Salvator Hotel Villas and Spa

There’s a lot more to Greece than the islands and the capital. For a seaside experience that’s a bit of a departure from the Cyclades circuit, there’s Parga, on the mainland’s northwest coast, and the little emerald in Parga’s crown: Salvator Hotel Villas & Spa.

It’s set on a hillside above the town, about a mile from the beach, surrounded by greenery which is reflected in the interior color scheme — just when maritime Greece had just about become synonymous with blank white and Aegean blue, here’s a new modern Greek idiom, all natural wood and vibrant olive green.

The eclectic, slightly bohemian look is a welcome change for this part of the world, but underneath it all is a classic boutique hotel. Comforts are legion, terraces or balconies universal, bathtubs nearly so, and the two-bedroom villas add kitchens, fireplaces and private pools.

Everyone else shares the main pool on a terrace cut into the hillside, which is the daytime heart of the hotel. The spa is on hand for more intensive relaxation, and the hotel’s restaurant and cafe see to guests’ immediate needs. Beyond that there’s Parga town, reachable via an almost negligible car ride, and it’s from Parga’s beaches that you’ll get up close and personal with the Ionian Sea.

Please note: Salvator Hotel requires a three-night minimum and is open seasonally, May through October.

How to get there:
Preveza and Ioannina Airport are both approximately one hour by car to Salvator Hotel Villas & Spa. The Port of Igoumenitsa is approximately 40 minutes by car to the hotel.