Camvillia Resort & Spa

Well just back from a week at this hotel, lets make no mistake resort it is not. The location and views were to die for, the staff were all very helpful and friendly. Upon arrival we were greeted by several staff who took our luggage and gave us a welcome drink looking at the amazing views before checking in. We were given room 312 which was a good size with sea view, it had a fridge but the drinks/chocolate in it were very expensive. The bathroom is not boutique and had a shower over bath? but no where to put the shower head above head height which was very annoying and the ceiling had cobwebs?? The bed was very comfortable but the same could not be said for the pillows, the bedding was clean and smelt fresh and the towels were changed regularly. The room has a horrible bright green fire exit light above the door and this lit the room like a beacon and I need darkness to sleep so this was a problem, we solved it by covering it with a hotel brochure. The room can obviously be used as an adjacent room if you had children so the balcony wasn't very private and was separated from the room next door by a movable planter. The hotel was very clean and the gardens were well looked after. The pool was very nice but wasn't vacuumed the whole week we were there the pool guy just skimmed dirt off the top. There are about 14 sunbeds with not enough umbrellas for everyone. The bar was extortionate prices average cocktail 12 euros and a pint of local draught beer 10 euros a pint or a spirit and mixer (G&T) was approx 12 euros. A shot of baileys 8 euros. The food is al la carte and if you eat like a sparrow will be fine, we were half board and got bored of the menu, the staff are very helpful and friendly but the service it pitifully slow, we had to wait for around 30/40 mins every night to be served our desert (3 scoops of ice cream how difficult can it be?) We booked a table for 8pm for the whole holiday and most nights were told the restaurant was busy and we'd need to wait (I think this is a ploy to make you have a drink at the bar) we just waited until we were shown to a table. The service takes approx 2.5 to 3hrs to be served 3 courses this is not acceptable. They bring you a bottle of water that is added to the bill 2 euros. Plenty of wines to choose from but we don't drink wine so can't comment on the prices/quality. The food is not typically Greek and to be honest you wouldn't really know you were in Greece from the menu served. We never saw any vegetables the whole week a bit strange? But at breakfast they served broccoli and potatoes not sure why this would be a breakfast item and they certainly weren't left over from the night before. Breakfast is a buffet and there was certainly enough choice for most nationalities, from eggs/bacon to breads, fruit, yogurt and much more (for me breakfast was the best meal) although the staff never came to ask if you'd like a drink you always had to ask them for a cup of tea ect. We did use the spa and booked a massage which was very nice but certainly not a boutique spa, the staff were very friendly but we weren't asked any questions about our health or told at the end of the treatment about what we should/shouldn't do. The indoor pool and area was nice the water was warmer than the outdoor pool. We didn't use the gym so can't comment on that. The hotel provides pool/beach towels from reception and these can be changed as often as you want. There is a complimentary ride to the local beach which is stunning and even has a lift down to it (quite novel) the sunbeds/umbrellas are free but the beds are a little tired and worn out, they are not very comfortable and are a little over stretched and very low to the sand. There is a guy (George) that stays within easy reach that will get you drinks and snacks from the little beach shack, you need to pay cash for this. The hotel appears to be cashless and they like you to put everything onto your room. The restaurant at the top of the beach is excellent and serves lovely fresh Greek food the fish was amazing and the frappes were lush too. We found out that it is open in the evenings too but you might need to get a taxi as the free shuttle bus finishes at 6pm. The hotel is the only thing in the resort, there was no local bar or restaurant which was a shame as we like to sample local hospitality (apparently there is a restaurant that opens in August when the Greeks come for their holidays). There is a little mini market in the village and a Kafenion, you can get drinks and snacks from the mini market much cheaper than the hotel. You can also catch a local bus from the square where the mini market was to Koroni the next resort, buses only run at certain times but the hotel reception can print you off the timetable 1.80 euros one way. It starts its journey at Kalamata so takes approx 1hr 15mins to get to Vounaria. To get a taxi costs 30 euros return and is not walkable. Koroni is really pretty fishing harbour with plenty of taverna's/restaurants/shops ect. If you visit in the daytime you can go to the castle and take a look around its still used as a place of worship so make sure you are appropriately dressed. The little streets are typically Greek and very pretty. There is a church right outside the hotel that chimes its bells at 53mins to the hour (Greek time) this can be a little annoying especially early in the morning. The area is very rural and typical Greece which is lovely but a little too remote. We walked to the nearest marina Andreas marina which was really pretty and well worth the walk it took approx 50 mins but was a little hairy walking down the main road to get there, once you get there there are a few shops, supermarkets/coffee shops/pharmacy/bank/taverna's/bakery ect. We caught the bus back. On check out we had forgotten that you have to pay the tourist tax 4 euros per person per day so this was added to the final bill. We weren't given any olive oil as a gift which it said we would receive when we booked the holiday? We didn't find the hotel manager very friendly he only spoke to us when we arrived and didn't make any effort to speak with us at other times (maybe because we didn't spend much money at the bar? he did seem to interact with other guests that were prepared to spend money buying shots/cocktails) Overall we enjoyed the holiday but would say a long weekend here would be long enough.

Thoroughly enjoyed our week - the hotel had just reopened for the summer and so yes there were a few teething problems in the restaurant but all seemed to be starting to be resolved with the Sommelier on top of it!! The suite we were given was just beautiful with a lovely big balcony from where we enjoyed just wonderful views. As mentioned before, the beach, which you could get a shuttle from the hotel to and from every half hour, was gorgeous for walking on and ‘lounging’ on. Staff were all lovely and really keen to help. All in all a fab week - just need to start saving for a return trip!

We spend 5 days at this hotel and to describe it in one word: breathtaking. The service and kindnesses of all employees was absolutely amazing. Upon arrival, we parked our car in front of the hotel and immediately we were warmly welcomed with the words; “Welcome, your holiday starts now, we will take care of your car and suitcases”. We got a welcome drink and they gave us the possibility to relax a bit after our flight and enjoy the view for a moment which is literally breathtaking. It’s correct that the hotel is not in front of the sea, but in our opinion, the view becomes even more beautiful because of it. Waking up with the bells ringing from the church which is on a small square behind the hotel, birds chirping and with a sea view was for us the absolute moment of peace. The breakfast was amazing with a chef cooking fresh eggs with some different ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange juice, Greek Yoghurt and freshly baked cakes are just a selection of what is being served. We are definitely coming back! Team Camvillia, thank you very much for making this stay a memorable one! Warm regards, Jorick and Daisy The Netherlands