Our week at Levendis restored the four of us. Other reviewers have captured the beauty of the location, the sweet-scented gardens, the warmth of the welcome and the deliciousness of the breakfasts, but for us, the real boon was the chance to recapture a sense of proportion. Our younger daughter had been very ill during the year & was in the process of being diagnosed with autism. We were, as a family, at our tethers' end. After lockdown, we really didn't want to be marooned alone in a villa, nor to fend for ourselves, but equally we didn't want to be crowded and assailed by noise and society. At Levendis we found just the right balance. Here are some things we loved, in no particular order - the little cat who visited every day - the lack of wi-fi. (Huge bonus: this meant our children spoke to each other and to us...and to the cat) - the good humour & speed with which Mal sorted out a replacement car key after we lost ours out swimming. (Yes, the keys turned up the next day: shout out for the cantina at Cemetery Bay..) - Spero's outdoor movie night. And the thoughtful early morning conversations as he pottered round the pool. - the library of good books available for guests. Our teenager announced she was changing her A Level choice, to Classical Civilisation, after racing through Levendis books by Barbara Graziosi, Madeleine Miller etc. Hurray! That means an excuse to come back to Ithaca on "study leave", no?…
We returned this week from a most marvellous and restful 11 days at the Levendis Estate. Mal and Spero have created a beautiful property from a hillside olive grove in which to rest and recuperate in peace. Kate and Niko at the "Coffee Shop" provided delicious breakfasts of waffles, eggs, granola, smoothies and endless cups of coffee as well as making reservations for dinner and boat day trips plus giving advice on what to do and where to go. The set up of the two picnic tables there works perfectly to gently encourage guests to talk to each other and share information. In terms of accommodation the two bedroom cottages have everything you need to self-cater. If you don't want to cook, you can order a meal to be delivered to your cottage in the evening. You just need to let them know a couple of days in advance. We found the food to be simple, plentiful and delicious. The loungers plus a hammock in the individual gardens are perfect for reading quietly if you don't want to hang by the pool. The cottages are rustic in style but in keeping with the "eco vibe" with Mal's homemade potions and soaps. The pool however is really super. It's long enough for laps but just shallow enough for the kids to play games in and with a wonderful view. In the end we didn't actually do that much. Renting a little boat from "George, Boats" to explore the little beaches and coves accessible only from the sea on three separate days was about as much excitement as we needed. The water around the island is absolutely crystal clear, good enough to tempt even me in. Icecreams at Dodoni's in Frike is not to be missed and they have excellent Wifi. The rest of the time we just swam in the beautiful pool and read our books. Basically if you need anything, just ask. Mal provided fresh towels whenever we needed them. When we needed plasters one evening and the pharmacy in Stavros was closed, Mal brought us a first aid kit. When my son grazed the side of his torso (separate incident!), Kate provided a homemade balm that Mal had made to rub on it. Nothing was too much trouble. There is only one thing to bear in mind however. Because the property is on a hillside there are quite a few stairs from the top of the property down to the pool. It would be tricky for the less mobile. But that's basically it. Also due to Covid restrictions unfortunately there were no massages or yoga/pilates lessons but next time! We really do hope to be back.…
We went to Levendis with our three girls (9, 7 and 4) in August 2019. The setting is beautiful, the pool is perfect and Mal and Spiros were lovely hosts. Kate’s breakfasts were also amazing (especially the waffles!) and we had great fun exploring the beaches nearby and trying out all the super restaurants in the surrounding towns and villages. Our best family yet in a beautiful, relaxing setting.
