Levendis Estate, Platreithias

Levendi's Estate is truly one of the most special places on the planet. The peace, tranquillity and beauty are second to none. We went to Ithaca 4 years ago and loved it and we were not disappointed as nothing has changed on this beautiful island, if only we had discovered Levendi's then! Don't hesitate in anyway to book your holiday at Levendi's, just do it or you will regret it! Levendi's is the perfect place to spend your holiday, whether you are a couple or a family. We took our 15 month old son and it was our first family holiday (2008) and it could not have been better. I would completely recommend going if you have a baby or toddler. The transfers to Levendi's from when we arrived on Kefallinia were seamless and stress free and we arrived feeling relaxed, which we really did not expect! Mal will have everything ready that you will need for a little one (cot, highchair, buggy, nappies, wipes, food, toys, books etc). Ben just loved his cot from the moment he saw it and slept so well the entire time. We were able to enjoy being in our garden, at the barbeque or the swimming pool whilst Ben slept if we wanted too, as it is totally safe. We always left our cottage with the door open whether we were there or not. Every morning we met Spero to feed the two sheep and I think this may have been the highlight of Ben's holiday along with throwing pebbles into the sea! Most of our mornings were spent up at the coffee shop, enjoying the company and conversation of Mal, Spero and Kate (and not to mention the gorgeous coffee and cakes!), whilst Ben played. This was our much needed 'adult' time. Whilst we were 'busy' at the coffee shop, a lovely lady called Alina, cleaned and tidied our cottage so beautifully every day that I wanted to take her home! Enjoy the gardens, exploring the forest and being in or by the lovely swimming pool. The view of Aphales Bay from your own private garden is wonderful but it is especially so from the barbeque area. Make sure you get Mal to make a barbeque pack for you, delicious! Speaking of delicious, Kate's (and Mal's) chocolate truffles and cakes are divine!! The whole ethos and ethics of Levendi's is superb and is a testament to what can be done even on an island as small as Ithaca. Mal, Spero, Kate and Naki are just so passionate about what they do and most importantly about whom they are, it's truly refreshing and infectious. Enjoy the organic fruit, vegetables and herbs which are hand picked each morning and also the lovely bread which is provided for you. Alina uses only natural ingredients to clean your cottage. The Levendi's natural products are just so lovely to use, you will want to take lots home with you! The sunscreen is the best I have used. Definitely the best holiday ever, so good in fact that we have returned 2 more times since (2009 & 2010) and are about to return again in August 2012 with what will be our 5 year old son and 18 month old twin girls!

For luxury family holidays, this retreat on the island of Ithaca is a great find. The owners have thought of everything before you ask! Parents are pampered and kids have acres of safe space to explore on an organic farm. The Estate has four houses (perfect for holidaying with grandparents too!), a salt water pool, and outdoor cooking and dining areas scattered over 7 acres of hillside. Owned and operated by parents of four, everything has been thought of for frazzled parents in need of rejuvenation - holistic massage treatments, yoga, pilates, fitness trails, chef on and -and kids in need of fun and excitement. Beach is nearby to provide days of summer fun swimming/boating/snorkelling/diving; but it's equally perfect for early season cycling/walking holidays - the island is laced with exquisite paths and small roads and the scenery is amazing.