We couldn’t have had a more lovely and relaxing stay at the Nefeli in September 2011. After we had booked, an excellent information sheet was sent to us. We were welcomed at the port and accompanied to the hotel; our luggage carried by a donkey. The climb is 90m. vertical/c. 350 shallow stone steps which takes 10-20 minutes from the Port. As one of the joys of the island is that there is no wheeled traffic, you need to be prepared to walk everywhere in any case. The reward when you reach the Nefeli is a lovely airy position out of the heat of the town. The first impression is of a beautiful courtyard garden full of flowers. Alex and Brett welcomed us as though it was the beginning of their long season, not nearing the end of it. From our light and airy room we had a glorious panorama of the port, sea and other islands.
The Nefeli team couldn’t have worked harder to be more friendly, helpful, efficient and informative. The rooms are decorated in that heavenly cool blue and white which is quintessential of the Greek Islands. Our bathroom, although small, was perfectly adequate and along with our bedroom was kept immaculately clean. The bedroom had a ‘fridge, TV, and air conditioning. Rooms are priced according to their size and position within the hotel. There are individual ‘loggia’ seating areas outside most of the bedrooms with books and magazines . Each evening after the magical sunset, little candle lamps were lit on tables outside the bedrooms and around the garden to continue the enchantment. There are tables, chairs and sun beds around the garden for guests’ use. Breakfast was set out in the garden - delicious and varied, including fresh bread, pastries, creamy Greek yoghourt, aromatic honey and fresh fruit salad.
Don’t expect standardisation in either Hydra Island or this hotel. They each have their own distinct and individual character. We have often been to Hydra and to have discovered the Nefeli makes it even better- can’t wait to go back...............
- Nefeli Hotel Hydra
