Escape to Paradise: Abeliona Retreat, Greece Awaits
Escape to Paradise: Abeliona Retreat Review - Greece Awaits (and Honestly, You Need This)
Okay, so let's be real. We're all stressed. Life is a dumpster fire of deadlines, emails, and the existential dread of what's for dinner. Which is precisely why I just got back from Abeliona Retreat in Greece, and… well… I’m pretty sure I left a piece of my soul there. This isn’t just a hotel review; it’s me, still half-drunk on the Aegean Sea breeze, trying to convince you that you absolutely, positively deserve this.
First Impressions: Accessibility (and a little bit of a climb!)
Finding Abeliona was the first minor hiccup. Nestled in the Peloponnese, getting there involves some winding roads. It's important to note that while they claim “Facilities for disabled guests,” and I did see an elevator, the rolling hills of the area might make it a bit tricky for someone with serious mobility issues. Definitely double-check with the hotel directly about specific accessibility needs. Don't assume! Ask questions! (But the views… oh, the views…)
The Rooms: Sanitized Bliss, Baby!
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty: Cleanliness and Safety. This is huge right now, isn't it? Abeliona gets an A+ here. They were obsessed with cleanliness, and in the best way. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and professional-grade sanitizing services? Check, check, check. You’ve got hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere, and they even let you room sanitization opt-out. I personally felt safe – which is a huge relief. My room itself was pristine, with rooms sanitized between stays. All the basics like Air conditioning, a desk for working (if you must), free Wi-Fi, and a super comfy bed – extra long, too! The mini bar… well, that’s where I got into a little bit of trouble. Delicious trouble.
Internet: Connected (and Disconnected)
Let's be honest, the internet is important. You've got Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and it was pretty solid. They also offer Internet access – LAN if you're old-school. It wasn't the lightning-fast connection I'd found in a bigger city, but it did the job for emails and uploading some envy-inducing Instagram pics. Plus, let's admit it, the point is to disconnect, right? So, embrace the slower pace!
The Spa: My Face Melted Off. In a Good Way.
Okay, let's talk about the real reason you're going to book this place: the Spa. I spent a significant amount of time here. Like, I'm pretty sure my blood type is now "Aegian Sea Salt." They have a sauna, a steamroom, and a pool with a view. But the massage… oh, the massage. Seriously, my shoulders were practically screaming "murder," from all the stress I carry, and the masseuse worked some kind of mystical magic on them. I could almost feel my worries melting. They also had Body scrubs and Body wraps, and I'm not even going to list the ways they used them, because quite frankly it was heaven personified.
(Rambling, because, Spa) - Speaking of the view from the pool… it was breathtaking. Clear, blue water reflected the sun, my skin got its tan on, and the whole place smelled like essential oils and fresh herbs. They had a foot bath before and that was some magic. And the water. Always the water.
Dining: From Buffet Breakfast to Blissful Dinners
Food, glorious food! Abeliona doesn’t disappoint. The breakfast buffet was generous – Asian breakfast if you wanted to spice things up, but a classic Western breakfast was also on offer. The coffee/tea in restaurant flowed freely, and there was even a breakfast takeaway service for those very lazy mornings.
Dinner: Okay, this is where things get really interesting. I dove face-first into the international cuisine, but the Asian cuisine was a real treat. Each evening, the restaurant transformed. The a la carte menu offered a tempting array – the salads, the soups… I'm getting hungry just remembering it. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant, if that's your jam. I have to say, the happy hour made an appearance, as well, and the poolside bar was a perfect spot for sunset cocktails.
Here’s a confession: I spent way too much time at the snack bar. It was just…there. Conveniently located and perfect for any time of need.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
Abeliona offers an impressive array of Services and conveniences: Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. They have a Concierge, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, and a convenience store – all the things you need but usually don't want to think about. Cashless payment service was a welcome addition. They also had a Souvenir shop, but I ended up getting all my gifts from the local shops.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Be Pampered)
Look, relaxation is the name of the game, but if you feel like doing something, there are options. There's a Fitness center/Gym, if you want to punish yourself after all that delicious food. They can arrange Airport Transfers, or you can rent a car and explore! The area is beautiful, and you'll be glad to move about.
