ELaiolithos - Luxury Villa Suites - Adults Only — Hotel in Municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades

After finding ELaiolithos, I was beyond excited! I was counting down the days. We arrived with a lovely bout of rain, which was revered and needed for Naxos! I remember Pamela running out in the pouring rain to help us bring in our bags!

After a long trip over, we were starving! I follow a similar philosophy to the sourcing of my food at home, and I was so excited to find a place that sources ingredients not only from family but no farther than 5km. We sat at a table and were provided water. After 20 minutes of sitting, a family comes in late for their reservation, we are asked to move. No problem at all, we hop over to the next table. We sat for maybe another 25 minutes without being acknowledged at all. I decided it would be best to just eat in town. My mother made a comment on the way out that embarrassed me at first, but as I sat with it was warranted. All my mother said was: "We have been waiting for 45 minutes. This is ridiculous, we are eating somewhere else." This was when you decided to tell us the electricity went out, Helen.

This is where my feedback comes in. We are reasonable individuals. If you came over to the table to let us know what was going on, the situation would have been different. If you used empathy and put yourself in our shoes, being left out in the dark on what was happening, think of how you would have responded. After we came back, you walked over and told us this is the second time the electricity has gone out since opening, and things like this happen. I agree things like this happen that are out of your control, however you are in control of your actions. Your lack of communication or a simple apology left us disappointed. My feedback for you is to walk over to the table the next time something like this happens and inform your guests on what's going on. Communication is everything.

An example of what you could have communicated to us: "I am sorry to inform you that the electricity has gone out. I am unsure of a timeframe of when it will come back on. Feel free to stay if you would like, but understand it will take much more time for your meal to be served. Or you can head into town to get dinner, and when you come back I would like to make it up to you." Do you see how this type of communication serves both parties better?

The following days, I didn't appreciate your passive aggressive comments towards us. My mother and I were lounging watching the sunset, and you pointed to a plant next to us and asked us if we knew what it was. You said said υπομονή, which means patience. You then started to talk about how all the guests you have had have never given you any trouble eluding to us being troublesome for you. I personally felt like I was walking on eggshells around you, and I did not feel comfortable around you.

This was a disappointing experience for me because I was really looking forward to it. Helen, I encourage you to think about how your words and actions affect others. I spent a pretty penny for 4 nights, and would have expected a little more professionalism from you.

I do want to highlight Pamela! She is an absolute angel! She was thoughtful, friendly, professional, and she was a pleasure to be around! She cooked my breakfast every morning, and it was out of this world delicious!

I wish we had a more positive experience here. I wish you the best.

Updated Review: No, we did not come out of our suite because the power was flickering. We came out of our sweet to eat dinner. We were unaware of any power outages as I previously stated. You did not communicate this with us. Do you think we would have sat down at the table to eat if we knew there was a power outage? It’s unfortunate to see you lying about my mother being upset about a timeframe of when the power would come back on. That is not true, and you know it. Take ownership over your actions. I can't address more of your inconsistencies because of a character limit on this review, but I see through your sugar coated intentions of how you want to present yourself and the events...

ELaiolithos is a truly unique destination that offers an exceptional experience on every level. It's the perfect choice for anyone visiting Naxos who seeks comfort, authenticity, and memorable hospitality. Ideally located for exploring the island’s charming mountain villages, ELaiolithos combines convenience with natural beauty. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, thoughtfully equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. As many reviewers have noted, the food is a standout—fresh, hearty, wholesome, and proudly local.

What truly makes ELaiolithos an exceptional experience is its owner, Helen—a warm-hearted, generous, and deeply hospitable host. To her guests, whom she treats like visiting family, Helen is more than just the proprietor; she’s the host, manager, itinerary planner, chef, and personal lifeline—readily available by text or phone throughout your stay to offer guidance and support. Got a question? Helen has the answer. Facing a challenge? She’s already thought of the solution.

This kind of spot-on, personalized advice is invaluable when exploring Naxos. As beautiful as the island is, the hikes can be strenuous, the roads often twisty, steep, and narrow, and the summer heat intense. In our case, when Helen learned that my wife was still recovering from an ACL injury, she thoughtfully advised us against hiking to the top of Mount Zeus, which would have required a steep, rocky ascent. Instead, she recommended a shorter, more moderate trail that still rewarded us with breathtaking views of the island.

As I mentioned, Helen treats her guests like family—and she truly means it. On our very first day, shortly after we arrived, she told us we were in luck: “The shepherds are having a festival tonight,” she said, “and you’re coming with me.” We followed Helen in our car, about 30 minutes from the hotel, to an outdoor cookout—Naxos style. What followed was one of those unforgettable, “you-had-to-be-there” experiences. Set in a rural village with nearly 200 locals—and we, the only foreigners—we were welcomed as if we belonged. The feast was incredible: freshly roasted goat, lamb, and pork; crisp salads; the famous Naxos potatoes; and plenty of local wine. The evening unfolded with live music and traditional dancing, offering us a rare and authentic glimpse into island life.

We chose to split our week in Naxos between the mountains and the beach, using ELaiolithos as our base for exploring the island’s villages and the rugged western and southwestern coastlines. In hindsight, we were so glad we did. Staying exclusively near the main town and trying to visit the villages in just one or two day trips would have shortchanged the mountain experience, which turned out to be a highlight of our time on the island.

Once again, I can only speak in superlatives about ELaiolithos—truly a gem, and an absolute must when...

Just returned home after spending 2 weeks in Greece with my son and daughter-in-law. While in Naxos, we stayed at the ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat Hotel & Suites. We chose the Oraia Eleni Suite (gorgeous with a very large balcony furnished with lounges, tables and chairs) for four nights. While each of the five accommodations have a different theme, they are all beautifully furnished and have incredible views of the mountains and villages. Helen, the owner of this gem of a hotel, makes you feel like family from the moment you arrive. If you tell her what you want to do and see, she will help you plan your itinerary. Although we ate out a few times, we enjoyed Helen’s cooking more than anywhere else on the island. Each day, after spending time exploring many of Naxos’ historical sights, beautiful villages and beaches, we looked forward to going back to this special hotel to take a swim in the lovely pool overlooking a view to die for. Breakfast was amazing—crepes, waffles, eggs, omelets, goat cheese & yogurt, jams made from local fruits in season—pears, peaches, apricot, citrus, wild cherries (my favorite) are among the many selections. Dinner was a delight. Everything is made from local ingredients. Not only was everything she and the young ladies who helped her prepare meals (salads, meatballs, sausage, vegetables (the fried potatoes were a treat) delicious, the food looked like a work of art when presented. All the food served is organically grown or harvested within a five-mile radius of the hotel. The juice and smoothies are made each day from fruit and vegetables that are in season. Everything is freshly prepared. Sunday night is Greek night. A local musician plays the guitar and sings. The Sunday we were there happened to be Helen’s 14-year-old son’s birthday. We were invited to join the celebration along with his friends, family and other guests. I can’t say enough about the hospitality we experienced. The young ladies who work there, Katarina, Pamela and Andrea, were super nice and attentive. We enjoyed spending time with them. What can I say about Helen—she’s the best! You can’t go wrong staying at ELaiolithos and being spoiled by these women who are so proud of what they have to offer. Do yourself a favor, when in Naxos, take time to enjoy lunch or dinner at this eco-friendly hotel defined by nature, or better yet stay for a couple of nights. You will find peace and tranquility there. You won’t be disappointed. Many thanks, Linda, Sean and Zhenyi (USA) I almost forgot, the message...