9 independent reviews for Multi activity vacation in Greece, Peloponnese
Reviews for Multi activity vacation in Greece, Peloponnese
Richard Pryce review 31 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being taken to lots of places that you wouldn’t usually find by yourself – whether it be a shallow cove reached by boat frequented by hardly any other people, a taverna up in the hills serving enormous platters of slow cooked wild boar and Greek salad, the restaurant round the corner from the lodge with just a few tables but an amazing menu, the river pool hidden away from sight or the cave that can only be reached by climbing down an inconspicuous steep path. You feel as if you’re going to places that only the locals know. Of course there are other tourists around but nowhere is ever crowded and the majority of the time you’re almost on your own.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Engage with William beforehand – this is a tailor-made trip so you get to choose exactly what you want your days to look like. There’s plenty on offer and at varying levels of expertise so you can build the perfect stay before you even get there. That said, you can always move things around once you arrive. Also, you will find William and his right-hand man Sakis are a wealth of knowledge, having been in the region for many years. We really enjoyed our time with them, listening to their stories and learning a bit of the local history. One other thing to consider – plan on busy mornings and lazy afternoons. Once you’re done with the activity for the day there will most likely be a large lunch somewhere, either right where you are or a quick drive to somewhere that the guys know well. You won’t feel like moving afterwards, let alone getting active.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
100%. You are not in a particularly touristy area, there are no huge hotel complexes, no “Irish” pubs, no full English breakfasts. You’re taken to places the locals know and love. The tavernas are all small family-run affairs full of friendly people and using local ingredients, all your activities are run by local guys and at no point do you feel that anything is artificial. In terms of the environment, the lodge is pretty much fully solar-powered and nestled in William’s own olive grove – he produces his own oil, if you behave he’ll let you taste it as well.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The week we spent was exactly what we were looking for. It was as active as we wanted it to be, we got to see a lot of the beautiful region they live in and really immersed ourselves into local life. Everywhere we ate the food was top notch – simple but superb. The activities were as demanding as you wanted them to be, at times the family did different things based on our energy levels that day and William and Sakis can accommodate anything. All four of us were sad to leave but full of great memories and with two new friends.Debra Desmond review 6 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had many memorable parts to our vacation, with a wide range of activities and beautiful sights! We loved all the different water activities, the beautiful sea, the rock hiking, the horseback riding, the bicycle riding, and the many Greek culinary delights. William was a marvelous host and tour guide, and Sakis was an amazing tour guide as well!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open to new experiences. Plan ahead, working with William so that he can plan a tailor-made visit for you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes indeed! Everything that was planned and everything we did seemed to be environmentally conscientious and seemed to support local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our overall experience was superb, from beginning to end! I highly recommend William’s MULTI-ACTIVITY ADVENTURES ON LAND AND SEA IN GREECE, without any reservation whatsoever! This was the BEST vacation ever!Marie O review 24 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had many memorable parts to the vacation, snorkelling at Paralia beach, trek to the castle overlooking the beach, visit to Olympia and wine tasting in the nearby winery, visit to Mali and the trek to the church on the mountain nearby, Neda falls, Sackis BBQ chicken! The list goes on…. The variety was great.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We also went camping one night. While it was a great experience the late October nights get fairly chilly so bring plenty clothes if later in the year.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Sakis is a local to the area and he led many of the activities for Bill. We obviously visited many of the local tavernas as well which were pretty quiet this time of year even though it’s an ideal time to visit with temperatures in the mid 20s. The lodge uses solar heated water and Bill does emphasis water conservation and uses collected rainwater for watering etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!! Bill is the perfect host, very helpful and very accommodating. He put together a great itinerary which was open to any adjustments we wanted to make but we didn’t need to change a thing.Yvette De Souza review 26 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lavender Lodge, the idyllic views across olive groves out towards the Ionian Sea as