Travelling from Australia to the most beautiful place with exactly the rest and relaxation and experience I was looking for. This is a special trip for us and I do hope we're back here together sometime...and perhaps next time with the kids! The holw of Ithaca iws a treat with ujnexpected pleasueres appearing every time we turned a corner or crested a hill. Sitting under 'our' olive tree at Levendis, admiring the scenery with a cold glass of champagne is an experience I will always remember.
Penny and Chris, May 07

Instantly relaxing and welcoming. Arrived tired and frazzled and leave the most relaxed I can remember being for years. This was also the first holiday with our 10 month old twins and they have laughed and smiled so much, the levendis charm clearly infectious to all ages. We're planning September 2008 and leave with the amazing view imprinted on our mind's eye.
Dan and Kate, May 2007

Arrived on a Sunday, left on a Sunday, and in between everything just dripped by. having found Levendis on the internet 12 months ago, and looked back at it regularly when the pace of life was hectic I began to worry that I'd built up our holiday way too much. But it's exceeded all expectations. We've enjoyed the luxury of hotel-like facilities with utter independence; and our 21 month old daughter has been so well looked after whilst we've explored the island. It might be worth checking under the bed for Mark - I have a sneaking suspicion he will avoid going home!
Karen, Mark and Katie, May 07

This holiday has been so much fun. One of my favourite things has been feeding the sheep. I made a friend here on holidays.
Freya (aged 7), June 2007

Something very magical seems to have got under our skins from the moment we stepped through the gates. Care and kindness shines through - not just to us but to the gardens, views, houses, food, everything around. A beguiling spell has been cast and I hope it wil stay with us long enough to draw us back for more. A magical week, a time just to be and enjoy each other's company, to appreciate nature, a real treat.
Andy and Sara, Freya and Hannah, June 07

Levendis is not merely a holiday but also a way of life and we are so ograteful to you all for sharing that with us. For a holiday to have been so ideal hardly seems possible. No doubt we'll only realise the true beauty of this place and its people only once we have left but have no fear, we will carry memories, ideas and reinvigorated wills with us - though we may have to pop back for a 'top up' from time to time.This is one of the world's few places where one can properly relax the mind, one of the few things which should be compulsory in life! Thank you all fo rmaking this a perfect and unforgetable honeymoon.  
Adam and Mandu, May 07

The island has such delights, pine martens, keening buzzards and red starfish and a bloke who's a dead ringer for Zeus! We not going home, we're changing the locks and disguising ourselves as shepherds - no-one will know. I asked my girl to marry me at the furthest point in Aphales Bay. She said yes. For that and a thousand other reasons this place has left an indelible print on our hearts. Thank you, Our love and we'll see you again. 
Mark and Victoria, June 07

A wonderfully relaxing week's holiday, both wish it had been longer. Even the chimes of the church clock add to the fairtale of staying here - the beautiful gardens, bird song, butterflies and above all the peace and tranquility. Looking forwrd to revisiting for another shot of your medicine!
Richard and Jules, June 2007

Highlights? It's difficult to know where to start! Your principles and the ethos of Levendis, gardens and grounds are a real mini Eden, the pool sublime, immaculate housekeeping, brilliant meals brought to our door and the balance between independence and effortless help making a perfect family holiday. It's difficult to imagine having a relaxing holiday with two small children, but Levendis made it possible. The attention to detail has never ceased to warm my heart and I'm inspired to continue to pursue the holistic ethos. Magical moments - many, but a night time visit to the pool to watch the bats dipping and falling asleep watching the candle flicker in the lantern on our verandah.
Lynn and Mike, Grace (2) Thomas (9 months) June 07

You should go on a small boat to explore the island beaches as much as you can, and go on the marine biology trip, maybe I shouldn't tell you but the last stop is................!! have a great holiday like we did and don't miss sheep feeding at 8 o'clock. All the beaches are great for swimming.
William (10) and Tilly (8), July 07

I had a great time swimming and we really liked the beaches and let's go again and thanks for the best meals and the best babysitter.
Billy (5) and Martha (3) July 07

