No Frills or Travelling in Style?

Posted on 11 - January - 2012 by GIC The Villa Collection

Back in 1994 when I joined GIC The Villa Collection, or Greek Islands Club as it was known then, we prided ourselves on offering an upgraded flight service. At a time when check-in desks, seat allocation, on board meal service and a baggage allowance was the norm, GIC went that little bit further. We offered our guests seating at the front of the aircraft, pre- boarding to avoid the rush, a ‘welcome on board’ glass of champagne and meals served with china and glass.

Travel has changed dramatically over the last 20 years and the services we used to expect as standard are either no longer offered or we have to pay for them as an extra.

At The Villa Collection we have tried to stay ahead of the rest by still offering meals, a baggage allowance and pre-seating as standard. We are, however, often limited by the airlines that we use, especially when flying to the smaller Greek Islands. With the choice of charter airlines in the UK having become severely limited over the last few years, the problem has become worse.

Both Thomson Airways and Monarch Airlines have decided to change their service for Summer 2012 and have withdrawn the standard hot meal service. They have decided to opt for the Buy on Board snack service offered by the likes of EasyJet and Ryanair. Unfortunately, negotiations to allow our clients to continue to receive a meal have been in vain and so we are forced to accept the change.

I have received several letters from regular guests over the last few weeks who feel that we are dropping our standards and are penny pinching in removing the hot meal service. This is very far from the truth. We are constantly trying to raise standards but, as you can see, we are often left with little choice!

For 2012, flights operated by TorAir will continue to have a full, on-board service; we are also re-introducing the dedicated check-in desk for Villa Collection guests on TorAir flights.

Sometimes, as a result of being a smaller ’boutique’ operator, our hands are forced by our mass-market suppliers. Rest assured that we are working hard to find innovative solutions to some of these problems. It is time to put some of the glamour back in travel but we can’t do it overnight!

Chris Wright
Managing Director

GIC The Villa Collection

Sivota past and present and why the Greeks keep it a secret

Posted on 3 - January - 2012 by GIC The Villa Collection

Name almost anywhere in Greece and you can link to that place a rich history that goes back to the days before Alexander the Great. Thetiny village of Sivota in the north west of mainland Greece is no exception,with stories of conquest and betrayal that stretch back more than 2000 years. One of the earliest mentions of Sivota is as the site of a major naval battle in the Pelopennesian war in 433 BC, when the forces of Kerkyra (Corfu) squared up to the combined might of the Corinthians and the Threspotians.

More recently it was known as Mourtos during the 500 year period of Ottoman rule which ended in 1913 with the Balkan Wars. It was later home to an Albanian population which was expelled in 1944 for its support of the Nazi invaders.

Visit Sivota now and you’ll soon see evidence of the region’s past importance. On a nearby hilltop you can find an ancient acropolis. Close to this, an abandoned settlement of around fifty 18^th-19^th century houses. And out in the bay on Mavro Oros, one of two islands clearly seen from the shoreline you’ll see an Ottoman era lighthouse that was built by the French in 1884.

Today Sivota has a population of barely 3,000. It is hardly geared up to accommodate mass tourism but this is what makes the small resort a favourite with those who visit. Sivota is a popular destination for Greek tourists and is known domestically for the outstanding quality of its beaches; not a bad commendation in a nation with around 15,000 kilometres of coastline.

Tourism remains low key in Sivota, with most visitors content to fall in with the slow pace of life that the local residents enjoy. A stroll to the nearby beaches is a popular activity while boat trips to the tiny islands of Mavro Oros and Agios Nikolaos in the bay are readily available. For those wanting to go a little further afield boats also make the trip north to Paxos and even to Corfu. Buses do trundle up and down the coast but are infrequent and not set up for tourists trying to make day excursions; to do this a car will be a more practical option.

For most tourists renting a cycle offers a fun and easy way to get around the village of Sivota and its immediate surroundings. Whichever way you choose to explore the area in and around Sivota you’re likely to be captivated by its understated and authentic charm – you might just decide to keep the secret of this little corner of Greece to yourself!

An Introduction to Paxos, the smallest Ionian Island

Posted on 1 - December - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

Paxos may be small (it’s barely 7 miles long and 3 miles wide) yet it does attract its fair share of attention. Known among a group of devotees as one of the sparkling jewels among the Greek islands, it has attracted a steady stream of visitors since the Greek tourism boom of the 1970s. Reaching Paxos itself is something of an adventure. Too small to have its own airport visitors instead fly into neighbouring Corfu and take a ferry over to the island.