I watched the most beautiful sunsets and the very warm welcome of my hosts Bill and Tamara. I still remember Bill's slow roast pork going down nicely as we watched a near perfect sunset on the first day's welcome dinner. I had to defer my trip booked in March due to the Pandemic, but as soon as I arrived, I knew I had done the best thing in 2020 by committing to a week of mind body and soul bliss! This was a perfect setting to relax, recouperate, reflect and just appreciate nature and harmony through the daily activities and trips that Bill and Tamara had organised. Tamara transported me to a world of aromatherapy and herbalism from the estate's products - the world famous Kalamata Olives/Olive oil. Tamara's orientation tour round the herb garden, identifying the many herbs gave me the perfect moments to immerse myself in the wonderful aromas which this earth produces. Then, of course, there were the trips to discover Kyparissia and Kalamata and the beautiful orthodox churches, where I discovered a little known monastery of nuns who make some of the finest silk in the world. I'm so glad I bought a shawl to serve as that memory of discovery. I also very much enjoyed helping gather rosemary and then watching the process of distilling the oil as well as the workshops. I'm looking forward to using the soap we made.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel lightly as you will need very little and want to take back a lot. The Lodge is so well stocked with all the essentials to enable you to indulge in great aromatherapy bath products as well as organic local food products. Tamara was great in pointing out local greek delicacies worth trying. The hamper of complimentary food products that was left in the Lodge hit the spot - Tamara's home made marmalade, Bill's gluten free muesli, local delicious honey and their very own Kalamata olives and oil The Lodge itself is so well equipped. For a change it was great not to travel with my hairdryer and bag full of toiletries .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! Bill and Tamara's mindset is very much about respecting nature and operating as sustainably as possible. Solar heating, using herbs grown in their garden to encourage pollinators, being mindful of the negative impact of using harmful herbicides in the olive groves and composting food products in the Lodge. I was introduced to many local producers where we picked up quality products, steak, salads, organic and delicious locally produced wine and it felt good to support the local small shops. It was wonderful to see butterflies, bees in the creeping rosemary, and so much greenery around the lodge. Tamara is passionate and continually increasing her knowledge about the most sustainable way of using this lovely corner of the world. She has inspired me to take more notice and learn about the flora around me and cook with herbs.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A truly memorable week spent with 2 knowledgeable, warm and engaging people at Lavender Lodge, Kyparissia. A perfect gift to myself as I celebrated a milestone birthday this year in one of the most peaceful and beautiful parts of this planet. Bill and Tamara really did deliver a 5 Star experience that enabled me to return back home to face the rest of 2020 in a calm but energised, joyful frame of mind. Thank you!Read the operator's response here:
Thank you so much Yvette for this fabulous, heart felt review. It was a wonderful experience for us to witness your deepening connection with the natural environment and pure enjoyment when participating in the aromatherapy workshops and trips.
You were a wonderful, kind and thoughtful guest, we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you, and we look forward to your return some day soon. Take care and stay safe.
Mairead Una Driscoll review 5 Sep 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Well, this is a hard one to choose however if I had to pick, it would be both the massage and my daily swim in the sea. Also the workshops in how essential oils are used are an amazing experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
For other travelers I would advise book this experience if you are looking for something a little different, also do not over pack clothes etc as depending on the time of year you go, you will not wear half the item and Lavender Lodge is well equipped with both heating and aircon. Be practical. Also as there are beautiful shops in the town with amazing items to buy for gifts etc..you will need the space.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes but it is such a shame the Greek Government do not do more to recycle items.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A truly beautiful and enjoyable experience, Bill and Tamara are amazing hosts and do everything they can to make your stay an interesting and unique experience to suit your needs. A huge THANK YOU to them.Read the operator's response here:
We were absolutely delighted to have Una as our guest at Lavender Lodge for her
aromatherapy retreat. She was a wonderful, guest with much knowledge and humour to
share who greeted us in the first instance with very generous gifts of whiskey and
bubbly ! We thoroughly enjoyed her visit and all the activities that we participated in
together and we hope to see her again another year. Thank you so much for coming !
