Crown of Seaweed

Crown of Seaweed: Ionian Islands

On the outside, this charming villa has an old-world appeal, with its red wooden shutters, rust-coloured tegula roof and classic stone façade. But step inside and you'll find bright and open living spaces, sleek bathrooms (one even has a jacuzzi-style tub) and bedrooms as comfortable as they are stylish. We think it's the perfect family home – and with views like that, it's hard to imagine a more idyllic getaway.

Days here are endlessly dreamy. Wake up to the sight of the Sivota Bay in the distance, then pad out onto the balcony to savour an espresso in the morning air. Afternoons are best spent lounging on the daybed (an excellent spot for a catnap in the sun), splashing in the glimmering pool and swinging in the hammock underneath the shady trees. Follow the path down to the sea when you fancy a dip in the ocean, or stroll through the lush gardens, picking fresh vegetables, ripened fruit and aromatic herbs to use for the night's dinner. And speaking of meals, there's no better place to tuck into a feast than the outdoor table, sharing a bottle of wine as the evening slowly fades.

It's only a five-minute drive into town, where local tavernas and coffee shops sit along the bay. Many beautiful sandy beaches are also within easy reach, including Afteli (a fifteen-minute drive), Ammoussa (reachable in twenty minutes) and Paralia Mikros Gialos (twenty-two minutes by car), so there’ll never be a dull day in paradise.

Home truths:
*One guest can sleep on the small, fold-out sofa bed – we think it's best suited for a child
*Weekly cleaning is included with your stay, while pool and garden maintenance is included twice a week
*You'll probably want a car to explore the island – there's on-site parking provided
*The dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace, if needed