Zakynthos, GreeceTsilivi
Hotel Contessina
Minimalist swim-up resort
Tsilivi Zakynthos, Greece
Renovated
2019
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
Contessina CollectionMinimalist swim-up resort
The water is the point here. Days unfold between quiet poolside sunbeds and rooms that step directly into swim channels.
What it’s good at
Notable
Modernist low-rise blocks softened by perforated timber screens and climbing greenery.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It’s visually impressive from the start, a modern, somewhat minimalist affair — and it’s a proper luxury boutique hotel as well, complete with its own spa.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tsilivi Beach sits a hundred meters away, and the tavernas of Planos village begin right outside.
The rooms
Swim-up suites step directly from private terraces into the water, with daybeds suspended over shared pool channels.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A central courtyard pool connects to long channels bordered by stone waterfalls and small palms planted directly in the water.
Veggera Restaurant
Tables sit beneath an open timber pergola. The kitchen prepares Greek morning buffets and Mediterranean dinners using Zakynthian ingredients.
At the table
Wooden stools line the open counter under a thatched roof, where bartenders shake cocktails and pour cold refreshments.
How it began
The Moraitis family named the hotel for Zakynthos's Venetian nobility, later commissioning Athens studio Block 722 for a full modernist overhaul.
Zakynthos
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.