Liz Meadows review 31 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
One of the most memorable things, for me, about this life-changing retreat, was the process of distilling essential oils. While I have experience USING essential oils, I had never MADE them before. Tamara and I started in the morning by clipping lavender from her tranquil organic gardens, overlooking the olive groves and the ocean. We collected the flowers in large baskets (hand-made locally and purchased at the near-by bazaar/market) and then met with Bill at the workshop where we unloaded our clippings into the large distillation pot. From here it was a bit of a waiting game, anticipating the moment the beautiful hydosol and essential oil would slowly, drop by drop, begin to collect. The scent was heavenly! Later, Tamara took the opportunity to make a few synergistic blends especially for me and of course she used the freshly distilled lavender! Later that night I used the blend, mixed with some of her exquisite handmade bath oil, in the deep soaking tub, for a luxurious bath. Start to finish, it was the most perfect day. An experience I will never forget.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A few tips for others wanting this particular getaway/retreat: 1) Take multiple devices for pictures and video - I was glad I did, when on the second day, one of my devices claimed its storage was getting full. 2) Be inquisitive - Bill and Tamara were both teachers in a former life, they are highly skilled at teaching students at any level. BE A STUDENT. Ask dumb questions and soon you will be asking smart questions! 3) Learn to say, "Hello" and, "Thank you" - Bill is quite fluent in Greek and willing to teach you whatever you would like to know, I just found these words especially useful. Wherever you are in the world, politeness is always appreciated. 4) Have room in your suitcase - My suitcase was a good 10-12 lbs heavier on the way home! Planning ahead made it possible for me to bring all the beautiful products that we had made, home with me. And my luggage smelled amazing! 5) Use the soaking tub any chance you get - I think the reasons are obvious! I can't wait to use the oils I brought home, to be transported by the smell, straight back to The Lavender Lodge! 6) Take the taxi - If, like me, you fly into Athens, take the taxi from the airport to the lodge. Dmitri/Jimmy is a local that speaks excellent English and by the end of our trip, we were chatting like old friends. He has tons of knowledge of the area, the people and even the food. His running commentary is not to be missed! As a bonus, you can start your vacation supporting the local economy - Jimmy doesn't work for a giant cab company, he lives right in the nearby village.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Lavender Lodge itself was very energy efficient. Water was made hot from the solar panel, food waste was composted for the organic gardens, heat (it was January) ran through the wood stove to heat water for the radiators and even Bill's vehicle ran on more environmentally friendly LPG. It was even stocked with staples made there at the lodge or by local farmers. While travel itself can have a negative environmental impact, Bill and Tamara have worked very hard for their guests' impact to be lessened. They have cultivated relationships with local vendors to encourage them to become more environmentally conscious, by encouraging recycling and cutting down on plastic waste in their businesses. They were always prepared to collect trash (especially at the beach) and do a part in removing plastic from the ocean. They even went out of their way to put glass bottles in a, somewhat remote, recycling bin. I always felt any time I was away from the lodge, Bill and Tamara took the time to introduce me to local people and shops. I honestly felt that every dollar/euro I spent was going straight back into the local economy. Whether it was buying bread and treats from the local baker, local, organic wine from the nearby corner market, produce from the local farmers at the outdoor market, or dinner at a family run restaurant, every euro spent benefited the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Is "Life-Changing" a rating? Because that is exactly what I experienced at The Lavender Lodge! This was hands down, the best money and time I have ever spent for myself. I arrived feeling burnt-out, edgy, negative and run down. I left feeling whole, happy, at peace and more myself than I have in years. I can't thank Bill and Tamara enough for all the new things they introduced me to. Tamara has extensive knowledge of herbs and aromatherapy - our time in her workshop blending and creating are memories I will treasure. I also loved our walks in town, at the beach, in their olive grove and in the garden - learning, smelling and even tasting the different plants we encountered. Bill's understanding of ancient Greece and his fluency of the language, made exploring ancient sites exciting and fascinating - no boring guided tours with him! They are both intelligent, funny and great conversationalist - Just the sort of people you want to spend your time with! The experience they provided was truly life-changing.Read the operator's response here:
Well, that's an amazing review ! Thank you so very much and it was a great pleasure having such a talented young lady as our guest! We felt that the learning
was reciprocal , as you taught us many things about Maine , how to cracki a lobster, sailing exploits and some excellent massage therapy tips for me to use in
the future as well as bringing lovely gifts for us and Dmitri ! We very much hope to see you and other family members again at Lavender Lodge next year!
