Aurora - Four Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 8

A ravishingly contemporary architect-designed villa finished to the very highest standards.

Aurora is an irresistible proposition for those in search of an exceptional experience in the Ionian Islands. Striking contemporary design, spellbinding sea views, a fabulous infinity pool, and quick access to the beach and tavernas of Agios Nikolaos are just a few of Aurora's myriad attributes.

Inside: accommodation at Aurora is spread over three floors. The sleek, stylish interiors echo the contemporary character of the exterior, where geometric shapes, clean lines, a pearl-white palette, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors combine to create a sophisticated, luminous and welcoming atmosphere. Finishings, fittings and furnishings are of top quality, and all aspects of the property, from the subtle lighting and the designer furniture to the use of materials and space, adhere to the architects' design blueprint with invigorating stylistic rigour.

The main entrance takes one into a galleried landing overlooking and, via a few steps, accessing the wonderfully spacious open-concept living and dining area. To one side, a couple of sofas gather round a designer fireplace, while to the other is a large dining table served by a fully-equipped bespoke kitchen. These calming spaces flow out organically and effortlessly onto the terraces and the pool area via walls of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, whose second, but equally important role is to bring the sensational views and the light inside.

Just off the galleried landing is a guest bathroom and the first bedroom, a spacious room with fabulous sea views, an en-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower, and a private terrace connecting with the pool area.

A flight of stairs lead from the landing up to the first floor, which is home to two more splendid bedrooms:

• the first has a strategically positioned in-room hydromassage tub looking out to sea (and, through a specially designed oblong window, towards the island of Cephalonia), an en-suite bathroom with tub and overhead shower, and a pair of fabulously panoramic shaded terraces;
• the second also comes with sublime sea views, an en-suite shower room, and a large shaded private terrace complete with Jacuzzi.

Accommodation at Aurora is completed on the lower ground floor, where, accessed from its own private sea-view terrace with Jacuzzi, is a the fourth and final bedroom with en-suite shower room.

Outside: like its internal spaces, Aurora's outdoor areas are set up to maximise the stunning 180-degree vistas of the sea and Zakynthos's eastern coastline. The focal point is a generously large terrace to the front of the property that is accessed from all the ground floor rooms. Here there are shady areas furnished for dining and lounging, and a wide-open solarium fanning round three sides of the remarkable infinity pool, whose grand dimensions and Jacuzzi corner make it the star of the show.

All four bedrooms can be made up as a double or a twin and have their own furnished sea-view terraces, allowing guests to enjoy some al fresco privacy when required. Two of these (one on the first floor and the one on the lower ground floor) have the added bonus of a Jacuzzi.

Beyond the terraces, Mediterranean gardens extend to the limit of the grounds, where, on three sides, the maquis-scented countryside takes over, providing a pleasant backdrop to Aurora's privileged position.

Aurora features a superb infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop from the infinity edge, so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around this property might make it unsuitable for people with limited mobility.
Sitting in a supreme sea-view position on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, Aurora is well-placed for those who love the sea, beaches and exploring picturesque villages and towns. At just over 30km long and 20km wide, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is easy to get around and many of the island's best spots are close to Aurora.

Just 1km from Aurora is the little harbour village of Agios Nikolaos. It may be small, but it offers most of what you will need on a day-to-day basis, including a beach, crystal clear waters, a minimarket, boat rental and a few tavernas and bars.

A few minutes' boat ride up the coast from Agios Nikolaos are the Blue Caves, a series of sea grottoes that are particularly well worth exploring in the morning when the eastern sun illuminates them with the sapphire colours of the sea. It's also a great spot for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Numerous lovely sandy beaches line the east coast, including those at Makris Gialos and Xigia (10-15mins) and Alykes (25mins).

Heading west across the island, meanwhile, you will soon come to Zakynthos's most popular, most spectacular and most photographed beach: Navagio. Taking its name from the shipwreck that has lain on its sand since the early 1980s, the sandy bay is surrounded on three sides by spectacular tree-topped white cliffs and is only accessible by boat. This sublime setting and the bay's transparent, electric blue waters attract the crowds in high summer, but it's most certainly a sight to behold, both from above and below.

In terms of villages and towns in the area, the unspoilt twin villages of Volimes (upper and lower) have some interesting buildings, including traditional stone-built houses, a windmill, a couple of churches and a 400-year-old monastery. There are also a few eateries, should you get peckish while exploring.

Slightly further afield, though still just a 40-minute drive down the coast, is the capital of Zakynthos, Chora (or Zakynthos Town). A few fascinating Venetian buildings survive, and its museums and galleries, vibrant summery atmosphere, and host of bars, cafés and tavernas make it an attractive proposition for a day out.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.