The First Five-Star Gets a Full Makeover
Lesante Classic in Tsilivi is finishing a two-year transformation in time for the 2026 season. The hotel holds a specific place in Zakynthos’ tourism history: it was the island’s first five-star property, part of the Lesante Collection alongside the newer Lesante Cape and Lesante Blu.
The upgrade is not a cosmetic refresh. All 119 rooms and suites have been completely redesigned. The second phase — covering public areas, the main pool, and the exterior facades — is currently underway and also due to complete this summer.
What’s New in the Rooms
The redesign leans into Mediterranean materials and restraint. Rooms use wood, stone, and linen fabrics in earthy tones — beige, ecru — with clean geometry and natural light as core elements. The palette draws directly from the Ionian Sea landscape visible from the property.
Room categories:
- Deluxe Rooms — 30 m², garden or pool views
- Executive Rooms — 38 m², pool views
- Deluxe Family Rooms — 60 m², designed for families
- Grand Suites — 140 m², private terrace with outdoor jacuzzi
Technology runs in the background: modern lighting systems, air conditioning, and updated connectivity infrastructure.
Local Craftsmanship as a Design Statement
A notable detail in the renovation is the deliberate use of Zakynthian tradespeople. Wooden structures, custom furniture, and decorative elements were made by local artisans — a choice the hotel frames as both aesthetic and economic: it ties the property to the island’s character while supporting local businesses.
“This upgrade is not just an aesthetic renewal, but a holistic approach,” says Dionysis Vithoulkas, CEO of Lesante Collection. “Our goal is for Lesante Classic to offer an experience that combines affordable luxury with the authenticity of Zakynthos.”
Kitchen Under New Direction
The restaurant operation has also changed. Chef Thodoris Christakis now leads the kitchen, with a focus on local Zakynthian produce and modern Greek cooking. Previous collaborators included prominent Greek chefs Dimitris Skarmoutsos, Dimitris Katrivesis, and Nikos Thomas — so the culinary ambitions are clear.
What This Means for Visitors
Tsilivi is one of Zakynthos’ most accessible resort areas — about 5 km north of Zakynthos Town, with a sandy beach, good infrastructure, and connections to the rest of the island. Lesante Classic’s completion gives the resort a proper flagship luxury option for summer 2026, filling a gap in a market that otherwise skews toward apartment rentals and mid-range hotels.
Travelers considering Zakynthos in 2026 who want a full-service five-star stay now have a genuinely renovated option, rather than a dated property in need of attention.
Photo: Tsilivi beach area, Zakynthos / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0