The population of Paxos is a mere 2,500, scattered among the few settlements around the coast (you’d have to try hard to be more than a mile from the coast). Yet even on such a small island there are 30 beaches, most of which are made up of small white pebbles and clear turquoise waters. It’s a place to get away from the pace of everyday life and pass the days relaxing and enjoying fine fresh food.

Why Paxos?

The island has gone by the name of Paxos for many centuries, yet in true Greek fashion no-one can agree on where this name originated.

Some credit the Phoenicians, whose word ‘paks’ translates as slate, a material that is found in plentiful supply on the island.

Others suggest that the original inhabitants of the island were shipped over from the settlement of Paxous on Sicily. They adopted the name in memory of their old home. This suggestion is probably not such a popular one.

The Greek expression ‘paksosas thyras’ meaning closed doors, might offer an alternative clue as to the origins of the name. If you take a look at the harbour in the main settlement of Gaios, it is indeed a closed harbour and some credit this geographical oddity for the naming of the island.

Others still consider the word as a corruption of the word for flagstone. These were quarried on the island and shipped to the mainland many centuries ago.

Paxos – a rich history

As with all the best arguments there is no right or wrong answer and people will believe whichever version they prefer. But even these different possible origins provide a clue into the rich and varied history of this island. From Phoenicians to Venetians, from the Romans to the British, the island has known many rulers and has served as an important staging post in the wider battles of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.

The origins of Paxos itself belong to a very colourful legend, with Poseidon himself being credited for breaking a little piece of Corfu with his trident to create a little haven for his sweetheart.

We’ll take a look at the history in more detail soon, but whoever has been in charge of Paxos it’s hard to believe that they weren’t enchanted by the island’s beauty and natural charm.

For more information about holidays on Paxos visit our site and take a look at some of superb villas available to enjoy on island.

by Andy Jarosz

Kefalonia – The beautiful South

Posted on 19 - October - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

I have recently returned from a wonderful familyholiday in South Kefalonia where we spent 7 nights at the Trapezaki Villas,Trapezaki. This was the second time we had stayed at the Villas; ourfirst visit was back in September 2009 when my parents, my wife and I booked 2of the 4 Villas and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. We have all beenyearning to go back ever since and this year we were lucky enough to be able toreturn again with the addition of my Sister’s family of 4 including my 2 youngnieces aged 9 and 13. This was not the first time all of us had been awaytogether; we had all been to Paxos together in 2010 and shared a 4 bedroomvilla but, alas, 3 generations under one roof didn’t turn out to be such a goodidea and we vowed that any future family holidays would be in Hotels! ButI have always preferred self-catering and suggested that we book 3 of theTrapezaki Villas. It turned out to be a very good idea!

We booked early to take advantage of the early bookingdiscounts and spent the summer counting the days left before departure on the27^th August. Departure day arrived and getting there was quickand easy; flights were early in the morning which meant we were all relaxing onour patios by tea-time! My nieces were almost instantly into theirswimming pool and stayed there for most of the holiday!

The Villas were just as lovely as we had rememberedthem. The owners, who run the minimarket adjacent to the Villas, havedone a wonderful job of designing, planting and tending the gardens which weremagnificent. There was an abundance of colourful flowers, lush hedgerows,huge palm trees and a countless variety of flora and fauna including numeroussmall birds and butterflies of all shapes and colours. The gardensseemed to be in full bloom and it felt like spring (although muchhotter). As well as lifting ones spirits and providing beautifulsurroundings the vegetation also created privacy between the villas, and eachunit had plenty of outside space around the pool where you could not beoverlooked.

Trapezaki is a small, quiet hamlet with a hotel, alovely sandy beach, a minimarket, a couple of tavernas, a handful of privateVillas and very little else. It is located in the foot-hills of MountAenos, which is stunning and dominates the landscape. The capitalArgostoli is a 15 minute drive away and the best place to go for serious foodshopping.

My Mother loves to cook for people and created somebeautiful meals in her well appointed Villa kitchen. Ingredients were allfresh from the farmers market and butchers in Argostoli and we shared luncheson the patio and around the pool most afternoons. The minimarket nextdoor was very useful and seemed to have everything and anything you might needon a holiday; from lilos and inflatable pool toys to 12 year matured scotchwhisky, Selotape, sun-cream, fruit, veg, cold meats, pasta etc. His beerfridge was kept at a constant 1 degree Celsius and was always full of perfectlychilled beers! We would buy occasional ingredients there if we ran out ofthings and didn’t want to drive into town.