Things I LOVED (and a few minor quibbles)
- The Staff: Everyone was incredibly kind, helpful, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. That warmth made the whole experience feel special.
- The View: Seriously, the views. Unforgettable.
- The Spa, again: I may have already covered this, but it deserves mentioning again. One last body scrub to end the world.
- The little touches: The bottle of water in the room, the fluffy bathrobes, the quiet little patio where I could sip my coffee.
- The imperfections: The lack of accessibility for the differently able, The restaurant could get a little crowded at peak times, A slightly slow check-in.
The Offer: Escape to Paradise – Your Stress Doesn't Belong Here.
Want to escape the daily grind? Want to feel sunshine on your skin and the tension melting from your shoulders? Then answer the call of the Aegean and let me urge you to book your stay at Abeliona Retreat today!
Why you NEED this:
- Unwind and recharge: Seriously. The spa alone is worth the trip.
- Safe and spotless: Relax knowing you’re in a place that prioritizes your health.
- Breathtaking beauty: The views are simply stunning (and perfect for Instagram).
- Indulge your senses: From the food to the spa, every detail is designed for pure enjoyment.
- Get away: Everything will have to be dealt with when you get back. Meanwhile, escape from all of the tension and the hassle and enjoy this hotel.
Special Offer: Book your stay at Abeliona Retreat within the next month and you'll receive a complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar a free massage at the spa. (Just tell them I sent you! Okay, don’t; it wouldn't work)
Don't wait! Your paradise awaits at Abeliona Retreat. Go on, book it! You've earned it.
Luxury Getaway Awaits: Unforgettable Stay at Livermead House Hotel, UK
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-edited travel brochure. This is the Abeliona Retreat, Greece, itinerary according to… well, me. And I'm a mess.
THE ABELIONA ABYSS: A Trip Through My Brain (and Hopefully Greece)
Day 1: Arrival & Uncharted Territory (AKA, Where the Heck Am I?)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up at the crack of dawn, thanks to the unrelenting sun. I feel like a vampire who accidentally slept in. Airport pickup – theoretically. Praying the driver at least looks like the picture in the email. I'm already regretting not packing a "lost-in-translation" phrasebook. Ugh.
- Mid-morning (9:30 AM): The driver, thankfully, exists. He’s got a mustache that could rival Freddie Mercury's. We're driving through landscapes that make me want to weep with beauty. (Seriously, I'm tearing up. Is this the sun? Is it the sheer, unadulterated green? Whatever it is, I'm feeling it.)
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM): Arrive at Abeliona Retreat. The website promised "rustic charm." Let's be honest, "rustic" can mean anything from "charming cabin" to "abandoned goat shed." Thank goodness, it’s actually the former. The stone walls are breathtaking, the view… words fail me. I swear I can practically taste the olive oil in the air.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Check-in. The staff are lovely, all smiles and offers of "kalo mesimeri" (which I’m pretty sure means "afternoon delight"? Or am I just projecting?). The room is… a little more minimalist than I pictured. But hey, less stuff to trip over! Plus, that balcony view. I'm practically glued to it.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): A "welcome drink" – essentially, a shot of something alcoholic and vaguely fruity. The kind you do on a stag night, because it's not a holiday without a little awkwardness.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the retreat's restaurant. I ordered something labeled "Traditional Greek Salad." It arrived, and I'm pretty sure the tomatoes were still blushing. Divine! I'm already contemplating a life of nothing but feta and sunshine. Though I'm pretty sure I'm missing my dog already.
- Night (9:00 PM): Stargazing! I'm not sure I've ever seen so many stars. It's like someone spilled glitter all over the sky. Absolutely magical. I feel a little overwhelmed, to be honest. I feel like I'm at the edge of the world. I am probably not going to sleep.
Day 2: Wandering In Circles and Finding Myself (Hopefully)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Yoga. Ugh. I signed up thinking it would make me feel zen. I'm pretty sure I'm the least flexible person on the planet. I feel like a confused pretzel. (I'm also pretty sure I pulled a muscle trying to touch my toes. Note to self: Bring a pillow for the downward dog next time.)