LEVENDIS ESTATE – ITHACA, GREECE Our stay Sept 11-22, 2018 Our stay at Levendis was a unique & happy experience, unlike any previous holiday. While it can be a challenge to get there, the effort is repaid abundantly. It’s an eco-chic vacation in a cottage where everything can be taken care of, according to one’s wishes. One returns refreshed in mind & body. First, the location. An island where Nature reigns supreme… olive trees, a rich & varied vegetation, crystal-clear seas, pure air, beautiful scenery. Taking advantage of this rich environment, Spero & Mal have created four cottages beautifully integrated & terraced on multiple levels, all overlooking the sea where one can hear the waves softly lapping the shore, the birds singing, the cock crowing & just pure innocent silence. Second, the people. Spero & Mal have single-mindedly pursued their joint philosophy of creating a space that takes advantage of the natural environment responsibly & that takes care of every individual need. Specifically, they offer local ecologically produced fruit, vegetables & meat, personal care products & every cottage comes with a small car included with descriptive brochures about the island. One very quickly gets settled in & forms easy relationships with the other guests. Two uniques features are the open-air cinema for guests & the massage parlour lost somewhere in the woods close-by. The swimming-pool is magnificent. Third, the island. Simply a great place to be in September. On the roads, no traffic… 3 cars about every km covered. The people very friendly & relaxed. Restaurants close-by on the sea-front offering fresh fish every day with a friendly service. English spoken almost everywhere. Finally, the most powerful endorsement has to be that the other guests were regulars in so far as they were all on their umpteenth visit to Levendis, happy to note how the place had evolved over time. Gigi & Bryan Parker September 26, 2018 Nyon, Switzerland oo…
Levendis consists of just four cottages on the North coast of the island Ithaca. Poised on a hill understandably the views from the cottages and the infinity pool are spectacular. Transfers from Kellefonia to the island are included and are a wonderful introduction to the the destination. On site chief produces home cooked meals if you order in advance: they will also stock your pantry with delicious home made ingredients should want to cook for yourself (the cottages have full kitchens) - these are pricey but delicious. Rental car with pertrol included in the tarrif should you want to go exploring. Many of the guests are return visitors given the beauty of the estate you can easily see why, the australian hosts go out their way to make you feel welcome.
This was our 3rd time of visiting! Things are near enough the same as I wrote in my last review! Ithaca and Levendis do not change much! A few more animals to feed! In the Spring the weather is a little changeable but the flowers are amazing. Lots of walks to go on, quite a hilly area. This time we saw a Pine Marten!!! I think I said everything in my previous review. Just enjoy the tranquillity.
This was a wonderful holiday set in the perfect location. The Estate is the perfect place for a tranquil holiday for restoring your "Zen". The cottages are really comfortable and quaint. They are really clean and have superb views over Afales bay. The two verandas are superb for eating al fresco ( take some mosquito repellent). The hosts Mal and Spero are ideal hosts and so friendly, their little coffee shop is lovely to just sit in and chat. I love their laid back approach they have the balance just right. The pool area is amazing with stunning views. Don't miss out on the Yoga and massage which all adds to the karma. The island is superb with loads of little beaches to discover and the great restaurants near Levendis (walking distance) as well as dotted over the island. Nowhere on the island is more than 30mins drive…
We spent a week here and well theres no doubting that as soon as you enter the estate you are wowed by just how beautiful it really is. Pictures cannot do it justice, to wake up to the views every morning was lovely. The owners are lovely and very accommodating. There is a resident donkey, sheep and goat that keep the children entertained. The pool is lovely, perhaps a little cold at the beginning of May as it hasn't heated up yet, but as soon as your in then its ok!Lots of walks around the property. A car is certainly needed to get out and about and explore the area, but this is all arranged for you. The beaches are lovely (pebbles) the water is so blue! The weather at the beginning of May was amazing, just perfect. There is a restaurant at the top of the road which is lovely, only open at weekends at the start of season though, however there are lots of nice restaurants and a great ice cream place in Frikas. The house was lovely, and spacious, perfect for a family. Great