Greece activity holiday
This year we headed to the mainland of Greece on a Neilson Beach Club holiday we had been with them before to Croatia in 2019 so it would be interesting to see how they compared They have 2 hotels Messini ( the family section) and Buca Beach ( adult only) we paid the extra for Buca Beach which was an oasis of calm with just 57 rooms so has a real boutique vibe It is located in Analipsi on the Peloponnese 20 minutes drive from Kalamata so a short airport transfer
There was a flight from Birmingham too which was a real bonus
This part of Greece is more traditional and authentic with just a small village nearby with a couple of tavernas . All you can hear is the sound of the ocean and birdsong and the birds were nesting when we were there - there was a nest just outside our room with 5 adorable chicks
The pool area had a huge lap pool surrounded by cabanas and sunbeds with umbrellas so plenty of shade, In the afternoon the wind picked up on the beach so it was quite pleasant watching the sailors and windsurfers out at sea . Despite being June there was a mini heatwave and temperatures were between 32 & 37 degrees
The activities were split into different interests Sailing , Tennis and Cycling . There was 20 + activities to try . I did water aerobics , tennis, Pickleball & Zumba my husband did Cycling , tennis & stretching . We didn't do any water sports although there was paddle boards ,Kayaks, sailing boats and water skiing available I think in a week you have to be organised as to what you want to do I had 'planned to do more' . Everything is now on an app where you can book into different activities
The food was buffet - there was plenty of selection really healthy and fresh ( even a honey comb!) The staff were just lovely they are some of the nicest hotel staff I have ever met nothing was too much trouble and very genuine . Plenty of Greek specialities , salads and a variety of gluton free food too. A great touch was the water stations in the bar in the restaurants. We ate out at local traditional restaurants on 2 nights of the stay ( beware the portions are huge!) in the local village of Analipsi - the prices were very reasonable We booked into a free wine testing session at the hotel too
Room were spacious - Only negative no cupboards! Large balcony , coffee machine and a fridge full of free drinks ( that we didn't realise was free so left untouched)
Tennis is split into 4 groups during the day depending on the ability and then in the evening there are drills and 'social' games - there was about 27 in each group so pretty busy- though plenty of courts and coaches to home in different skills on different days . The cyclists were out in force - the bikes were out every day on group tours including electric bikes to try , ..and the sailors it was like a regatta in the afternoons
So how did it compare to Croatia ? - There was more space with the adult only and family areas The quality of the hotel was a notch above and the food was better - the beach was nicer but the sea a little choppier which is why we didn't do any water sports . So many repeat guests - say it all Would I go back YES - loved the setting with the mountains , the fellow holiday makers were lovely , loved the ambience, the staff were superb and I think I have sorted my serve