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Breakfast. They have this yogurt that I just dream of. It makes me question all my life choices involving breakfast cereal. I'm eating so much, I feel as though I might never eat another meal.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Hiking. I signed up for a "moderate" hike. Turns out, "moderate" in Greece means "climb a mountain while the sun is actively trying to incinerate you." I think I'm going to pass out, while I am getting a killer tan.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Back at the retreat, collapsed on my balcony. The view is still stunning, but my legs are protesting. Lunch is simple – bread, cheese, and olives. Perfection. And I think I need another shot of that "welcome drink" to cope with the after-effects of the hike.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Free time. I’m wandering around the village. It's charming, to be charitable. I want to shout at the world and fall asleep. I buy a hat. It's probably too big, but it's the perfect colour.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Cooking class! We're making… who knows what. (Definitely involving olives, I'm guessing). I'm pretty terrible at following instructions. I'm betting I'll burn something. (Yep, burned the pita. It's a new life experience.)
- Night (9:30 PM): Dinner. Finally, food I'm sure I can eat. The wine is flowing. The conversation is… let's just say it's getting interesting. The stars are back, of course. And this time, I'm feeling a little less overwhelmed and a lot more… happy.
Day 3: The Olive Oil Revelation & The Power of Naps
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, again. The yoghurt is calling my name. I'm starting to think this is the only thing I am going to remember.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Olive oil tasting! Okay, I'm not usually an olive oil person. But this olive oil… it's like liquid sunshine. It tastes like everything good in the world. The woman showing us around knew everything about it. Maybe that has something to do with it? Who knows?
- Lunch (1:00 PM): The olive oil is the star of everything, and the food is amazing. I'm swimming in deliciousness.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Napping. Glorious, blessed napping. I would give up everything for a nap. (Except maybe that olive oil.)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Exploring the village. I'm finally starting to navigate the winding streets. I've befriended the old lady who runs the bakery. (She thinks I'm an idiot, but she keeps giving me pastries, so it's all good.)
- Late Afternoon (6:00 PM): I went back to the olive oil place and bought a bottle. I figure, if I bought extra large sunglasses, and only ate greek salads, I'd have a chance of fitting in, even if I was just using the olive oil for the rest of my life.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Another dinner. Trying to make it to the end, so I can go look at the stars.
Day 4: Farewell for Now. . .
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. The Yogurt. Yes.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): The drive back to the airport. I don't want to leave. I'm not sure I'm actually ready to return to reality.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): At the airport. Saying goodbye to Greece. .
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): On the plane. The journey home.
- Night (10:00 PM): Home. The dog is ecstatic. I am exhausted. But I'm already dreaming of more olive oil, feta, and starlit nights. Also, I must learn how to do yoga.
So yeah, that's it. Abeliona! More than a place, it's a feeling. And maybe, just maybe, it's a slightly less confused version of me. I am already planning my return. Get ready, Greece! Because I'm coming back, and I'm definitely bringing an extra suitcase for olive oil.
Escape to Paradise: Amarta Beach Retreat Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Abeliona Retreat - Greece Awaits! (Oh Boy...)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. Planning a trip to Abeliona? Good for you! I'm here to tell you… well, I'm here to tell you *stuff*. It's a journey, the trip planning part, just like the actual trip. Expect rambles, opinions, and maybe a few regrets. Let's dive in, shall we?
1. So, like, what *is* Abeliona Retreat, anyway? Is it actual paradise? Because I kinda need a vacation.
Okay, deep breaths. Abeliona Retreat is, according to them, a "secluded haven nestled in the Peloponnese region of Greece." And it *is* secluded. Like, seriously secluded. My GPS lost its mind trying to find it. Think rolling hills covered in olive groves, a cute little village (Abeliona, duh), and… supposed tranquility. Paradise? Look, it's beautiful, no doubt about it. The views from my room were *stunning*. But paradise? Depends on your definition. If your definition involves zero Wi-Fi and the occasional rogue goat, then YES. If you need your Instagram fix every five minutes, well… bring a strong converter (and a therapist).
