Some places don’t announce themselves loudly—they let the landscape do the talking. Elix, Mar-Bella Collection is one of those rare resorts where the first impression begins long before check-in. Approaching along Greece’s northwestern mainland coast, the Ionian Sea opens wide, the light sharpens, and the land falls away into hidden coves and steep green slopes. From its elevated perch above Karavostasi, Elix looks outward to a horizon dotted with islands—Paxos and Antipaxos close enough to feel familiar, Corfu hovering in the distance—while below, a sheltered beach waits quietly at the base of the cliffs.
Yet Elix is far more than a spectacular viewpoint. It is a carefully designed, contemporary resort that blends relaxation with understated sophistication. Everything here feels intentional: architecture that frames the sea rather than competes with it, interiors that lean toward warmth and texture instead of glossy excess, and a rhythm of daily life that makes slowing down feel natural. Whether you come as a couple, a family, or a multigenerational group, the resort offers the freedom to do as much—or as little—as you like, all while remaining grounded in the character of this lesser-known corner of Greece.
Setting and atmosphere
Location is Elix’s defining strength. Built into a hillside above the Ionian, the resort enjoys uninterrupted views that shift with the time of day—from soft morning blues to golden afternoons and deep indigo evenings. The sense of space is constant; even at full occupancy, the resort never feels crowded or enclosed.
The overall atmosphere strikes a thoughtful balance: relaxed but polished, modern yet rooted in place. Earthy tones, woven fabrics, and natural materials echo the surrounding landscape, while expansive glass and open terraces ensure the sea is always part of the experience. The mood is calm, family-friendly, and quietly confident rather than showy.
Arrival and first impressions
Arriving at Elix can be an experience in itself. Many guests choose to travel via Corfu and continue by boat, turning the transfer into a scenic introduction to the coastline—small beaches, rocky inlets, and shimmering water slipping past before the resort comes into view.
Once on land, the reception area sets the tone: light-filled, airy, and deliberately unhurried. Large windows frame the Ionian like a living painting, and the transition from travel mode to holiday mode feels immediate. Throughout the public spaces, subtle design details—colorful textiles, locally inspired accents, and soft lighting—create a welcoming sense of place without overwhelming the senses.
The concept behind Elix
Elix represents the third chapter in the Mar-Bella Collection story. Following the original MarBella on Corfu and the adults-only Nido, Elix extends the brand’s vision to the Greek mainland. Opened in 2021, it reflects a more contemporary approach to resort living: inclusive, family-oriented, environmentally aware, and focused on quality experiences rather than excess.
Rooms and suites: calm, contemporary, and view-focused
Accommodation at Elix is designed around comfort and the surrounding scenery. Rooms favor natural palettes and tactile materials—warm wood floors, textured headboards, and soft, indirect lighting that makes evenings feel restful rather than stark.
The real luxury, however, is the way the rooms are positioned. Balconies and terraces are arranged to maximize sea views, often with clear glass balustrades that allow the horizon to remain uninterrupted. Many rooms and suites include generous outdoor spaces, and some feature private pools with panoramic views—particularly appealing for families or guests seeking extra privacy.
After long days of sun and salt air, the rooms feel like genuine retreats: quiet, cool, and reassuringly uncluttered.
Dining: variety with a strong sense of place
Food at Elix is intentionally diverse, catering to long stays and mixed groups while maintaining a consistent emphasis on freshness and regional flavors.
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Saffron, the main restaurant, offers an abundant Greek and Mediterranean buffet throughout the day, designed to be both generous and approachable.
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Pearl shifts the mood toward refined evening dining, presenting Greek-inspired fine cuisine with a more creative edge and a carefully chosen wine list.
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Indigo moves easily from relaxed daytime pool dining—light bites and refreshing dishes—to a more elegant, trattoria-style atmosphere in the evening.
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Azure, located by the beach, keeps things informal and irresistible: cocktails, easygoing plates, and the sort of menu that encourages you to linger long after the sun has dipped.
Wherever you eat, the sea is rarely out of sight. Dining at Elix is as much about the setting as it is about the food—meals stretch longer simply because the view invites you to stay.
Spa and wellness
The spa at Elix is intimate rather than grand, focusing on tranquility and attentive service. It’s the kind of space designed for genuine restoration: calm treatment rooms, skilled therapists, and an atmosphere that encourages you to disconnect completely. Whether it’s a massage after a day in the sun or a quiet moment away from the bustle of the resort, the spa offers a welcome pause.
Activities and exploration
Although Elix feels pleasingly secluded, it doesn’t isolate guests from the region. The resort actively encourages exploration, offering excursions to nearby villages where traditional tavernas and local dishes provide a deeper taste of Epirus.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, activities range from kayaking along the coast and snorkelling in clear waters to mountain biking, sailing, and outdoor yoga sessions. The surrounding landscape—rugged, green, and largely unspoiled—adds a sense of adventure that contrasts beautifully with the resort’s calm interiors.
Family-friendly by design
Elix stands out for how thoughtfully it caters to families without turning into a noisy, child-dominated resort. Childcare services cover a wide age range, from babies to teenagers, while activities go well beyond the basics: treasure hunts, creative games, sports challenges, evening shows, stargazing, and mythology-inspired programs that feel both fun and educational.
Pools are carefully planned, with a smaller, shaded children’s pool and a larger heated infinity pool whose shallow edges suit younger swimmers. Family room configurations are flexible and generous, including interconnecting rooms and suites with private pools.
One detail many families remember most fondly is the funicular that connects the resort to the beach below—an everyday journey that quickly becomes a highlight for younger guests.
Sustainability and responsibility
Environmental awareness is woven into Elix’s operations. The beach holds Blue Flag status, while broader sustainability practices align with internationally recognized eco-certifications. The surrounding marine and coastal areas include protected zones, reflecting the ecological importance of the region.
Behind the scenes, the resort emphasizes waste reduction, responsible food management, and social responsibility, aiming to balance high-end hospitality with respect for the local environment and community.
Practical notes
Accessibility is well considered, with ramps, on-site transport assistance, and adapted facilities available. Beach access can be arranged via the funicular or by vehicle when needed.
A small but useful tip: balcony screens are worth using. Cicadas are part of the authentic soundtrack of the Greek countryside—harmless, but enthusiastic—and the screens ensure nature stays just outside.
Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, succeeds because it understands that true luxury lies in ease and balance. Its cliffside setting delivers one of the Ionian’s most compelling views, but the resort doesn’t rely on scenery alone. Thoughtful design, calm service, varied dining, and genuinely family-friendly planning come together to create an experience that feels both elevated and welcoming.
This is a destination for travelers who want the comfort of a well-run resort without losing their connection to Greece itself—the landscape, the light, the sea, and the slower rhythm of coastal life. At Elix, days unfold naturally: beach below, infinity pool above, and evenings that stretch on simply because there’s no reason to rush.