This holiday has been wonderful. Coming to the island of Ithaki was like stopping time for 2 weeks. Seeing the original and comparing it to our beloved Ithaca, New York, was very special. Thank you for welcoming us that first night, for being warm and smiling, for amazing breakfasts, for our ranging conversations - a fantastic way to spend a vacation, a little haven with great people, foods, the pool and feeding the sheep topping it off for Isabella!
Erick, Eve, Rebecca and Isabella, July 07

S = sunshine shines upon one and all
P - poppies and pansies standing up tall
R = roses as red as blood
I = irises reaching to touch the sky
N = noisy concerts fill the trees
G = graceful butterflies glide with ease
Isabella (8), July 07

Thank you for your kindness, your sense of fun and your wonderful hospitality. We arrived suffering exhaustion and two weeks later the healing properties of Levendis have worked their magic. Everything our family needed was here with you, thank you for all you've done for us,
Martin and Louise, Lawrence (9) and Jamie (1), July 07

The metaphor of the swan gliding serenely on water, whilst frantic paddling continues unseen comes to mind - I know how hard you've all been paddling to create the gliding peace that is Levendis. Keep paddling!! Our thanks. Adam is planning his gap year as the Levendis gardener!!
James, Deborah, Joanna (11) and Adam (9) August 07

We've had a lovely 2 week family holiday and would like longer to see all the beaches and try a few more restaurants! An early morning swim with lovely views and the sun rising can't be beaten and we've met some lovely families here at Levendis. See you again next summer!
Nicola and Neil, James (10) and Emma (7), August 07

A beautiful island, a beautifull place and thanks for all your warmth care and hard work that made our stay with four small and active children as relaxing and fun as it could possibly be - we couldn't have hoped for better and we'll see you again. (The pool was nice and we went to the woods and found a dinosaur, and we saw bats too, thank you, love Scarlett).
Geoff and Lynn, Scarlett, Connor, Sam and Zak, August 2007

A wonderfully relaxing two weeks, it's hard to leave.....hire a boat two or three times, excellent finding our own private beaches in the middle of August....most of all thank you for creating this idyll and for making us feel so at home. We've loved it. (Best things to do: feed the sheep, try the great choices for breakfast, hire a boat, walk in the forest and look for the dinosaur, go for a midnight swim, Tilly and Bella.
Humphrey and Sarah, Tilly and Bella, Aug 07

Fabulous week, gorgeous location. Best memories? Sunrise from the mountain opposite is one of the top three views in the world!, driving up all the mountain roads for spectacular scenery, sitting in the gardens, hiring a boat and finding our own private cove, bottle of wine and meze at our picnic table watching the yachts in the bay below.
Adrian and Becky, August 2007

How does one leave this wonderful place? Only by planning our return journey. We found old Greece polished with sophisticated perfection. Every touch has been delivered with care and kindness and a huge smile,belying the hard work that has gone into making this retreat a place of dreams - the setting, the views, the walks, clock chimes, turquoise waters, breakfasts, gourmet hampers, home-cooked meals............our ever-grateful thanks,
Diana and William, Vasili (11) and Connie(15), August 07

We've had a lovley 2-week honeymoon with just the right mix of privacy and social interaction. Salt water pool is amazing. Entertained by dolphins leaping about in the bay below. The library is a treasure trove and the skin-care range.....what can I say!! We've enjoyed fabulous foods and the picnic hampers were enough to feed the thousands! and as we've relaxed into the Levendis way of being time has flown. We're the worst kind of guests though because we're not telling a single soul about this place, thanks for a memorable time
Nia and Chris, August 07

A lovely week, Levendis cast its spell on us again this year. Visited all our favourite haunts - this year's highlight - two mornings of watching dophins play in the bay below, taking a boat to the perfect beach of white sand opposite Levendis and circumnavigating the island by yacht. Thanks for everything - again!
Jane and Adrian, Hugo (16) Jamie (15) and Max (11), Sept 07

