Why it is the best accommodation in Naxos.
Let me tell you a story about the best accommodation in Naxos. Nestled amongst the mountains of Naxos Island is a special place that is so unique that I almost don’t want to share its secret…
Welcome to ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat. A place you go when you want a taste of the real Greece, an experience that you will remember and cherish forever!
Our host, Helen, is the most enigmatic, welcoming and lovely person full of spirit and a zest for life. You will want for nothing. She gave us tips on all the best places to visit that are off the main tourist path, the places that others drive past while on a tour bus. The views from the courtyard are spectacular, showcasing the mountains of Naxos perfectly.
Our room
Elaiolithos is the best accommodation in Naxos. Our suite, Ariadne & Dionysus has everything needed to make your stay relaxing and perfect. A kitchenette, luxurious bathroom with six jet shower, waterfall shower head and a huge built in bed complete the comfortable space. The textiles are all hand loomed by Helens mother who created a women’s loom weaving cooperative, a traditional artisan craft of Naxos. The marble is sourced from the local Naxian marble quarry and the kitchen and bathroom has been created using a traditional Greek method and material, compound cement. Even the olive oil you find in your suite is homemade from their own olive trees.
Sustainability and quality is top priority here, every care and thought has gone into design and material choice. There are beautiful objects scattered through out the property that have been carefully curated to add interest to every aspect of your stay.
The Restaurant
There is a restaurant and bar, all items are locally sourced or grown off the property. Moni in Naxos has the most fertile soil of the Cyclades and the produce is second to none. If you want to see where your meal came from just ask! Helen will organise the farmer to show you. No food is wasted with incredible marmalades being created on site, Helen is a genius in the kitchen. Her watermelon marmalade is beyond words, tasting like Christmas I wish I could bottle it to take home.
Best breakfast on Naxos at ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat Hotel
For breakfast we were treated to a list of sumptuous plates including crepes, omelettes, goat yoghurt topped with an amazing beetroot marmalade and goat cheese, tomato and olive tapenade. The yoghurt and cheese sourced from her brothers goat farm nearby! The restaurant is open to both the public and guests. It is a great place for lunch while visiting the Byzantine church nearby.
Delicious cocktails and sunset views at ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat Hotel
Helen makes the most delicious cocktails and we happily sampled them. Her creativity shines and you will always be surprised at the flavour sensations that she creates. As the sun sets the staff at ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat Hotel turn on the beautiful Naxian marble tables which light up and glow in the early evening.
Hiking and nearby activities at ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat Hotel
ELaiolithos is located in the centre of the islands making it accessible to everywhere. We hired a car and were able to visit locations easily from here. We spent our days exploring as much as we could. The hiking is amazing, Mt Zeus is close by as are a variety of other hiking options.
One morning we chose to do a simple 6.5km hike from ELaiolithos to a nearby village. I loved wandering through the mountainside of Naxos. We stumbled upon churches, goats, beautiful vistas and hidden streams before emerging into the cutest town, Chalkio. Here we explored the town and the weaving store which Helens mother created. Right next door is her brothers cheese shop! The handicraft in this area is so lovely, well worth purchasing some while in town!
We drove to other surrounding villages and wandered their streets, listening to local chatter and people watching in the pretty streets.
Local experiences at ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat Hotel
One evening our host asked us if we would like to join her on an adventure. We readily accepted and ended up in her car driving through the mountains to a little village, Koronos. There we explored the alleys, watched the twinkling village lights, and met some sweet local taverna owners at Taverna Dallas. They gave us raki with honey a local drink which is strong but sweet. Served with a slice of the lightest Greek syrup cake. When they discovered I couldn’t eat wheat they found an alternative cake for me. I was told I couldn’t leave without being given something, such is the kindness of the Greek people.
We enjoyed an evening of friendship, our host translating for us both. Sharing ideas on life and our worlds we realised the hours had slipped by and we had been talking into the early morning. Saying our goodbyes we left as friends. Meandering our way back to the car under the stars we couldn’t help but share a smile both thinking how lucky we were to share these moments only possible at ELaiolithos.
Sadly the next day we had to leave. With happy souls and full hearts we said our goodbyes. In two days we felt like family and were sad to go. It is easy to see why this is the best accommodation in Naxos. We regretted we hadn’t booked for longer! We could have easily spent 7 days here exploring all this amazing island has to offer. One thing is for sure, we will return to Naxos. It is firmly in our hearts and we must return to our new Greek family! Staying at ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat will truly change you, and when you do stay please pass on a big “hello!” from Passport Nomads!