Evening meals were usually in Lourdas, a five minutedrive away, which boasts an impressive selection of Tavernas. We triedabout 4 or 5 during our stay and they were all of a consistently highquality. The portions were often huge (especially at Lorraine’s abovethe beach) and prices reasonable. We would often retire to one of thepool terraces after dinner for a nightcap; they are beautiful at night, whenthey are lit, and we would talk into the small hours under a black velvet skypeppered with millions of twinkling stars.

I couldn’t recommend the Trapezaki Villas more highly,especially for groups and families travelling together. There is just theright amount of seperation between the villas so that they are allprivate, yet only a few steps away from each other. The air-conditioning,which is included in the holiday price was much appreciated on those hot Augustnights, and they owners take grerat care to keep everything in tip-topcondition. They are a charming Greek couple and remembered us from ourprevious holiday and gave us all going away presents.

The week seemed to fly by. I think we willprobably go for 2 week’s next time. And I am sure it wont be long beforewe are back at Trapezaki in the beautiful south of Kefalonia!

Mark Willson,

Sunvil Holidays

A week’s stay at Villa Marina

Posted on 30 - September - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

I have justreturned from a wonderful weeks holiday at the Villa Marina in Kefalonia. Thehouse is built in a olive grove, a ten minutes walk from thevillage of Karavomilos which is a sleepy hamlet. It has a bakery, mini marketand a few tavernas. One of the tavernas specialises in fish -the grilled octopus was wonderful – and another was right on the waters edge.The bakery, as well as stocking a huge variety of bread, had a beautifulpatisserie section along with mouth watering ice creams. Needless to say wenever went hungry!

Villa Marina

Thevilla has a bedroom upstairs with a balcony looking out to sea towards theport of Sami which was perfect for evening G&T’s and it became ahabit to see if the pretty, light bedecked ferry from Ithaca was ontime. Downstairs there is a well equipped kitchen and lounge with patiodoors opening out on the pretty walled garden.

The garden is filled witholive trees and, much to our fascination, plants thatflowered gorgeous purple blooms every morning and then shed itsflowers each evening. After consulting with the Oracle (my Mum) I wastold they must have been Morning Glorys. It felt like a real oasis,especially when blue tits and chaffinches came down to daintily drink from thepool edge. The only sound you could hear apart from the birds was the odd clangfrom a wandering goat herd – just lovely.

Agia Efimia

Kefaloniaitself is wonderful. A car is included in the package price and so weventured the ten minute to Agia Efimia a couple of times which is apicture postcard harbour village. Fifteen minutes further on from here isMyrtos beach; this beach must be one of the most photographed beaches in theworld and getting to it involves driving down a narrow windy road but it isworth it. Our favourite beach though was Antisamos beach which is only a tenminute drive from the villa just around the bay from Sami. It is a sweep ofpebbles backed by green mountains and the snorkelling here was fantastic. Thesea is crystal clear – you could see the fish from your sunbed - andthe colour of seas depicted in Caribbean holiday brochures.

Weabsolutely loved our time in Kefalonia and cannot wait to return.

Tracey Howard

Sunvil Holidays

A week in North-West Crete

Posted on 12 - September - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

When I think of the Greek islands I wonder how to capture their magical essence in the written form. It must be the combination of clear blue skies, bright sunlight, the surge of heat, the fragrant smell of olive trees and the wonderful aroma of Greek food that all make the weight lift immediately from my shoulders and stress just seems to dissipate! Those that are familiar with many of the Greek Islands all have their favourites and I have to admit that mine is Paxos. However, I have been to Crete at least three times and it is a stunning island.

Villa Kontis, Crete

The real magic of Greece began for me when I was a teenager with a backpack and I first visited the mainland and the Cyclades. The following year I drove through Europe to Piraeus and took the car ferry to Naxos where I lived for a few months. Since then Greece has become the country I return to time and time again. I now have my own teenage daughters who love it as much as I do and this summer we travelled to north-west Crete for a week with close friends to stay in Villa Kontis. The nearest seaside village is Georgioupolis - just a five minute drive away and there are plenty of shops and tavernas here together with an excellent supermarket called Ariadne (near the police station).

Almirida Beach

We preferred the beach at Almirida, a smaller resort, about a 20 minute drive from the villa on the main highway (exit Kalives). Here we often lazed the days away on the sandy beach playing bat and ball, enjoying the surf and eating lunch at the pretty seaside tavernas. The teenagers chose the taverna with the fit waiter and ordered souvlaki pitta every day!

The island of Crete is large compared to many of the Greek islands but it is very varied and probably has the biggest number of hair pin bends from North to South through the incredible mountain range from Chania to Paleochora. Samaria Gorge is found in this area and claims to be the longest gorge in Europe (16km). Due to the island’s very southerly location, the weather is usually good from April until the end of October.