Just running back from last swim and checking the house before departure so a quick note to say our thankyous. Most lovely holiday we've ever had, see you next summer!
Andrew and Julie, Alexandra (3-1/2) and Scarlett (1-1/2), Sept 07

Back again, this time with the full family! Great place, great people, superb holiday and looking forward to this time next year. The perfect chill out gem,
Michael and Angela, Hannah and Helen, Sept 2007

Perfect escape, we've felt more like house guests than holiday-makers, the warmth just oozes from everywhere. Utter bliss, listen to the peace, lay out on the loungers after dark and look at the stars, idyllic setting on a beautiful island.
Ray and Joan, Sept 2007

Having had a very exacting but exciting year we slept the sleep of the innocent on our first night and woke refreshed to stare again in astonishment at the beautiful bay below. What a superb way to start our married life........this is truly a small segment of paradise - Levendis and Ithaca beyond. Small delightful villages, tiny churches, heard someone hidden from view chanting - so magical. At the end of our two week stay we're feeling blissed out and looking forward to another visit soon. 
Murray and Phyllida, September 2007

Another fantastic stay in this beautiful place on this beautiful island. We've done even less than last year but this time thoroughly explored the School of Homer archeological site and finished reading the Odyssey! Returned to all our favourite places and finally walked the Marmakas headland - a little place of 'wilderness' - may it for ever stay protected and free of our polluting habits. Sea swimming - aaahhh! And again, the Levendis creation and all its so special facets - good organic tourism with the minimum of compromise.
Helen and Galen, September sometime, 2007

Levendis is like the Garden of Eden. We have loved the sounds, the smells, the sights and the tastes, and the body balm completes the treats for the senses during massages. An extraordinary oasis. We can't wait to return.
Debbie and John, Sept 07

This is the nearest thing to heaven, and the island gave us so much to explore and see. But can also highly recommend doing nothing - sit and look and soak in the beauty and calm around you. We'll be dreaming of this come the dark days of winter.
Bev, Sally and Andy, Sept 07

As the night fades away and the first glimmer of light appears, stroll through the gardens, watch as the last stars disappear, listen as the birds wake up and flit to and fro, then hear the silence! Not another living thing to be seen or heard. The magic silence of Levendis, a place to be truly alive, is why we keep returning - this time for our honeymoon. Too many thank yous to put on paper!
Rob and Nita, Sept/Oct 07

What a week! My favourite thing? an early morning swim followed by a cappuccino and dining at the local restaurant, fabulous meals, brilliant service and could drink as much as we liked with only an 8 minute walk down the lane home. Five-star child care and cleaning. Brilliant concept - all of it!!
Fiona, Gary and Samuel (5 months), Oct 07

Browsing the web during the dark months in Ireland, Levendis seemed the perfect antedote. With two very small children we needed something easy going and laid back and Levendis hitthe spot. I wasn't relishing the thought of airports and travel but the trek was not so bad and certainly well worth it. We've had our own private space yet the company of others if you wish to avail. There is nothing to do, but plenty to do. Days have been unstructured and the opportunity to idle the hours away has been a rare luxury. Ithaca is a charming island, picture perfect and unspoiled. Plenty of food choices made meal planning so easy. This along with the option of eating in was part of the appeal of Levendis. It's our getaway spot, purely idyllic. Thank you to you all.
Emma and Richard, Emily (3-1/2) and William (1-1/2), October 2007

We've lost count of our holidays here now! Time becomes irrelevant, all that matters is that Levendis is here for us..........
Rob and Nita, April 2006

We've had a brilliant holiday. We'd love to come back. Our holiday was filled with fun and exploring and the pool was lovely.
Molly (7), Megan (5), Stella (6) and Tessa (3), June 06

Luxurious and authentic - a rare combination indeed. It's not easy to find a place where you can truly relax and be excited by what you see at the same time
Ellie, Jack and Ellery (10), June 06, Melbourne

Another fortnight at Levendis, exactly as needed. Thank you so much for your wonderful breakfasts and delicious BBQ food
Ed Weekes, (13), Kent

