Elies Resorts

Elies Resorts spreads across 50,000 square metres of olive groves and gardens on Vathi Bay, and it has the most complete set of facilities on Sifnos: a huge saltwater pool, ten villas with their own pools, a spa with hammam and sauna, a tennis court and a private area on the sandy beach. With 32 rooms, suites and villas, it is a resort rather than a boutique hotel, which is a meaningful distinction on an island that prizes restraint. But the olive trees and the sheltered bay give it a character all of its own.

The experience

This is the place to settle in for a week and let the days structure themselves. Mornings on the private beach area, afternoons by the saltwater pool, an hour in the spa’s hammam or sauna, a game of tennis before dinner. There is a fitness room, a play area and a children’s pool, so families are well catered for. Original artworks hang throughout, and there is an art shop on site. The fishing village’s waterfront tavernas are a short stroll away. The estate’s size means it rarely feels busy, even at peak season. If you want everything in one place, this is the island’s answer.

The rooms

There are 32 units in total: 22 rooms and suites, plus 10 detached villas, each with a private pool. Categories run from garden-view and superior sea-view rooms to suites and junior, senior and executive pool villas, the last a good fit for families. All have air conditioning, satellite TV and either garden or sea views, and art by known artists features in the villas. The estate layout gives each unit more breathing space than the island’s village hotels. A pool villa is the one to book if budget allows.

Food and drink

Meals are served across the dining areas of Psammos, from breakfast with local specialities to Mediterranean and Greek lunches and dinners. The pool restaurant and bar handles lighter daytime dishes, there are cocktail bars, and private dining can be arranged. Down on the waterfront, Vathi’s fish tavernas are a lovely change of scene for a long lunch. Between the two, you are spoilt for choice.

The neighbourhood

Vathi is one of the most sheltered bays on Sifnos, a deep inlet on the south-west coast with a sandy beach, a small fishing village and tavernas right on the water. Apollonia, the island’s capital and restaurant centre, is about 10 kilometres away, and Kamares port about 15. Other beaches are spread around the coast, so a car is useful. Sifnos has no airport, so you arrive by ferry. Few bays on the island are as calm, or as pretty.