Lichnos Beach Hotel and Suites

A beachfront setting, as well as green lawns, olive trees, and citrus groves are hard to fault here, and views over the Ionian Sea's steel-blue waters are indeed gorgeous. The gorgeous views set the theme here, and interiors have beachy, yet trendy and chic, decor. Cabana loungers and hammocks on lush lawns give a carefree feel around the small outdoor pool, and meandering stone paths are well-maintained amid greenery. Inside, expect lots of slick back-lighting, and large shelving units filled with curious. Everything feels crisp, clean, and fresh, helped by the minimalist, white-centric design. Prepare for hilly walks across the resort though, where lawns from rooms slope downhill toward the beach. 

The location here ticks a lot of boxes for lovers of sun, sea, and sand. It's right on Lichnos Beach, where fine-shingled white sands form a horseshoe bay around crystalline waters with cliffside backdrops, but there isn't much nearby. Some beach bars offer alternatives to the hotel's pricey offerings, and a nearby campsite sells essentials. Parga itself is a 10-minute drive; free hotel shuttles to it are regular and taxis are plentiful. Parga is picturesque and largely unspoiled, and it has a 14th-century castle, Old Olive Oil Factory, and restaurants, plus its port is great for boat trips to Paxi. Aktion (Preveza) Airport is around one hour away by car.

All with furnished outdoor spaces facing the sea, spacious rooms are outfitted in mostly white, muted gray, and cream hues, and light-wood floors. Soft fabrics in beds with Guy Laroche linens have popping blue or earth tones in throw pillows, and stylish finishes vary between rooms. Expect tree slab or cuboid nightstands, floor-to-ceiling windows, and oversized or pendant lamps in Suites. Unfortunately, some past guests have complained of in-room sinks being separate from bathrooms, where frosted-glass doors compromise privacy, and rainfall showers can flood floors. Still, upscale amenities include phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, hairdryers, slippers, and robes, plus small fitted wardrobes. Olive-scented toiletries, AC, free Wi-Fi, and crib fittings also come standard. Upgraded rooms and Suites with espresso machines and smart seating areas (or sleeper sofas) offer direct beach access, terrace loungers, or private whirlpools. 

The beach is the hotel's focal point, and its amenities are good, but pricey. Free loungers and umbrellas are tightly packed here, but buzzer lounger service is posh, and guests can order drinks, meals, and snacks all day. The beach bar's raised terraces have chic white furniture contrasting wooden decking, and an assortment of tables, chairs, sit-up stools, and sofa seating offers sun or shade amid citrus trees. Light or bleached woods in restaurant tables are Nordic-chic, and indoor areas with inlaid artwork and booth seating surround buffet tables. Breakfasts consists of cooked and continental options, while lunch and dinner have Mediterranean offerings. A la carte dining is also available. The outdoor pool is small, but it's popular with kids, although regular or cabana loungers, bean bags, and suspended hammocks aren't plentiful. There are no umbrellas here, although trees offer shade. Sadly, there are no hot tub, spa, or gym, but morning yoga and pilates are provided for free. A toddler playground with tube slide and a bright, toy-filled room are available for little ones, but there's no kids' club. Lobby computers, pet stays, parking, and Wi-Fi throughout are free.