Leeda's Village

Style

Set-in-stone serenity

Setting

Lapped by Laganas Bay

Decades ago, after collecting stones smashed by an earthquake on Zakynthos, Dionysios Giatria (a fitting name for the founder of such a pleasure-focused hideaway) slowly built Leeda’s Village on his family’s land. Today, he and his daughter (for whom the stay is named) still manage the hotel, farm, and each of the 12 villas peppered throughout their orange- and lemon-tree-lined gardens. Interiors refine traditional style; terracotta tiling keeps them cool in the cicada-soundtracked summers, and there are vaulted ceilings and hand-woven headboards. And, the kitchen, where generations of Giatrias have spent many a meal, now houses a restaurant helmed by chef Giannis Remos, who expertly grills Greek classics for the hotel’s ever expanding family.

Facilities

Rooms

12 villas.

Checkout

10am; check-in, 3pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.

More Details

Rates include an á la carte breakfast, served at the restaurant.

Also

Unfortunately, Leeda’s Village isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility due to the rough terrain.

Hotel Closed

The hotel shuts its doors annually from November until the middle of April.

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pet Friendly

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

At the Hotel

Public beach nearby, botanical gardens, farm, and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, tea-making kit, Nespresso machine, daily turndown service, air-conditioning and Olivia bath products.

Our Favourite Rooms

Each of the villas at Leeda’s Village have been built with restored stone, some of which dates back to the 19th century, and intricately designed terracotta tiles. But for truly gasp-worthy views, we’d recommend the Grand Villa for its Turtle Island-facing terrace and alfresco dining spots. If you’re travelling as a four or more, all but the Junior Suite, the One-Bedroom Residence and the Lodge have two bedrooms.

Poolside

You’ll find the main swimming pool (open from 9.30am till 7pm) among the gardens’ lemon trees, flanked by cushioned sunloungers and parasols.

Spa

There isn’t a spa onsite, but the hotel has partnered with Contessina Suites & Spa (a 30-minute drive away) if you’re seeking some serious de-knotting. Otherwise, staff will happily arrange for a masseur to set up in your villa.

Packing Tips

Bring knockabout clothes for farm fun, and something a bit more Greek god or goddess worthy for evening

Children

Welcome; there’s no kids’ club, but the farm animals will be more than happy to keep them entertained, the hotel has a dedicated pool, and babysitting can be organised from €70 an hour.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Ask for a table on the terrace to catch sundowns and silhouetted views of Turtle Island at dusk.

Dress Code

Meals are set up to replicate family dinners here, so come as you would for any relative gathering.

Hotel Restaurant

Farm-to-fork fare takes on a more literal meaning at Zefki Leeda’s Slow Living Restaurant, where head chef Giannis Remos sautés, grills, fries and flips away, using ingredients exclusively from Leeda’s organic farm, including (look away vegetarians) all meat. Doshes change depending on what’s thriving in the grounds that season, but you can expect Greek favourites in the form of salads, souvlaki, seafood, tzatziki and pastitsada.

Hotel Bar

Mixologists shake up a mean range of cocktails, including the Kalokairi (rum, pineapple juice and blue curacao) at Zefki’s poolside bar, and snacks are served throughout the day for light post-dip bites.

Last Orders

Meal times change seasonally; breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in Zefki Leeda’s Slow Living Restaurant, and the barkeeps pour by the pool from noon till 11pm.

Room Service

Dishes are available in villas between 7pm and 9pm.

Planes

Most European hubs have direct flights to Zakynthos Airport, which is 20 minutes away by car; if you’re arriving from the US, flights often require a layover in London, Vienna or Zurich. Private transfers can be arranged by the hotel for collection and drop off.

Automobiles

If you’d rather rent a set of wheels yourself, there are plenty of car-rental booths at the airport and the hotel has a private carpark.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Spend mornings in the company of meandering goats, sheep, chickens and ducks at Leeda’s farm. Or swap rusticity for relaxation and head to one of the island’s many sun-blessed beaches; Laganas and Kalamaki are both snorkelling hotspots, while Agios Sostis, a small islet just off the mainland, is a little more secluded. Charter a private boat and set sail to Marathonisi Island, set in the National Marine Park, for a stint of turtle-spotting. Little Smiths (and any accompanying adults) may enjoy splashing about on the slides at the Tsilivi Water Park. For sweeping views of the Venetian Castle, hike up Bochali Hill at sunrise and learn more about the island’s history with an educated wander through the Byzantine Museum and Solomos Museum.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .