Ela mesa

We had a lovely stay. The rooms were clean and great, the view was fantastic, and there are two swimming pools. Staff were very friendly.

We loved having a swimming pool, especially in the heat, and the hotel grounds were kept very clean. Our room was serviced daily. The Greek home-cooked dishes were delicious, and the staff and owners were friendly. I also liked the plants, cactus and succulents around the grounds. It’s a handy base for exploring Aegina. A short walk takes you down to the harbour, with a small beach, bakery, supermarket and several restaurants. We ate at most of them and didn’t have a bad meal.

The food was a pleasant surprise for vegans. Breakfast had a vegan label and a surprisingly good range of options, and the lunch menu has a vegetarian section with many dishes that are vegan or easy to adapt. The staff speak English well and are happy to answer questions about ingredients. Emma was especially proactive, so we could just relax by the pool. We felt very welcome. The owner gave us tips about the area and arranged scooters for us, and I found him friendly and supportive. I don’t understand the negative reviews about him. It’s a really good hotel, with a lovely view, clean pool, relaxing atmosphere and nice staff.

The harbor is just below the hotel, and it’s around a five-minute walk to Souvala harbor, where you can catch ferries to other islands or the mainland and Athens. There are restaurants, bars and a bakery nearby, with pastries and snacks worth picking up for the trip. Ela Mesa has a poolside restaurant and bar too, so you don’t really need to leave the hotel if you’d rather stay put. If you’re staying on Aegina and want a bit of a Greek village feel, this place is a must. The owner and staff go out of their way to make your stay wonderful, and the price is reasonable. Breakfast comes with eggs, fruit, bread, meats and cheeses, just right for a light meal.