Villa Kontis, Crete

We arrived at Villa Kontis which is in a very peaceful and secluded setting and were thrilled with the spacious villa and its beautifully kept gardens. The pool is larger than any I have seen at other properties and it is a delight to sit around and enjoy the sound of the cicadas and the odd grunting goat passing by. The style and ambience in this lovely stone house is relaxed and comfortable with very attractive furnishings. Outside we cooked on the large built-in barbecue, a treat to have this option for dinner when we did not always feel like getting in the car again.

On our first evening we took a five minute stroll to Maze which is a tiny hillside village of a few traditional stone houses and a sleepy square with a small church and one taverna. We were warmly welcomed by the taverna owner (Kostas) who served us some delicious fresh food including local lamb. Our parting gift from him was a huge bottle of red wine he had made using his own grapes. Also in this part of Crete in many of the tavernas, you would usually expect to be given a nightcap of raki (firewater!).

Lastly, this villa has an excellent visitors book where guests have shared very useful information and ideas. Worth noting from my insert – if you visit Lake Kournas which is close by and famous for turtles, do not bother going during the daytime as we did not see even one turtle, apparently they come out in the evening!
Jane Naylor,
Sunvil Holidays

Villa Atlantis – what a prize!

Posted on 6 - June - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

I couldn’t believe it when I received the call telling me I had won a villa holiday in Cephalonia…. Surely there was a catch? But no, GIC The Villa Collection really had given us a full holiday (flights, transfers, villa accommodation) – how marvellous!

And the icing on the cake was that the week we would be away happened to include my 40th birthday – what a present…

So at the crack of dawn in late May my husband and I, together with our two boys aged 9 and 12, set off for Villa Atlantis in Katelios, Cephalonia.

Villa Atlantis is truly special – I challenge anyone to not have a perfect time there. We had drooled over the pictures on the website but the reality was even better. When we arrived we were overawed by the sheer amount of space there was – both inside and outside.

All rooms are tastefully decorated, and the bathrooms (of which there are 4!) are of a very high standard with big, powerful showers and plenty of room.

But it is outside where the magic really begins… Two of the bedrooms have balconies that give wonderful views across to the mountains and down to the sea. Opening the shutters to sunshine and views like that is just the most wonderful way to wake up.

The outside dining area has the same magnificent outlook, and while sitting there you are surrounded by lavender bushes, vibrant bougainvillaea and other lush vegetation. A few steps (or a slope if you prefer) take you to the pool area, with another table and chairs, ample sun loungers and again – that view.

The great thing about Villa Atlantis is that you have total privacy – you are not overlooked at all, but a 10 minute walk brings you right down to the beach front of Katelios. Here there are several local bars and tavernas lining the sandy beach – all very friendly, relaxed and serving delicious Greek cuisine and freshly caught fish. Katelios would suit anyone looking for a relaxing, slow-paced escape. The tavernas are very family-friendly, and you can watch the children play on the beach when they get bored with sitting at the table. I would have felt totally comfortable going alone, or with a female friend, too as everyone I met was so open and welcoming.

This is the Greece I love – simple, friendly, unpretentious. And of course all against a backdrop of mountains and bright blue sea. Heaven. Thank you GIC The Villa Collection, it was truly wonderful and made that rather significant birthday much less painful!

Mrs Gibbs,

GIC The Villa Collection client

Villa or Hotel: which is best?

Posted on 2 - June - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

For those looking to have a break in the Mediterranean sun the choices are never as simple as they could be. Which destination? Where should we fly to/from? How many nights? What are we going to eat? And perhaps the biggest question of all: where are we going to stay? While it seems sometimes that hotels can be found in almost every village on every island, many people are choosing to shun the large modern complexes. Rather than sharing their summer break with hundreds of others they are seeking their own private home from home for their hard-earned holiday.

So what is the attraction of a villa over a hotel; and for those who haven’t tried this option, is it worth considering?

Let’s look at hotels first. When I’ve have stayed in private apartments and villas, the first thing I’ve noticed is the absence of a team of service staff on arrival, meaning that I have to carry my own bags to the room. It’s not a problem for me as I prefer to carry my own bags in any case.

The main advantage of a hotel is the service on offer. You can call down for a sandwich at midnight, you can use the services of the concierge at any time, go to the gym or the sauna, and have a meal or a drink in the bar without having to leave the building.

But that’s where the advantages end for me. So what do villas offer that makes them so different from a hotel?

First and foremost I like the privacy: no maids knocking on the door to clean the room before we’ve even managed to surface for breakfast, no need to remember the Do Not Disturb sign when we get up late, and no-one spying on how I use my fridge.