Jacky Long review 7 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Each day brought different delights - from visiting the local market, to exploring the waterfalls at Polylimnia, from eating at restaurants on the edge of the sea, to swimming in a heavenly bay at Voidekelia, from learning so much at Tamara's aromatherapy workshops distilling essential oils from the garden, to using the creams and burning the candles we made there...plus there was so much more! Yoga sessions, visits to ancient tombs, walks along deserted idyllic beaches with mountain backdrops, seeing empty turtle eggs after their successful hatching. And then there was Lavender Lodge! As if all the experiences and vistas and olive groves weren't enough, there was this gorgeous accommodation with every comfort wished for including a fridge stocked on arrival with food and wine (and if you got hungry you could pop just outside to harvest figs and pomegranates) plus organic olive oil harvested from just outside your door. During the night I was sometimes awakened by the cries of Golden Jackals . During the day I spotted wonderful and beautiful butterflies in Tamara's garden.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't worry about packing much as Lavender Lodge provides every comfort - soaps, creams, room sprays all made in Tamara's aromatherapy workshop. Plus hairdryer, first aid kit - everything! Bill and Tamara are right on hand to provide every tip you could need to give you the best vacation experience ever. The only tip I can think of is to come with some space in your suitcase to take home souvenirs and olive oil and aromatherapy products.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely. Tamara and Bill are very committed to supporting local businesses. Tamara uses honey in some of her preparations which is from a honey producer on the doorstep. They use local builders, and local people to help with the olive harvest. Part of the experience of staying with them includes visits to local businesses and attractions, as well as restaurants. I was taken to places where I had the opportunity to support local traders. They additionally enhanced my vacation by offering sessions from a very nearby yoga teacher. By their lifestyle lived in as close harmony as possible with their immediate environment, they support conservation every day.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The Peloponnese offers a wonderful unspoilt landscape to be discovered . Just discovering the area was fantastic - but to have the opportunity too to harvest plants such as lemon verbena, rose geranium and lavender, and then to distil their oils and make wonderful products too - it made a perfect vacation for me which I will never forget. I'm now very enthusiastic about making my own skin creams, candles, bath oils etc .Read the operator's response here:
Thank you Jacky, so much for your lovely review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us in Lavender Lodge and were able to take in some of the
local areas of outstanding beauty and nature , to experience grounding yoga at the sea shore and to appreciate and support the local business : producing olive
oil! You were a delightful and exemplary guest and we hope to see you again .
Karina Heavey review 13 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tamara's aromatherapy massage was very relaxing and enjoyable! The waterfall that we visited was stunningly beautiful. The beaches were very tranquil and litter free. The archaeological tours were very interesting and Bill was an extremely knowledgeable and helpful guide. Tamara's moussaka tasted amazing! We had great fun with Tamara learning all about the different herbs in the garden and making our own healing potions and balms.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you want a stress free and enjoyable vacation with two wonderful hosts - book it now!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we bought local produce direct from the farmer's market. We ate olives and had olive oil that was from their own olive grove and had the marmalade which was made from their own lemons and oranges. The 'Welcome Hamper' that was in the log cabin had lots of homemade soaps and candles which were made with the essential oils distilled from the flowers in the garden which was really special. We separated our recycling and disposed of our food waste responsibly. The tap water was great quality so we didn't need to buy water in plastic bottles. The water from the shower was heated by the sun - what more do you want!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved it!Read the operator's response here:
We are absolutely thrilled that Karina and her husband had such an enjoyable vacation with us and we are overjoyed with the positive comments that they made about the quality of their
experiences. We thought that they were superb guests and greatly enjoyed sharing ideas with them as they participated in and contributed to the activities and experiences provided on the Cultural tour.