I'd like it to be our first day, but actually it's our last. First time we saw Levendis last August, we found it so surprisingly beautiful! This year we came back and, knowing the place already, we found it so...........surprisingly beautiful!...........Has any other guest ever asked to be twined into an olive tree, so as to stay at Levendis for ages....?
Antonella, Antonio and Valeria (8 1/2), Rome August 06

Last breakfast in the sun! wishing we had a least a few more days. This year I brought my Dad and all my brothers, their wives/girlfriends and kids, and we've all had a fantastic celebration of Dad's 70th.
Pete and Carly, Harvey (3) and Heidi (6 mths), June 06

I think the word that springs to mind is 'relaxed'. We've had a great family holiday, everything made easy for us so that all we had to do was unwind...........we got real good at unwinding!!
David and Claire, Stella and Tessa, June 06

To use the old simile, a holiday at Levendis is like a swan - it porceeds serenely and gracefully....we quickly found ways to just 'be'....pool...... lunches of salads and ratatouille with the excellent homegrown vegetables and - don't miss it - a superb massage in the 'massage temple'.......Many thanks to Levendis for setting this example of 'gentle tourism'. We explored beaches, mountains....frescoes.....strange atmospheric villages where the ghosts of the 1953 earthquake still walk. We have relaxed in style! It works!
Helen and Galen, Sheffield, July 06

We've loved it here. Sad to leave and wish we'd booked a longer stay..........there's always next time
Derek, Liza and Aidan (2), Marblehead, Ma., July 06

From the day we arrived to now, when we await the taxi to begin our journey home, we continue to pinch ourselves to make sure we are alive - this place is like a heaven! We will always remember the surroundings, the amazing views, that feeling of total relaxation - helped by magnificent massages - the mountain walks, and most of all the hospitality shown to us at Levendis. Eloise (4 1/2) made good friends, and we're sure Camryn (2) enjoyed everything. We hope to make the long journey back on day!
Dave and Sam, Eloise and Camryn, Melbourne, September 06

Our holiday was delightful. We greatly enjoyed venturing up to the Coffee Shop every morning, where Ben and I would tuck into delicious waffles. It really is worthwhile to do down to the pool after dinner and watch the bats glide in for a drink. If you're lucky you can see swallows doing the same in the afternoons. Thanks for being fabulous hosts, and hope to see you again soon!
Phoebe (15) Ben (12), Jamie and Mel, Suffolk, August 06

So many new, good experiences and foods. Found the cute bay at the bottom of the track, such clear warm water and nosey little fish! Everything about this holiday has been A1 from pre-hol. information by email, to the ticketing agents work, the trip from the airport to Levendis......DO: watch the bats skinny-dipping in the pool, have a massage down in the wooden pavilion overlooking the bay (fabulous setting!), enjoy a mulberry smoothie, fine the wild blackberries down the track (scrumptious), and come back......actually don't, as we don't want Levendis fully booked when we try to come back next year!
Angela and Hannah, UK, September 06

A perfect family holiday - the time, space and peace to be together and apart. Thank you. We go home feeling revived after an awful two years. We thoroughly recommend the Levendis child-carer, so wonderfully trustworthy that our rather picky 18 month old loved being with her. She's also a great cook so, for anyone with a toddler or small children, she makes your holiday a perfect one. I can't do justice to the herbs, the smells, the sea, the sky, the walks and the pleasure of seeing so much fruit and salad growing so freely around the grounds. Thank you!
Raine, Anthony and Rachel, May 2006

Our week on Ithaca has been a wonderful experience with all its lovely villages, private little coves, wonderful tavernas and friendly people. Levendis is run so well, everyone in the family doing their part to provide us with fresh vegetables, breads, breakfasts, wonderful landscaping and gardens....our stay has been a memorable one.
Lyn and Gus, Melbourne, June 2006

....wonderful, restful place and we've enjoyed the peace and ranquility of being here.....long restful days and evenings with the rich aroma of plants wafting in the air. It's been very hot, but the surroundings are very 'cool'. Thanks too for my surprise 60th cake and bottle, much appreciated. We're now ready for work again.
Terry and Sharon, England, June 06

Yet another exquisite family holiday, from the fragrances greeting you, to the serenity and restfulness of Levendis. Matt's thanks for removing his stitches and to everyone for keeping the kids well fed and entertained. We can only hope for another Levendis holiday!
Dave and Christie, Matt (5) and James (2), July 2006

I really enjoyed Levendis and mostly the trip they organised for me to go horse-riding. Dad saw a pine martin and some bats, but I saw a gecko and a humming gird moth. The pool is great and I think it's the best holiday yet.
Natalie (9), August 06

What a wonderful family holiday - three cheers to the internet! We've been wanting to come here for 3 years and finally we made it, and it's been a joy and everything we expected - a very special place. Thank you for making everything so easy and achievable for us. The massage was a particular highlight and the setting completely heavenly - all power to the masseuse's elbow!! We're sad to leave and thank you for your relaxed hospitality and hope very much to be back again, horrendous work schedules permitting!
Susie and Adam, Louis(5) Isobel (2) and Hal (9 mths), August 06

What a wonderful way to come back to my beloved Ithaki! I can't believe how gorgeous Levendis has grown to be - incredible pool, sublime massage in the forest, hymmy produce, perfect coffee every morning, hot smells of lavender and sage, the fantastic way the geckos fly up the stair ahead of us, I could go on forever! Anyone who discovers Ledvendis and its family will be very lucky indeed. Magical.
Emm and Andy, September, 06

How do we praise thee!! Enough to say, coming from a long way away, that it was all my daughter-in-law raved about. What a beautiful corner and a welcoming place you've made here.
Simcha and Arthur, South Africa, Sept 06

A quick dash to catch the taxi! We absolutley loved it here - thank you! thank you! thank yoiu!
Brigit, James and Maya (1), Sept 06


What a wonderful place to have a 13th birthday. Thank you for the cake and arranging the yacht for our birthday and our parents anniversar;, and we especially enjoyed the pool, the waffles and barbeque. Please let us come back!
Tom and Ed, England, August 2005

Well, it's our third visit, our parents 2nd, and our baby's 1st......a week isn't enough here. Next time it's two. Levendis, the island and you...love you all! Jasmine (7 months) loved her first swim in the pool, falling asleep in the hammock and staying up past bedtime!
Richard and Natasha, London, August 2005

We were married just one week ago.....an amazingly perfect and wonderful party..... and, then, Levendis. Aahhhhh! Advice? Hire a boat, tour the coves and secret shoreline of Ithaca, dine under the stars and focus on your loved one/s with you - the lucky person/people sharing this special adventure that so few in the world will have a chance to experience......find yourselves at Levendis.
Jo and Robyn, USA, Sept 2005

It was very late, a gorgeous, windy, dark night, when we arrived. I knew, even before I'd seen the view, that Levendis was more than beautiful. Then came morning and the view of the Bay was more stunning than I could ever have imagined. Then, similing greetings, laughter, amazing conversations, wonderful meals and the truest sense of generosity that I've ever known.
Thank you all so very much
Karin, Ohio, Sept 2005

A winter trip alone, with a week of writing the aim, was convoluted and long.....an odyssey to the island of The Odyssey. I arrived at 1 am, thoroughly exhausted. But you were both here, the fire was roaring and we had a cup of tea and I thought, hey, this is going to be good......The week has been great. I've loved waking to light the fire, sit at the kitchen bench with my cup of tea and watch the gulls show off above the gorgeous peacock blue bay below. I've written so much, and yet have spent long hours enjoying the island, tavernas in the winter, the wonderful Greek music CDs you shared. A week, even in winter, should have been two or three.
Cesca, Geneva, February 2005

Wild sage and thyme, the pool, the best mosquito net I've ever seen.......glorious weather, friendly guests and a timeless place. Breakfasts at the coffee shop have been an event not to be missed. Everything we wanted for our honeymoon. We'll be back.......what a wonderful place you've created at Levendis
Kam and Clare, England, June 2005

Saturday afternoon, I'm going to pack my things. I can see Aphales Bay, I can hear my daughter's laughter from the pool, I can smell the many scents that all the greatest poets who've written about Ithaca, even Kavafis and Homer, have always failed to describe. I will never forget the moment when the beautiful house and Aphales Bay showed up to me. Inside, the house of stone, finely finished in wood, was my dream come true, so neat and elegant, but cosy and country with a marine spirit. Then we discovered the pool. There one cannot fail to see what is expressed and achieved in the creation of Levendis, through love, respect and self-commitment. And where else, in August, could you walk 10 minutes to spend a day entirely alone with your family on a white pebble beach with clear cool waters. Unfortunately, even in Greece, so many places have already paid their tribute to that sad destiny some people call 'development'. Mal and Spero have saved Levendis from such a future, with a very good idea and lesson to whomever has ears to hear. We have visited and seen the most beautiful sites in Ithaca and we have never felt sorry to come back home in the evening!
Antonio, Antonella and Valeria, Rome, August 2005

A couple of "must do's": First, do nothing.....you are in the best place, just stay by the pool and read. Second, if you must be more active, hire a motor dinghy, fantastic day. And thank you for doign what no other holiday home/hotel I've ever stayed at has done, and that's answering all your questions and giving all the recommendations you could ever need, before you've even thought to ask! I felt relaxed from day one.
Rachel, England, September 2005

To simply state that our Levendis experience has been a 'dream honeymoon' doesn't even come close. It's surpassed all our dreams. We never imagined that a place so peaceful and beautiful could exist. We did manage to struggle out of the hammock stretched between two ancient olive trees, and over looking the bay......... to take a wander up the hillside across the bay, hire a dinghy, and dine at a taverna in Vathy. Needed earplugs for the latter, even the smallest village can seem like central London after a few days at Levendis. Thank you for your hospitality and smiles. It's virtually impossible to think of an original praise for this 'slice of heaven' We'll try to hold on to it all.....back in the 'real' world.
Faye and John, England, September 2005

Lost for words, BUT we've enjoyed......unobtrusive hospitality, the luxurious simplicity, the stunningly beautiful pool...........we've walked up donkey tracks and along cliff paths.......
Mike and Linda, England, June 2005

Our first summer family holiday away in a long time and we'll all remember it forever! The girls holiday highlight were the pool and choosing their own breakfasts at the coffee shop each morning, and of course the beaches. We wanted a family holiday to relax relax relax and we got it......We'll be back again, and next time with four kids!
Zak and Catherine, Ella (4), Maddie (3) and Amelia (1-1/2)
New Zealand/England, June 2005

For over 6 months we'd been continuously re-reading the web page dreaming of our honeymoon at Levendis. It has exceded every expectation - by miles. See you all next year
Pete and Carly, July 2005

The web page and literature do not do Levendis justice. You've mastered simple elegance! We arrived tired and weary and are leaving rested and energized. Your hospitality wonderful, the Estate breathtaking.....we've enjoyed lounging by the pool, countless Greek salads, fishing off the piers and most of all our opportunity to relax as a family.
And most of all the kids loved catching crickets!
Michael, Krista and Jack, Colorado, August 2005

Third and best-yet family holiday at Levendis, see you next year for three weeks!
Jan and Arthur, Josie (8) Sophia (5) and Jasmine (3)
London, August 2005

Ithaca has lots to offer for family holidays, and Levendis is in a class all its own - it's not just the beautiful gardens and grounds, cozy houses and perfect pool, but your hospitality made our holiday an incredible one, and your staff were beautiful with our children. We've fallen in love with the island, the Estate and can't wait for next summer so that we can come back
Barranco family, USA/UK, July 2005

It's a shame we're moving to the other side of the world, otherwise I'd have finally found how to save myself the annual hassle of seeking out the perfect family holiday spot - having already found it! Our stay far exceeded our expectations and the Alladins cave of the Estate coffee shop is already folklore amongst Alice's friends!
Clive and Maryanne, Alice (7) and Fergus (4), UK, July 2005

Unadulterated bliss!.........we thought we'd found paradise on Kefallonia, but this is taking it to another level altogether. You know from the minute the gates swing open that you're in for a treat. Levendis is a unique example of what can be achieved with vision, time and hard work, and no minor detail has been overlooked. The delicious breakfast menu must NOT be missed.....the only problem with Levendis? You don't want to leave the peace and tranquility. The rest of the island may go unexplored, but it's the perfect excuse to return! Go home and share your memories, but keep its location and telephone number a secret - it's one of life's pleasures!
Rory and Colm, London, September 2005

Things we adults enjoyed most? sitting in the garden at night whilst the baby was asleep, looking at the stars and putting the world to rights - magical moments; making lunches with fresh vegetables from the gardens. The best meals we ate on Ithaca were these lunches and breakfasts in the Estate's coffee shop; Nina and Nadia, thanks for being caring and kind with our baby; and great beaches we found by hiring a dinghy. And teenage daughters' comments: We had a great time in the evenings, making lots of friends in the villages. We did a lot of walking which was tiring but exciting too! Stavros is a fun village and you can make lots of friends there. Hiring a dinghy is a fun day, and everyone is really nice on the island - and waffles in the Coffee Shop are fantastic!!
The Morris family, England, August 2005

For us Ithaca is THE destination, not because of the sheer physical beauty of the location but because of Spero, Mal, Kate and Naki - their openness, warmth and their generosity will remain with us for evermore.
George, Jen, Lara and Jonus, Australia, June 2004

Our best memories of Levendis: The taste of organic, homemade produce, the cicada chorus in the morning, the stars in the night and early morning sky, early morning swims and the swallows taking baths at the same time, sitting under the olive tree - staring, musing, dreaming.
Ward family, Buckinghamshire, August 2004

The views are exactly as promised, but the full experience lies in the sounds, smells and warmth that accompany those views. With watches abandoned, we quickly relaxed into the timelessness and freedom that Ithaca affords. The children have loved the pool, the snorkeling and the company of the other 'Levendis kids'. We have loved the wafts of wild herbs, fresh figs from the trees, clear seas and watching the moon getting bigger each night,,,,,,,,,,I've always said there are too many beautiful places in the world to discover on holidays so would never go to the same place twice. Maybe, just maybe, Levendis might change that.
Baxter family, Hertfordshire, August 2004

Ah the beautiful places we've found for painting - Exoghi, Polis Bay, olive groves carpeted in poppies, not to mention all the days we've painted within the grounds at Levendis - in two weeks there just hasn't been enough time.
Maggie Long, Bournemouth, UK, May 2004

Back again as promised and now having to leave - despair. Lethargy now at terminal level - how will we cope? Once again, everything and everyone wonderful. Must lie down for a while now!
Chrissie Chesters, Norfolk, June 2004

We have to leave again tomorrow.....I'll miss the light, the views (the views!!), the smells and the sounds of this magical, heavenly place. I'm off up to the coffee shop for my penultimate breakfast - the children have been up there with Mal and Kate for ages, enjoying the freedom this amazing place affords 5 and 7 year olds. Jan Owen, London, August 2004

Once upon a time there was a family of five from Canada who did nothing but disagree with one another. One day the king asked his queen and royal subjects what they wanted to do for the family holiday. When the family responded with groans, the king consulted his magic mirror and found a pleasant retreat on a Greek isle. The family loaded their bags reluctantly and prepared for 7 days of family feud. Upon their arrival at Levendis they realized that they had come to a magical place and for 7 days they all swam, played games, talked and thoroughly enjoyed life together. They lounged on beaches in the afternoons and devoured plates and plates of delicious Greek food in the evenings. At the end of their stay they once again, with reluctance, packed their bags. They decided to hold a royal vote and unanimously agreed that this was one of the best vacations ever. Thanks Levendis!
Julia, l6 year old royal subject

