Review submitted by non-Villarenters customer: HOLIDAY REVIEW / GREECE Magazine / Issue 42 May 2008 / Page 80
Available for sale on WHSmith
Vardiola Villas offers opportunities to explore Kefalonia by land or sea as Judy Darley discovers.
Set on the southern coast of the island of Kefalonia, this complex of four spacious villas has more in common with a boutique hotel than a string of holiday cottages. After flying through the night, I was impressed to be met promptly at the airport by Petros, the villas’ concierge, who drove me the 5-minute journey to the villas, carried my bags inside, and showed me the facilities I had at my disposal. These included a rather snazzy Smart Home automation system, which provides a means of controlling lights, air-conditioning, hot water and kitchen appliances via a panel by the front door or a remote control.The rest of the tour included the villa’s hydro-massage tub, barbecue and, most enticingly, the swimming pool, which I would have to myself for my entire stay as each of the villas has one. The villas sleep six people each in comfort, with sofa beds meaning you can cram in a couple more if you are having a big family holiday. I, however, had come in search of peace, quiet and views, so had the entire three-bedroom house to myself. The exterior of the villa I’d chosen was painted in soft apricot, while my neighbours were in shades of pink and lemon yellow. The interior was a calming space of pale walls, marble staircases and dark wooden shutters – crucial for keeping out the bright Greek sunshine if you want a lie-in.
It was just getting light as Petros left me, so I stepped out on to the balcony to drink in views of the sunrise spreading waves of pink and gold across the Ionian sea, illuminating the tiny Zeus Island and Zakynthos island beyond. To the rear of the property I could see Ainos Mountain range just begin to reveal itself against the dawn sky.
At my request, the fridge and kitchen cupboards had been stocked with coffee, milk, butter, jam and fresh bread for breakfast. As a nice surprise, Georgios, the owner, had left me a welcome pack of local honey, wine, and some gorgeous local pastries, as well of a small punnet of seasonal fruit.
I had arranged with Petros to take a tour of the island later that day, and he arrived at midday to drive me to the northern tip to see highlights such as Fiscardo Harbour, Myrtos Beach and Asos, where there is a gorgeous Venetian castle, now used as a conference centre. These trips are available to all of the villas’ guests, and can be customised so that you explore the areas that appeal to you most.
If you want to stay close to the villas, you can make use of the private tennis courts, or the children’s playground area, or stroll the 200 metres down to Avythos Beach via a private footpath. Mini markets, bars and restaurants are within walking distance, but if even that seems like to much effort you can arrange to have your fridge stocked daily and have a chef come to cook a traditional Kefalonian meal for you. A flat screen TV allows you access to countless satellite channels, while a DVD player and a selection of DVDs mean you can settle down for the evening if you fancy a night in or just listen to your favourite music on Internet Radio,, while WiFi High Speed internet means you can catch up on work while you’re here, though the island’s natural beauty may lure you away from your laptop. In addition, the island’s capital of Argostoli is just 12km away, with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants to entertain you.
The visitors have the option of taking a complementary sea-kayaking trip with a certified instructor from Monte Nero Activities, with the opportunity to see the beauty of the island’s coves from the surrounding sea. For the wine enthusiasts, a complementary wine tasting tour can be arranged at Gentilini Wines, one of the island’s most celebrated vineyard that has won several international awards. These unique tours offer diverse and memorable experiences to the guests.
All in all, Vardiola Villas gives you the opportunity to have a holiday that’s as relaxed or as active as you choose, so you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, and planning your return.
Click here for more reviews...