Picture the Scene

Picture the Scene: Ionian Islands

With glorious views of the Ionian Sea and verdant Lefkadan mountainsides, we were tempted to give this address a pass solely for the stunning location. However, the astonishing range of amenities available at guests' disposal meant that it simply had to be included in our collection.

If you're looking to drink in the scenery, there's no shortage of spots from which to do just that. The rooftop hot tub is a stellar option, as is the swimming pool surrounded by loungers. You can even admire it while playing tennis on the shared court — obviously while keeping an eye on the ball — or picking herbs in the garden ahead of the evening's dinner, perhaps cooked on the barbecue.

Although it's the sort of address where you'll be spending more time outdoors, the two villas' interiors are pretty charming too, especially in the way that they mix traditional aspects like exposed stone walls and fireplaces with more modern flourishes, like the floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek kitchens.

When you want to explore a little further afield, the quaint village of Kalamitsi is only six minutes away in the car and Avali Beach takes around a quarter of an hour to reach. In the other direction, the island's mountainous interior will beckon those fond of challenging hikes.

Home truths:
*The tennis court is shared with neighbouring villas
*A welcome basket, daily housekeeping and concierge service are included in the price
*There's room to park on the premises
*The villas are both split over two floors so they might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility