Blog

  • Have you booked your 2021 Family Holiday

    Travel and escape the daily grind of everyday ups & downs

    Have you booked your summer 2021 family holidays or have you narrowed down the destinations?. Most of us book our holidays online or book after researching on the Internet.  

    Family on Holiday having fun

    An average family vacationing together includes parents with children, which means they are looking for holiday rentals that have two or more bedrooms. Sometimes, families are 3-generational, and in other cases, they can be made up of families and friends or members of the extended family.

    Family Holidays

    There is nothing like travel to bring a family together, there are endless options including Hotels or Private Holiday rental homes. 

    This is the time when families bond together, spend as much time together as possible but also allowing everyone to have their own space.

    The New Normal

    With the Coronavirus Pandemic, 2021 will be the year when health and safety of travelers will be one of the biggest concerns.  Families care about the location, space and amenities of a home. They will want flexibility when it comes to booking a holiday.

    Luxury family Villa with Pool , BBQ, Gardens
    Imagine waking up to this everyday

    With the New Normal, health and safety will be uppermost in most peoples’ minds. Private Villas will be the option most families will look for as they will want to stay away from crowded hotels, shared facilities like pools and gardens. In a villa they can control who comes and goes while they are staying there. 

    Early Booking or Last Minute.

    Myrtos beach
    Mytros – the most famous beach in Eurpoe

    It’s tempting to hang on until the last minute for late deals for a bargain. If you want a specific holiday during the school/peak summer season, it’s a risky game to play, as your favourites may sell out or prices go up dramatically as demand increases. This almost happens every peak season. Finding accommodation in high season at popular destinations has become a gamble as 90% of the accommodation have been booked by those seeking to combine location, quality, price and their preferred place.

    For the those of us who know where we want to go for our summer holidays and prefer not to risk missing out on the best prices or already know our perfect combination of destination and accommodation, now is  the best time to book.  A large number of accommodation owners will have special offers.

    Aerial view of Kefalonia Airport

    Many Airlines have released their fares for summer 2021 and have also published new routes. Most airlines tend to increase their fares as the planes’ fill up and early reservations are usually rewarded with the lowest fares, in accordance to the forces of demand and supply. The later you leave the more expensive the fare can be. Out of peak season, there may be a bargain or two available, if you are not bothered about the destination and can arrange your leave at the last minute.

    Kefalonia has so many self catering options available from Luxury Villas, like Amari Villa, which offer personalised services meaning  you can create your own perfect Kefalonian Getaway.

    Make Kefalonia you Summer 2021 destination.

    Now with Ryan Air, EasyJet & British Airways  flying to Kefalonia as well as tour operators, such as  TUI, JET2 it is easier than ever to get to Kefalonia. Easyjet fly from Gatwick, Ryan Air & Jet2 fly direct from Stansted to Kefalonia. Those who like luxury can fly with British airways from Heathrow

    Stay at this family holiday villa in Kefalonia and make it an unforgettable memory, that will be talked about for years to come.

  • 10 of the best COVID-19 coronavirus travel resources

    Travel during Pandemic – picture from www.mypanhandle.com

    With the Covid-19 Corona virus pandemic , travel has been restricted. Things are changing on daily basis , how do we keep up with where we can travel to and what countries can we go to.?

    Here’s an article on 10 of the best COVID-19 coronavirus travel resources

    Family Holidays

    We know 2021 will be challenging for all of us, whether a traveller or a owner of a private villa rental, health and safety will be uppermost in peoples’ mind. We as owners of Amarivilla are making every effort to ensure that you enjoy your stay and have peace of mind.

    Happy Holidays

  • Olive Harvesting in Kefalonia

    Greek Mythology and the Olive Tree

    According to Greek mythology the Olive Tree was the ultimate gift tree.

    Athena the Greek Goddess of Wisdom

    The creation of the olive tree was the result of a contest between Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, and Poseidon, God of the Sea.

    Anthena won the contest by creating the Olive Tree an offering signifying peace, endurance and vitality.

    For the Mediterranean region, the olive tree has been seen throughout history as scared or gift of life.

    Olive Harvesting in Kefalonia, Greece

    Tree ready for Olive Harvesting

    Olive picking season in Kefalonia and rest of Greece starts at the end of October/beginning of November when the olives are ripe.

    As most people in Kefalonia own Olive groves which may have 30 or more trees, the extended family all get together to harvest the olives.  Nets are laid around the trees and the trees are combed using handheld or motorised rakes.

    The harvested Olives are than loaded into sacks/crates and transported to the nearest Olive Oil Mills.

    Oil Extraction Process

    The process of extracting oil starts once the harvested Olives have reached the Olive Mills.

    Olives harvested and ready to be sent to the Olive Mill

    The first step starts by thoroughly cleaning the olives by removing leaves and any other impurities.

    Once cleaned the Olives are put through the mill, the centrifugation and eventually filtration process.

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    The first press produces the lovely thick green Extra virgin Olive Oil. You have to taste it to understand why it is so different from the Virgin Olive Oil.

    In Spartia Kefalonia visit the – Kefalonia Olive Mill, where olives from our trees at Amari Villa are taken, you can see the whole process, from cleaning to the production of the  Oil. You can also taste and buy the oil from here.

    The Mill is only a short distance from Amari Villa,

  • Travelling to Greece

    Entry requirements for Travelling to Greece in 2020

    Travellers to Greece will have to fill up the “Passenger Location Form” (PLF) just 24 hours prior to check-in. Do not get caught out like many have and miss your holiday or delay it by days with additional cost

    Must complete the form 24 hours before travel , do not risk losing your holiday or delaying it as the airlines will refuse to on board you

    Here’s a post from BBC News.

    Kids in Kefalonia, enjoying the beach
    Enjoy the clear blue waters of the Ionian sea. Do whatever the heart pleases.

    The form can be found here

  • Tailor made Holidays

    Tailor made Holidays

    Tailor made Holidays at Amari Villa – A unique Experience.

    We feel that vacations are extremely valuable occasions for people to relax, explore, escape and experience a different way of life to their normal.   We can help arrange a tailor made holiday;  holiday the way you like it.

    We are here to take away the stress leaving you to just sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Kefalonia.

    We at Amari Villa, can help and plan your stay in Kefalonia, from days out to Special events

    From the time you book Amari Villa we can arrange the following services for you to make your holiday unforgettable

    Car Hire

    Collect your car at the airport when you arrive or have it delivered to your villa.

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    Private TransfersPicture2

    We will arrange for your private transfer to be waiting at the airport when you arrive to transport you to your accommodation in comfort & safety; meaning you can just sit back and relax. Also available are bespoke private days out exploring the island tailor made especially for you.

     

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    Villa Pre-stocking

    Send us your list with groceries and we’ll make sure that you find them in your villa’s fridge upon arrival.

     

     

    Private Catering –Relax and indulge in some private culinaryPicture5

    Why not indulge in your own private chef for the day or evening. Experience the taste of Greece in the comfort of your luxury mediterian style kitchen in the villa from traditional to contemporary cuisine serving up some tantalising dishes.

     

     

    Picture6Relaxation

    Awaken your senses. Indulge in some sensational treatments aimed to relax, awaken and soothe. Available are massage, reflexology, holistic, Yoga and beauty treatments all in the comfort of your own accommodation.

     

     

    Private taxis tours

    Explore the island with private chauffeured bespoke days out. Sit back relax and soak up some of the many amazing breath-taking places that Kefalonia has to offer. You will have your own driver to whisk you away in style, safety and in comfort who will also share their personal knowledge of this beautiful island.

    Boat Excursions

    Take to the glistening tranquil Ionian Sea and experience Kefalonia from a different perspective.

     

    Picture7Yacht Charter & Speed Boat Rentals

    Experience the voyage of a lifetime and reserve memories that you will have long after you leave our beautiful Kefalonia. Experience and discover the Ionian Islands famous for their crystal clear waters, endless beaches, unique architecture and fascinating archaeological sites by hiring a Yacht or a Speed Boat

    Scuba DivingPicture8

    Experienced qualified centres and divers around the island with a passion to share their experience and knowledge of underwater life from the Temple Cave, Blue Canyon and the ship wreck of Ardena. Enjoy the crystal clear warm waters ideal to explore underwater Kefalonia

     

     

     

    Jeep Safari

    Explore Kefalonia not accessible by car and from a different aspect. Visit the National Park of Mount Ainos and experience the magic and 360 degree panoramic views of the island, Zakynthos and Ithaca.

    Horse Riding

    Travel through time and be a witness to some of Kefalonia’s history on horseback, explore places most visitors do not see.

    Sea Kayaking

    Experience an awesome day out sea kayaking taking in some stunning coastline and coves not even accessible by boat. You will be looked after by English speaking local qualified and professional guides sharing their knowledge and history of the island.

    Special events

    Celebrate a Special Occasion – Whether you are celebrating your Anniversary or Birthday, or organizing the golden or silver jubilee for your parents, the breath-taking beauty of the Kefalonia will serve as the perfect setting for this special event. A private chef can be arranged to cook up a celebratory meal or reserve a table at one of Kefalonia’s top restaurants.

    Let us help you make this a unique and memorable experience.

  • Kefalonia in Winter – A special event

    Kefalonia in Winter – A special event

    Kefalonia – A rare event…

    Never would you imagine that a hot and stunning island like Kefalonia, mainly enjoyed in the summer throughout the year has revived a rare weather phenominon… SNOW!

    So we thought you would like to see it by snow. The Picturesque beaches and villages have been made into Picture perfect Christmas cards. The Snow in early January, all over Greece, has got everyone talking. It’s a winter wonderland, just amazing. See the pictures.

    kefalonia-snow
    Road to Mount Aenos
    Snowy White View From Mount Aenos by @ritagaiti
    Crisps White snow sparkling against the light blue sea winter view from Mount Aenos, Kefalonia. Amazing Kefalonia pic by RitaGaiti
  • Villa updates – Landscaping the garden

    We have been busy

    More plants like such as Bougainvillea, Oleanders, have been planted to give a real feel of the Mediterranean, The barbeque area has been surrounded by Rosemary, the herb of the Mediterranean, to help relax the mind and relieve stress. Also will keep away the bugs.

    Herbs like Basil and Oregano have been planted to give the additional Greek touch to home cooking

    The Aromatic garden has had new plants , such as Lavendar ………………   to awaken the senses.

    The pool with a view , which benefitted from the 180 degree views of the Ionian sea and beyond, has been made even better by the hedge being trimmed to give an incredible view of the Ionian sea from where one is sitting or standing

    Keep cool under the olive trees, when hot during the day, by the BBQ where there is ample seating or extra seating for friends in the evening for a BBQ party

    The Pathways and terrace have lights installed to enhance the mood and increasing safety at night.

    Safety gate by the pool installed to keep the younger children safe and give piece of mind to the parents.

     

    Concierge service is available to meet and greet at the airport and on request arrange other service such as:

    • Private Chef
    • Car Hire
    • Yacht Hire
    • Shop on arrival
    • Yoga classes
    • Fishing Tours
    • Plus others