You invariably get a lot more space for your money than you would in a hotel. It is a villa after all, and you can expect a living room, kitchen an outdoor area along with your bedroom and bathrooms. We rarely use the kitchen area to actually cook but it’s good to have the sink, a decent fridge and a good kettle at your disposal. In most places you even get a washing machine which always comes in handy.

It is also a lot more relaxing to spread out in your own living room to read or play cards or watch TV in the evening after dinner, rather than use the bed in a hotel room as a sofa/armchair/snack table (the tables and sofas in a hotel never seem to be in the right place, or particularly designed with comfort in mind).

The bathroom and kitchen are usually fitted as a regular home would be fitted; nothing fancy but instantly usable. This is quite unlike those crazy hotel designs where each shower should come with a user guide, and the number of light switches you have on offer is roughly equal to the number of dollars spent on the room.

Last but not least, full service villas are exactly that: all service is included. No confusions or irritations surrounding who to tip or how much. You’re left alone unless you need specific help; and that’s ok with me.

by Andy Jarosz

For a selection of quality villas in the Greek Islands take a look at the dedicated Greek Islands Club Villa Collection site.

A beginner’s guide to eating Greek food

Posted on 27 - April - 2011 by GIC The Villa Collection

As generations of Greeks have made their homes in almost every country on earth, so the traditions of the Greek kitchen have also travelled far and wide. Even those who have never been to Greece will be familiar with many of the most popular dishes on offer.

Yet there is something special about eating Greek food at its freshest. Not famed for fancy sauces and complex flavours, the beauty of Greek cuisine lies in its simplicity and the importance that is placed on using the freshest ingredients of the season.

Here is a selection of the better known Greek dishes that you are likely to encounter on a trip to Greece. If I’ve missed out your favourite let us know!

Taramosalata - a pink dip consisting of mashed up cod roe, this makes a delicious starter and is usually served with freshly made pitta bread.

Tzatziki – another dip usually served as a starter with pitta bread, tzatziki is made from yoghurt, cucumber and garlic.

Dolmades - vine leaves stuffed with rice and worked into small rolls, then served cold as a starter. Although they appear very simple, dolmades take a lot of preparation (and some skill) to prepare well.

Spanakopites – this delicious triangular filo pastry snack is filled with baked spinach and feta cheese and then baked until brown and crispy

Moussaka – the national dish of Greece, moussaka is well known to most people. A real moussaka however is a world away from the shrivelled up excuse that bears the same name as is found in British supermarkets. It is prepared with sliced aubergine, minced meat, onions, tomatoes and other secret touches according to what the chef was told by his/her mother.

Stifado - this is a rabbit or hare stew with shallots, onions, vinegar, red wine and cinnamon. It is often served with beef as a substitute for rabbit.

Gyro – the perfect Greek street food, this consists of thin slices of barbecued meat seasoned with herbs and spices, and served with a salad on pitta bread. It is topped with a dipping sauce (usually tzatziki).

Kleftiko – meaning “in the style of the Klefts”, this is a slow-cooked lamb, served on the bone. It is marinated in garlic and lemon juice. It was originally cooked in a pit oven (don’t expect to see that today though!)

Greek Salad – A tomato and cucumber salad seasoned with onion, olive oil, feta cheese and oregano. Easily distinguishable as one of few salads that contains no lettuce or any green leaves.

Baklava – every country in the eastern Mediterranean serves a version of baklava, and each claim that theirs is the best. Who is right? You’ll have to consume a lot of sugar to find out! Made up of multiple layers of nutty glazed filo pastry soaked in honey. Very filling.

Loukoumades – similar to doughnuts, these are light honey balls fried to a golden brown and dipped in boiling honey and cinammon.

Ok, who’s hungry now?

by Andy Jarosz

What’s new for GIC in 2011?

Posted on 7 - December - 2010 by GIC The Villa Collection

A new name:

Greek Islands Club has arranged villa holidays to the Greek islands for 42 years. There has, on occasion, been some confusion about the meaning of “Club”. We gave our company this name because we saw that our holidays were appealing to like-minded people, who in turn were recommending us to their friends and these friends would then recommend us to their friends. We are aware however that some people might think of us as a holiday club and for this reason and because we are planning to offer similar holidays in other parts of the world – we introduce GIC The Villa Collection.

We still offer hideaway villas on the Greek islands for those seeking privacy, comfort and an escape from the crowds so – just a new name!

We saw 2011 as the perfect time to launch a new-look website and brochure.

GIC The Villa Collection brochure>
GIC The Villa Collection website>