toiletries left in the bathroom for you to sample too. Great gardens too. Mosquitos are about though and there are nets inside the house, but I would certainly recommend taking repellent. There are lots of steps to the houses!! Which is not great for people with mobility issues or with young children. We certainly hadn't realised about the steps on booking which came as a bit of a shock! This really would be our only complaint about the property though. Your supper can be prepared for you on arrival, if requested, this is pretty pricey, but tastes delicious and is well needed after a long journey. After you get off the plane you are met by your taxi driver who then takes you to the port for some lunch and then you wait for the ferry (which was late!) then after the ferry journey you are met by the next taxi driver who takes you to start your holiday at Levendis Estate. This is a place for a quiet relaxed holiday, not ideal for the elderly if they have mobility issues or for toddlers because of the steps and not being able to run free. However I would always sing the praises of this holiday and how lovely it really was.…
This is the second time we have returned to Levendis ( we have never returned to the same place ever before!) and are hoping for a third visit! Levendis is on the northern end of Ithaca. The transfers from the airport at Kefalonia to the port of Sami ( where you then get either the ferry or a water taxi -about 20 mins across to Ithaca, then picked up and taken to Levendis) are all taken care of by the owners Mal and Spero. On arrival, dinner (if you choose to have it) is in the oven. There is also enough things for breakfast the morning, and also some other 'goodies! Levendis only has 4 'houses' situated on the side of the hillside, among olive trees and beautiful gardens. There are a lot of steps up to the exit of the estate, something to consider if mobility is an issue. All the houses have the same layout, 2 beds- 1 double, 1 twin. Both beds have double doors onto their own patio area with tables. 1 bathroom with a good shower( plus Mals homemade organic toiletries) Ours had a well kitted out kitchen, fridge, cooker. 2 double sofas in the sitting area. There is no wifi (maybe a bit on the top steps if you were desperate!) but there is a mobile phone signal. Obviously there is not a TV, I have to say we did not miss it at all! If you do need the Internet, most of the cafes have it. The next village is Stavros which has places to eat (Margaritas is good for late morning coffee and snacks) and a good green grocers and quite a well stocked supermarket and a pharmacy and an ATM machine, which contrary to the media reports, is fully stocked with money!!!! Vathy (the main town) about 25 mins by car has the biggest supermarket, and various shops around a busy harbour. Frikes is a another harbour not far away and also Kioni. I would say that you really need a car, but there are loads and loads of beautiful walks. The views over Aphales Bay from each house are just, well amazing! This is a really peaceful stress free place to stay. Levendis has an infinity pool which also overlooks the bay. There is a pebbly beach below Levendis which is lovely to swim in and not busy. Ithaca is not a 'water park' and 'English breakfast' sort of place, it's gentle and peaceful. Levendis is particularly tranquil, birds singing, Onkey the resident donkey hee hawing and one of the best things to see were the fireflies at night. Mal and Spero and family are very welcoming and also have a lot of information about the walks and Ithaca in general. Once you have been to Levendis you will want to return! Thank you again Mal and Spero (& crew!) We went in the first 2 weeks of May.…
What an amazing and wonderful place this is....absolute bliss every day. Mal and Spero to enjoy coffee and chats with in the morning, Mal's breakfast if you prefer someone else to do it for you, or enjoying the absolute pleasure of the whole of Levendis property in your own time, be it the amazingly beautiful infinity pool, the gardens, the forrest, just admiring the stone work on the terraces, and the Mediterranean views! - all up just loved every moment. I went as a single on a holiday but still needed to work when needed - all the the tavernas, cafes, zac's have free wifi so found it easy to do my work. Just had to work with time differences between Aust and Greece. The local villages of Stavro and Frikes offer everything you need, and the locals were oh so friendly and welcoming. Coffees and snacks? the hard time holiday decision is will I go to Stavro, Frikes, Kioni - every village is no more than a few moments drive away and every one is fantastic. I read a review a little while ago from 'David' re Mal and Spero intruding on their space at Levendis, I asked M&S and they don't do that! Mal and Spero I'll be back and hopefully in 2015. Thank you!…
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