Ruqayah Dennis review 27 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Upon my arrival at Lavender Lodge, I was absolutely gobsmacked by the unparalleled natural beauty of the place. It is surrounded by lush greenery, stunning mountain ranges, and amazing sea views. Driving around the local area was a revelation. I am Caribbean by origin and I tell you the local scenery was more like something you would expect to see in Jamaica rather than anywhere in Europe! I later learned that the area had many of the same plants that are native to the Caribbean. Of course I had seen the pictures before booking, but you usually expect that the pictures might be better than reality, but that was totally not the case this time, in fact, the total opposite is true! The lodge has a beautiful veranda and outside dining area where I shared the Greek Mezze Feast (which was delicious) with Tamara and Bill, sitting there nestled in all the natural beauty you really do feel as though you are in your own personal paradise.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
My number one tip would be, book this vacation!! There's nothing really to be wary of the transfers from the airport are super easy thanks to Tamara and Bill and they really are fantastic tour guides.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Log Cabin is absolutely stunning and environmentally friendly too the water heating is powered by solar panels and they have a great log burning stove that powers the heating. All the delicious food that Tamara provided was locally sourced and of the highest possible quality. The local beaches are mostly non-commercialised except for the odd beach bar as there are strict laws preventing building as part of the effort for Sea Turtle conservation. Tamara introduced me to some members of the local Sea Turtle conservation group and I am planning to go back in the summer to volunteer with them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
“Best Vacation Ever” “Amazing Value for Money” Without a doubt, my was one of my all-time favorite vacation experiences. Tamara and Bill were fabulous hosts so warm and welcoming. I flew into Athens and was picked up by Bill who was waiting in arrivals for me. I got into his nicely air-conditioned car and Bill had even brought a cool box with cold water and snacks which was much appreciated after my four-hour flight! On the first that night Tamara noticed that I had some scaring from a few breakouts I have been having recently. She immediately rushed to make me a skin tonic blended with witch hazel and essential oils. Let me tell you, after applying it every day by the end of the week my scaring had really lightened and I was feeling much more confident! She also gave my a her lovely healing balm for my dry eczema prone skin which worked wonders and left my skin soft, truly moisturized and smelling amazing. The lodge was beautifully decorated and fitted with everything you need, dishwasher, an awesome Panini grill which got a lot of use! 4k TV with Netflix, which came in handy for the nights where I was snuggled by the wood burning stove on the comfy sofa. The bathrooms are stunning, you can tell Tamara and Bill put a lot of love into the place, I even joked that perhaps Tamara should be an interior decorator. The massages were great Tamara is an absolute whizz and super knowledgeable about all things aromatherapy. We made all sorts of great skin and hair concoctions in Tamara’s workshop. She had me feeling, looking and smelling great. The food was amazing! I mean amazing, it was delicious and that is high praise coming from me, as I am a major food snob! The ingredients were fresh and great quality from the local area and Tamara sure does know how to season up some food! I came to the vacation bloated and not feeling too great, but by the end, my gut was doing great. Tamara even added some extra meat dishes to the Vegetarian lunches for me as I am currently on a high protein diet. It was great visiting all the local attractions with Tamara and Bill I gained so much knowledge about the local area from them. All in all the experience was fantastic, if you are thinking about booking, do it! You will not regret it!Read the operator's response here:
Hi Ruqayah,
Thank you so much! This review is absolutely fantastic ! We are so thrilled that you enjoyed
your stay with us and participated in so many of the local excursions. We felt that you had a
great understanding of what we are all about and are really pleased that you enjoyed the
amenites, foods and general ambience of Lavender Lodge so much. Please keep me posted as to how your skin and hair respond to the serums and balms that you made in the aromatherapy workshops. Look forward to seeing you next year!
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