Gentilini Retreat — Hotel in Argostoli Municipality

This was our second stay at the Gentilini Retreat having first visited two years ago. We have never before returned to the same holiday destination preferring to explore new places when we holiday abroad, however - Kefalonia is such a beautiful island and Eleni is just the perfect host that my husband and I felt a strong pull to return. ||Within a short time of arriving and having received a very warm welcome from Eleni, we were settled and relaxing by the pool situated in the midst of the olive grove. Eleni produces the finest organic extra virgin olive oil from the Gentilini trees some of which are over 1000 years old so you really are living a genuine Greek experience! ||For this visit we took our youngest daughter (19) but our older daughter and boyfriend also drove across from Europe to meet up with us and my dad and his wife also joined us all for a mini break. It is a perfect venue for friends or family to reunite – there are places to spend time together although, as the accommodation is located across the estate, there is also space for privacy and independence and Eleni is flexible to accommodate different lengths of stay. All the rooms are beautifully decorated, have their own unique style and charm and are equipped with a fridge and air conditioning as well as mosquito guards on doors and windows. Some of the rooms have even been built within the old walls of the original dwelling which was destroyed during the 1950s earthquake. These are particularly attractive and have a romantic feel to them which would be perfect for honeymooners. ||Whether you want to explore the history of the island (much of it being linked to Eleni’s family who have been on the island since the 1700s), visit the shops or just stay on a quiet beach, Eleni is always able to give you advice about how to make the most of your time. She can also make suggestions about where to eat during the day and evenings although, after having had her wonderful breakfasts, we didn’t feel like eating much else during the daytime! ||For both our visits we hired a car which is a 'must' to enable you the opportunity to explore at your leisure but Eleni is happy and able to guide you to reliable and independent car hire companies prior to your arrival.||All of our party felt so much at home at the Gentilini Retreat and would definitely recommend it to anyone, whatever they want to get from their trip...

A hidden gem. We like to get away from the hoi polloi on holiday, and Gentilini provided absolute tranquility, relaxation and buckets of charm in a stunning setting.||Set within ancient olive groves, Gentilini’s wonderful owner Eleni puts on an epic breakfast, sitting under a pergola of grapevines and looking out over the groves and mountains beyond. She serves eggs from their hens, tangy homemade feta, lemonade from her lemon trees, honey from their hives, olive oil pressed from the 2000 year old trees (which you can buy, too), homemade marmalade, fresh peaches, figs, creamy Greek yoghurt, crusty bread and great coffee. It’s an idyllic start to the day.||Eleni was an amazing host, going above and beyond, giving us tips for the best restaurants, hidden beaches and most importantly where to avoid. A tasting at her sister’s nearby winery, Gentilini Winery, is a must.||The stone cottages, surrounded by pink oleander, are very roomy, comfortable and clean. We really enjoyed sitting out at night looking at the millions of stars (no light pollution here) and listening to all the amazing nature.||The large pool is a 2 min walk down an oleander lined pathway, set right in the middle of the olive grove, with the backdrop of Kefalonia’s dramatic mountains. It is absolutely incredible. ||This is a rural retreat, away from the tourist tat on the coast. But Kefalonia is relatively small so you are only a short drive away from lots of wonderful beaches - many with very few other tourists. The restaurants next to the castle of st George are just 2 miles away and some of the best food on the island.||We felt pretty smug to have found this little corner of paradise (and have it to...

A hidden gem. We like to get away from the hoi polloi on holiday, and Gentilini provided absolute tranquility, relaxation and buckets of charm in a stunning setting.

Set within ancient olive groves, the wonderful owner Eleni puts on an epic breakfast of homemade feta, lemonade from her lemon trees, honey from their hives, olive oil pressed from 2000 year old trees (which you can buy, too), homemade marmalade, fresh peaches, figs, creamy Greek yoghurt, crusty bread and great coffee. It’s an idyllic start to the day.

Eleni was an amazing host, going above and beyond, giving us tips for the best restaurants, hidden beaches and most importantly where to avoid. A tasting at her sister’s nearby winery, Gentilini Winery, is a must.

The stone cottages, surrounded by pink oleander, are very roomy, comfortable and clean. We really enjoyed sitting out at night looking at the millions of stars (no light pollution here) and listening to all the amazing nature.

The large pool is a 2 min walk down a pathway, set right in the middle of the olive grove, with the backdrop of Kefalonia’s dramatic mountains. It is absolutely incredible.

We felt pretty smug to have found this little corner of paradise (and have it to...