Hotel review: Peligoni shows why Zakynthos is more than Greece's clubbers' paradise

Which is how we ended up at Peligoni, a members’ club in north-east Zakynthos, and a rite of passage for middle-class tweens on account of it’s ‘yup, we really have thought of everything’ mastery of that particular demographic of wealthy parent for whom a happy holiday = a happy child.

Everyone is from Notting Hill, unless they are from Surrey or Berkshire.

The club itself is idyllic, a panoply of shady spots, whitewashed walls, plump cushions, Instagrammable hammocks, comfy sunbeds and jaw-dropping sea views, guests’ every whims ministered to by an eager team of gap yah teens so beautiful that they must be fending off propositions left, right and centre at chucking-out time.

While the food was delicious, the service enthusiastic and the facilities — gym, spa, tennis courts, towel service, concierge service, maid service and shopping service (hampers can be delivered to your villa on request) superb, the real jewel in Peli’s crown is the kids’ activity programme. Run by Peligoni’s childcare team and overseen by Sharky & George (a favourite with the royals), it runs the gamut from crèche and childcare for the youngest guests to more demanding activities for tweens and teens, taken care of by enthusiastic, patient staff who, being late teen/early twentysomethings themselves, seem more like cool older friends than fusty authority figures.

Quieter kids might prefer coastal walks; outgoing ones will enjoy the group volleyball sessions, fitness classes and pool parties. There’s also the optional extra of a watersports package, which includes sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wakeboarding.

We stayed at Villa Klelia, a gorgeous property with its own pool, an outdoor barbecue and stunning sea views, though given the club itself has a pool (not to mention being right next to the sea), you could easily opt for a more basic place. One of Peligoni’s strengths is the variety of accommodation it offers: while there’s no doubt that it attracts the 1 per cent (a top-of-the-range villa for 14 people in peak season can cost £10,500 for the week), it’s also possible to go in low season, stay in a clean, simple and totally charming B&B for two people and have change from £600.

As the villas are dotted throughout the nearby hills, it’s essential to decide whether you need or want to hire a car before you book.

The stand-out was our trip on Peli’s vintage yacht, Odyssey, with me and the kids jumping into the clear turquoise Ionian Sea in our underwear because we’d forgotten to bring our swimsuits. It’s rare for all four of us to look happy in the same photo (or even to be in the same photo), but even now, some six months later, the warmth of our smiles remains even if the sunshine faded long ago.