Well, that story pretty much will over shine whatever I write here so I'll just say I had an absolutely wonderful time. Thanks Levendis!
Cheryl, 15 year old royal subject

After several months of being stressed out, we were married last week. The one thing we didn't have to 'discuss' was the honeymoon. He said 'We have to research the honeymoon'. She said 'Already done, we are going to Mal and Spero's'. He said 'Perfect'. And it still is the perfect place. The bay does what it's supposed to do, i.e., slosh and change colors, the sun strikes the cliffs in the way it should, i.e., beautifully, the church bells remind us when it's half past something; but the best bit is the wonderful hospitality. I noted a lot of families in the Guest Book..... try the off season, eat, drink, siesta and lounge about without the kids. I keep waiting for a snake to offer us apples!! Do like we do, some back at least once a year!
The Bowdens, London, April 2004

Today is my birthday! I cannot imagine a more wonderful place to celebrate than Levendis and Ithaca. Last night was a wonderful powerful storm that blew in heavenly scents and cool weather today. I started celebrating at the coffee shop this morning………and tonight a full moon is rising over the hills.
I wish the world had more people with your intelligence, creativity and thoughtfulness. I hope I can return for another stay at Levendis on the most incredibly beautiful Ionian island.
Holley Pavey, New Orleans, October 2003


We’re beginning to feel like regulars now – our second visit to Levendis and it’s been even better than the first one! We’ve met some wonderful people and explored the island more than before. Everyone should try the ‘Ithaca in a Bottle’ – it really is fantastic for stargazing, and you sleep like a dream having drunk it. Can’t wait to come next year. Until next time, our love
Richard and Tasher Anyamene, October 2003

My friend Mary told me how special Levendis is, but I could not have imagined anything nearly as wonderful………our stay has not been long enough to take in all the pleasures of the island………the friendliness, warmth and creativity of our hosts make them some of the most special people on earth. This has been a wonderful place to reaffirm my Greek heritage, especially in the town of Stavros!
Helen Stavros, New Orleans, October 2003

Levendis, what a sweet addiction and oh so worth the voyage and my long wait to revisit. I can't even convey how touched I was by your festive champagne welcome, mezes, exquisite flowers all over my room and the wonders awaiting us in the fridge and on the shelves. The smells, especially the mint from just down the path, heavenl; each taverna’s food tasting better than the last; and each of Mal’s breakfasts a new surprise wake-up treat. And ah, the pool of pools, with crushed lapis diamond quartz and satiny water. Spero, it’s infinity over the top! Thank you both for all your special touches. Our spectacular drive across the Peloponnese mountain ranges with your chauffeur Fanis was wonderful. He is a really fine, attentive driver, on challenging roads. He was so patient with all our questions, as well as friendly and fun. Our thanks  for arranging in a short space of time a dramatic maestro storm, a full moon coming up behind the mountain, several rosy-hued sunsets, a perfect sun-filled day of sailing, the company of wonderful co-guests, and most of all for demonstrating just what it’s all about in so many, many ways. Fond hugs until next time,
Mary Virre, New Orleans, October 2003

We arrived on Ithaca in the dark of night…….our driver wending his way around curves and over hills until we arrived at our destination – Levendis. Our hosts awaited us. After wine and snacks we fell into bed, exhausted. NOTHING could have prepared us for the beauty that awaited us when we woke late next morning. We spent the lazy days of our honeymoon by the spectacular pool, eventually making our way out onto the island. Everywhere we went though, we turned to each other to say, ‘This doesn’t even compare to what we have at Levendis! We felt like kings. We had anticipated a wonderful stay. Our time spent on your glorious Estate surpassed all of our expectations – we could not have chosen a better place for our honeymoon. Everything is absolutely perfect from aromatic gardens to the pieture-perfect pool, spectacular views and friendly hosts. Thank you for your hospitality and wonderful conversations. We’ll be back sooner rather than later.
Robert and Laurel Ramirez de Montalban, Texas, September, 2003