Unwinding in Greece: A Luxurious Stay at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection in Parga
After the whirlwind of my daughter’s GCSE exams, we were in need of a holiday that promised complete rest and relaxation, along with a touch of luxury. Our destination of choice? The stunning Elix, Mar-Bella Collection in Parga, Greece. Nestled opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Parga is a charming town on Greece’s northwest coast, celebrated for its pristine beaches, rich history, and breathtaking vistas.
Getting to Parga is part of the adventure, and we opted for a unique travel experience. We flew into Corfu and then embarked on the hotel’s luxurious catamaran to cross the water, creating the perfect twin-center holiday with Corfu. The catamaran ride itself was a taste of luxury; seated on the upper deck’s plush leather seats with a refreshing drink in hand, we watched the Ionian Sea glide by, arriving in Parga after a blissful hour. A short five-minute ride in a mini-van delivered us smoothly to the hotel.
Perched on a hillside, the Elix, Mar-Bella Collection hotel greeted us with elegant décor and expansive glass walls that showcased sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Karavostasi beach below. The check-in was seamless, and we were soon in our Junior Suite Sea View room that was light, spacious, the pièce de resistance being our large balcony, offering stunning sea views that made waking up each morning a true pleasure.
The hotel boasts several dining options, including a buffet restaurant and two à la carte venues with Greek classics and international flavours. We opted for the all-inclusive package, which included all meals and drinks – a fantastic choice when travelling with a teenager. One evening, we enjoyed dining at a local restaurant that is included as part of the hotel’s dine-out experience.
Access to the beach is either by a funicular or stairs for those feeling more energetic. Many guests chose to spend their days by the beach, which kept the stunning infinity pool by the main hotel relatively uncrowded. The beach bar served light meals, perfect for a laid-back day by the sea.
A highlight during our stay was the hotel's complimentary fitness weeks that run in various weeks from May to September, led by different sports experts. We arrived during a Pilates week, led by expert Kayleigh Jayne. Against the stunning backdrop of the Ionian Sea, I enjoyed the sunrise and sunset Pilates sessions, which helped ease any guilt about missing my usual gym sessions!
Our time at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection was thoroughly enjoyable. The hotel attracted a diverse mix of guests – families bonding over quality time, couples seeking romance, and mothers and daughters indulging in relaxing getaways. If you’re looking for pure relaxation with a touch of elegance, I highly recommend a stay here. Next time, though, I might just bring my husband along!
