The Island Getaway

Prologue

Have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all? The Ionian Escape is a luxurious, family-run hotel on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, and it might be the very place you’re looking for. Imagine waking up in a light-filled, spacious suite, fully rested after a night on one of our king-sized beds. Step out onto the balcony and take in the view of the bay below– a magnificent sweep of golden sand, the sea a breathtaking shade of teal. We have a well-stocked bar and an award-winning restaurant on our verdant garden terrace, and it’s a glorious spot to watch the sun go down in the evening, a cocktail clinking with ice in your hand. A short walk away is our lagoon pool, complete with sunloungers, perfect for taking it easy. There’s also our indulgent spa with a wide range of treatments, plus our airy fitness studio with daily classes, and we offer a huge variety of activities for guests, from wine tasting to surfing lessons to day trips around the island.

The office manager lifts her fingers from the keyboard and reads over her words, absent-mindedly twisting the small gold evil eye charm she always wears on a necklace. In truth, the hotel has been an escape for her too, having fled to the island three years ago, pale with stress, a broken doll of a person. Since then, she has slowly rebuilt her life here, piece by piece, day by day. The sunshine has helped, as have her great colleagues, plus those faithful old healers, time and distance. She’s a different woman now, stronger if still somewhat wary, and experience has taught her two things: one, that sometimes a person just needs to pack a case and leave everything behind. And two, that everyone– absolutely everyone– has a story to tell.

She returns to the website copy she’s updating. Tempted? she types. Then you know what to do. You’re sure of a warm welcome at The Ionian Escape hotel– your perfect island getaway.