Petani Beach, Paliki, Lixouri, Greece | (937) 315-4602
Romantic, intimate adults-only property with gorgeous bay views
Five-minute drive (or 34-minute walk) to the beach
Contemporary, elegant rooms with furnished terraces overlooking the sea
Rooms have AC, flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and small kitchenettes
Lovely infinity pool with sea views, loungers, and umbrellas
Pool bar with covered terrace and sensational views
Traditional Greek food served all day
All rates include buffet breakfasts with fruit, yogurt, and pastries
Room service available during designated hours
Hair salon on-site, plus nail treatments can be arranged
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Little within walking distance
No full spa or gym on-site
Car or taxi necessary for exploring the area
No kids under 16 (pro for some)
The upper-middle-range Petani Bay Hotel is an adults-only, 14-room property with a peaceful setting offering gorgeous vistas over Cephalonia. There's little within walking distance, and due to the beach being a five-minute drive away, a rental car is advised. For on-site sunbathing, a lovely infinity-edge pool has sweeping bay views and an adjacent bar. All rates include a well-regarded breakfast buffet, and the restaurant serves traditional Greek fare for other meals. Rooms vary in decor and amenities, but all are elegant and charming, outfitted with kitchenettes, furnished terraces -- all with sea views -- air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms, however are a bit compact. Also on the downside, there are no full spa or gym here. Families should consider the kid-friendly Apollonion Resort and Spa, which also has a spa.
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Scene
Intimate and peaceful hotel with charming, rustic decor
With an adults-only policy and peaceful setting, the Petani Bay Hotel has a romantic atmosphere ideal for couples. Set up a hill, views over Cephalonia and the Ionian Sea are sensational from nearly every common area -- including the infinity pool and outdoor bar -- and room. With just 14 rooms, the hotel has an intimate feel. The design throughout is elegant and contemporary, with modern wicker seating throughout, soft neutral tones, and natural stone walls. Exposed wood beam, clay-tiled roofs, colorful bougainvillea, and beach artwork add some Mediterranean style. Overall, this is a calming, understated property that's best for laid-back couples who don't mind driving to the beach.
Location
Quiet, hilltop setting overlooking the sea, but somewhat isolated
Petani Bay Hotel is situated up a hill, giving guests jaw-dropping vistas of the Ionian Sea. Thanks to its somewhat isolated location, the hotel is quiet and peaceful, but this means there's little in the immediate area. One of the few spots within a reasonable walking distance is Taverna Petani, which is just an eight-minute walk away, or travelers can find more restaurants and bars in the town of Lixouri, a 20-minute drive away. Guests are a long 34-minute walk from Petani Beach -- and the walk back is uphill -- but it's a short, windy drive that takes five minutes. A rental car is ideal for navigating and exploring the area. Popular Xi Beach is a 30-minute drive south, while Cephalonia International Airport is an hour away by car.
Rooms
Charming rooms with kitchenettes, outdoor spaces, and free Wi-Fi
Petani Bay Hotel offers 14 spacious and contemporary suite-style rooms. Like the rest of the hotel, guest rooms have a soft, neutral color palette, except for Suite Gea which is more opulently decorated with red accent walls and patterned tiles. The design varies a bit between units, but travelers can largely expect beige tile or wooden floors, contemporary wood and metal furniture, and Mediterranean-inspired artwork. Canopied beds, damask wallpaper, and exposed wood beams in some units add lovely touches. All suites have furnished terraces, all with at least partial sea views. Also standard are air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, sitting and dining areas, and small kitchenettes equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and electric burners. Modern bathrooms have glass-enclosed showers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Slippers are provided, but not bathrobes.
Features
Large pool with epic views, pool bar, and well-reviewed restaurant
Given this is a small adults-only hotel, there are no entertainment features here. Instead, the highlight is the outdoor infinity pool with gorgeous sea views. Cushioned sunbeds and straw umbrellas line to pool and lower terraces. Next to the pool is a covered pool bar, which serves snacks, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. All rates include buffet breakfasts with yogurt, pastries, fruit, and coffee. Traditional Greek cuisine is also served for lunch and dinner, and food receives positive reviews from past guests. On the downside, there are no full spa or gym here, though a hair salon and nail treatments are available. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free.
