break at 3 AM. Or the time I *thought* a fluffy towel was clean, but it clearly hadn't seen a washing machine in a while. (Side note: I discreetly asked for a replacement. They were mortified. Problem solved, mostly.)
So, worth it? Probably. If you can stomach the price and you're looking for that "escape" feeling, a truly transformative experience. Just be prepared for a tiny speck of reality to occasionally peek its head into your perfect bubble. And embrace it. After all, that's life, isn't it? And hey, free Prosecco makes everything better. Still, I’d recommend doing a little research on specific room types. The view from *some* rooms is far better than others. Trust me on this one.
Okay, the pools look amazing. But what else is there? Is it just lounging around all day? Please tell me there’s more!
Thank god, no! That's the beauty of really good hotels. Lesante Blu actually does a decent job of keeping things interesting. Yes, the pools are *gorgeous*. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. You’ll barely resist taking a selfie. But beyond the aquatic bliss, you've got:
- The Spa: This is a must-do. Get a massage. Or two. They are *divine*. I'm not usually one for spa treatments (I’m a practical person, you know?), but this one converted me. I practically floated out. The relaxation rooms themselves are worth the price of admission.
- Restaurants: They have some lovely restaurants. The food is very good, although honestly, I found myself venturing out to some local tavernas for a more authentic Greek experience. (Don't get me wrong, the in-hotel options are top-notch, but... variety, you know?) The breakfast spread is *insane*, by the way. Prepare to overeat. Repeatedly.
- The Beach (Kinda): There’s technically a beach, but it's not the *best* beach on Zakynthos. It's rocky, but the water is crystal clear. And it's all about the views!
- Fitness Center: For those who feel guilty about all the delicious food and cocktails (me!), there’s a gym. I used it once. After my second massage. (Priorities, people.)
- Activities: It's a very sophisticated hotel, so don't expect wild activities. There's no water park. But the hotel can arrange boat trips, wine tasting, and various excursions. Which is great for seeing the island!
I also loved the little touches. Like the incredibly comfortable beds (I slept like a log!), and the turndown service with a little treat each evening. They really do think of everything. Almost.
What’s the food situation like? Are we talking Michelin star prices? Are there options beyond fancy restaurants?
Ah, the burning question: food and cost. Okay, be prepared. The restaurants are *good*, very good. They present the food beautifully, the service is slick and attentive. And yes, prices are in line with a luxury hotel. Prepare to spend a fair bit. That said, the quality is high. A good chef means a good meal, right? Especially after a day of lounging around the pool!
Here’s the lowdown: You’ve got several restaurants to choose from, ranging in style. There’s a more casual option for lunch. Plus, the aforementioned amazing breakfast buffet. And there's room service, of course, which is useful. But, and this is a big but, consider venturing out. Zakynthos has some fantastic, authentic restaurants. The food is cheaper. The atmosphere is more local. Win-win!
My advice? Mix it up. Enjoy the hotel’s culinary offerings, especially for breakfast and maybe dinner a couple of nights. But definitely explore the local tavernas. You'll get a better sense of Greek culture, and probably save a few euros in the process. And the homemade moussaka is divine. Just saying...
Where exactly IS Lesante Blu? And is it easy to get around and explore the island, or are you stuck there?
Lesante Blu is in a pretty sweet spot. It's in Tsilivi, which is a popular resort area on Zakynthos. It's a good base for exploring the island. It's not *super* close to Zakynthos town (about a ten-minute drive), but it's close enough. You're also within easy reach of some of the island's other attractions. It’s not *isolated*, which is a plus. And a downside, depending on your preference.
Here's the thing: Rent a car. Seriously. Don't even think twice about it. It gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Driving on Zakynthos is relatively easy (though the roads can be a little...winding at times). Plus, it's the best way to find those hidden beaches and charming villages. Don’t be too scared of some of the roads - I found them manageable. Just take it slow.
Alternatively, you can use taxis or arrange excursions through the hotel. But honestly, a car gives you the most flexibility. Imagine being able to go see Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) whenever you get a whim? Or popping over to a great restaurant? Car is the answer! Get one. Seriously.
How's the service? I’ve read mixed reviews… is it really as attentive as they say?
Alright, the service. The make-or-break factor for any luxury hotel, right? And honestly, it's the one area where Lesante Blu sometimes stumbles. WhenFind That Hotel
