Kalamaki Beach, Zakynthos.

Between cypresses and sea.

Perla del Mare sits on a narrow lane lined with olive and cypress, a short walk from the pale sands of Kalamaki. The beach is part of the protected nesting grounds of the Caretta caretta sea turtle, so the shoreline stays undeveloped and softly lit at night.

The island's small capital, Zakynthos Town, is fifteen minutes by car — good for an evening volta along the seafront. The airport is ten minutes away, which means you can be poolside the same afternoon you land.