To tell you the truth, I was nervous about going on this family vacation.
It might not be an easy thing to admit, but Ariel, my little daughter, is exactly at the age where “having fun” together on vacation becomes quite the nightmare.
Let me paint you a clearer picture: no longer a baby but not yet a girl, a year and two months old, all she wants is to run (even though she only just learned to walk), she cannot sit in a chair for more than 2 minutes straight, and in general, “resting” is not a word in her lexicon (not at night either…).
But a moment before I considered canceling this vacation we had booked in advance, I discovered something about the hotel that I knew would upgrade the entire experience for us… and truly, but truly (!), turn our family vacation into one where we could actually rest, feet up on the sun lounger with a cocktail in hand.
In short, if you are a mom who loves spending time with her kids, but on the other hand also loves her quiet, you are going to love this recommendation!
(P.S. Don't miss the full coverage on Instagram to get the full experience! The entire resort vacation is saved in this highlight + in this highlight)
But wait, let's start from the beginning…
I am taking you with me to a family resort vacation that is truly a dream. On one hand it feels like a tropical destination: endless green, dramatic cliffs dropping straight into the sea, turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom… and on the other hand, like a small beach town in Italy. And the best part: it is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Israel. And that already makes all the difference, especially when flying with small kids.
Every moment here feels as if you have stepped out of ordinary life. Everywhere we set foot, from the lobby, from the room, from the pool, an endless turquoise view spread out before our eyes. My girls were beyond excited, and we could not stop marveling at all the little details either. Every morning you wake up to a view that is hard to believe is real, the kind that brings a smile without any effort (yes yes, even when the mornings start really, really early courtesy of the girls :).
Let's Cut To The Chase – Everything You Want to Know About the Resort
The Elix Marbella hotel sits in northwest Greece, in a magical region called Epirus, one of the greenest and wildest areas in the country. To get there from Israel, you fly directly to the city of Preveza, a short flight of just over two hours, and from there it is about an hour and a half's drive along a beautiful mountain road leading to a secluded stretch of coast with dramatic views of the Ionian Sea.
Already on the way you start to feel that something special is waiting at the end, and when you arrive, the view is simply breathtaking: a green cliff spilling into clear turquoise sea, and there, on the slope, sits one of the most impressive resorts I have ever visited.
The hotel itself is a perfect combination of modern luxury and wild nature: carefully designed rooms, spacious family rooms and stunning suites, some with private pools and some with open sea views. Every unit is bright, pleasant and full of thought, with natural materials and furniture that radiates calm and warmth. It is a perfect place for families looking for a quiet, indulgent and stylish vacation, the kind where the parents actually manage to rest too.
The Rooms and the Design
The rooms here are simply perfect. There are regular rooms, spacious family rooms and stunning suites, some with private pools and some with access to a shared pool. Everything is designed in a clean, modern and luxurious style without overdoing it: wood, stone, special luxurious textiles, natural light filling the entire space. You can see and feel that every detail was carefully chosen, from the lamps to the furniture, and everything is in perfect harmony with the view outside.
The service in the rooms and throughout the hotel in general is exceptional. Every request is answered immediately and with a smile, the cleanliness is at the highest level I have seen, and the staff is always ready to help. In short, you simply feel that every detail has been thought through so that our vacation would be indulgent, comfortable and perfect.
The Pool and the Beach
As if the private pool in our suite was not exciting enough, the main pool is a beautiful infinity pool. And the best part: right next to the pool there is a fun jacuzzi! There is of course also a great kids' pool and a pool restaurant, all at the highest possible level.
And let's not even get started on the private beach: you go down to it in a funicular lift (!!), which is an experience in itself. Within a few minutes you find yourself on a dreamy beach, light sand, clear water and a quiet that reminds you exactly why you were waiting for this vacation.
Wherever you sit, whether on a sun lounger by the pool, on the suite's terrace or on the beach, you feel complete freedom. Every moment here is full of ease and magic, and you just want to sit, sip a cocktail and enjoy the view.
The Food
I have to pause for a moment on the food, because it truly is on another level. Even the dinner buffet, which I usually do not connect with that much, was wow. There are 4 restaurants at the hotel, including two fine-dining restaurants, and the food is fresh, meticulous, beautiful, the kind you cannot help but photograph, and genuinely delicious too.
The kids do not stay hungry: there are adapted menus, high chairs, and the staff takes care of everything.
And between meals, three bars with excellent cocktails, so the parents can truly rest and enjoy too. A red-hot recommendation for the lobby bar at sunset: sit outside, order cocktails (which are at the highest level there is) and enjoy magical sunsets that look just like a painting.
Kids' and Baby Clubs
And of course, a vacation with small kids is not really a restful vacation… unless the resort has a great kids club!! At ELIX MARBELLA there are three excellent clubs, for babies, kids and teens, operating every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (yes, I did not get the hours wrong! 🙂 ) You can even leave the kids for lunch at the club, with loads of games and activities, so they are not bored for a moment.
All of this lets the parents truly sit back in peace, at the pool, on the beach or on a sun lounger with a cocktail in hand, and breathe. We honestly felt like we were on a romantic couples' vacation from morning till noon while the girls were at day camp and having a blast!
Spa and Fitness
If you love moving your body, there is a well-equipped gym, a spa with pampering treatments, tennis, soccer and basketball courts, yoga, Pilates and strength classes, and water sports too. Perfect for anyone who loves combining a bit of activity with the rest. By the way, the classes are included in the price 🙂
The Area and a Day Trip
The hotel itself is amazing, but the surrounding area adds even more magic. In less than half an hour's drive you reach an especially colorful and charming beach town called Parga. Little alleys, colorful houses, excellent local tavernas: it feels as if you have landed in an authentic Italian village. Parga is a short but magical experience: we strolled through the enchanting alleys, sat at an excellent local Greek restaurant, ate gelato, and it was simply fun.
To Sum Up: A Luxurious Family Vacation with Real Rest
Truly, this is a place that raises the standard for every other resort. A family vacation that manages to be luxurious and indulgent yet fun for the kids, with exceptional service, perfect food, spectacular views and an experience of complete freedom.
If you are looking for a stylish family vacation, where the parents can truly rest and the kids are busy and happy, ELIX MARBELLA is the place. Here is a link to book a vacation at the hotel. Enjoy!
What do you think about the ELIX MARBELLA resort?
I would love to hear in the comments 😘