Anecdote Alert! My first impression? "Where's the dang beach?!" I'd envisioned dramatic cliffs and turquoise water right outside my door. Silly me. The beach is a drive away and a good drive. I should be more prepared before the trip, there were some things missing from the packing list.
2. What kind of activities do they *actually* offer? I'm not just gonna sit around and look at the hills, am I? (Please, no.)
Alright, fine. They have activities. Yoga. Lots and lots of yoga. Like, if you're not into downward-facing dog, this might not be the place for you. There are guided hikes, which are actually pretty fantastic, through ancient ruins and olive groves. I mean, who doesn't love a good hike? I do love hiking, but I am not a morning hike person. Then there's cooking classes! Learning to make Greek food is a definite plus. And, oh the food there! It changes so much that there is always something new to try.
Quirky Observation: One day, during a particularly challenging yoga pose (I swear my hamstrings were personally offended), I spotted a lizard. A *tiny* lizard. It was definitely judging my performance. Made me feel better about being so inflexible, actually.
3. The food... *tell* me about the food! Is it all just feta and olives? (I love feta, don't get me wrong…)
Okay, the food. This is where Abeliona *really* shines. Forget feta and sad salads, although there's plenty of delicious feta to be had. They source everything locally, and it's *fresh*. Like, "I-just-saw-the-chickens-this-morning" fresh. Think: sun-ripened tomatoes bursting with flavor, juicy grilled octopus, the most amazing spanakopita I've ever tasted... The chef (a lovely woman named Maria, I think? My memory's a bit hazy...) is an absolute goddess. Every meal was an adventure. And the olive oil? Oh my *god*, the olive oil. I bought a bottle to take home, and it’s gone now.
Emotional Reaction: I miss the food so, so much. Like, almost enough to book another trip just for the eating. And that lemon cake... *shivers*. The lemon cake!!
4. What are the rooms like? Is it all luxury villas, or something more rustic?
The rooms are charming. Not luxury, but comfortable and… *rustic*. Think stone walls, whitewashed everything, and maybe a balcony/patio with a killer view. Mine had a fireplace, which was lovely. Especially when it got chilly at night. Honestly, I could complain about the occasional spider (it *is* Greece, after all) but the overall atmosphere is pretty darn relaxing. Don’t expect a five-star hotel; expect a cozy retreat. And the sunset views from my balcony? *Chef's kiss*.
5. Okay, the Wi-Fi. Because let’s be real, I'm addicted to the internet. How bad is it, truly?
The Wi-Fi… is… *challenging*. Let's just say that. It's spotty. It's slow. It’s sometimes nonexistent. I'm being honest here. Accept this before the trip, or bring a hard copy of your favorite book. You will probably be fine. Expect to disconnect, to *really* disconnect. Which, honestly, is probably a good thing. After the first few days, when the internet let you down, you would get in touch with actual life. The staff is also very friendly.
Messy Structure Alert: This really depends on your phone provider. Sometimes, it's fine! Sometimes, you can barely load a picture. During the peak of the busy season, I would say, you may not be able to use your phone that often. This caused me to have a bit of a mental breakdown when I realized how many emails I had missed.
6. Is it good for solo travelers? I'm thinking of going alone.
YES! Absolutely. Definitely. Without a doubt. I went solo, and it was amazing. There are so many lovely people in the village, and it's easy to meet people during the activities. A lot of people are doing the same thing. The communal meals are a great way to connect. Be prepared to strike up conversations! I met some truly wonderful people, and I'm still in touch with a few. It's a great place to recharge, reflect, and just… *be*. Go for it!
Stronger Emotional Reaction: Honestly, going solo was one of the best decisions I ever made. It was liberating. And the staff is awesome as well.
7. What about the people? The other guests, are they friendly?
Generally, yes. It depends, of course – you get all sorts. But overall, the vibe is very relaxed and welcoming. People are there to unwind, so they’re usually open to conversation. I made some wonderful friends. Then again, I also witnessed one woman get *very* competitive during a cooking class. She was determined to make the “best” spanakopita. It became aggressively friendly. Good times.
Opinionated Language: Look, the yoga crowd can be a bit… much, sometimes. But hey, you can easily avoid them if you want.
