Guest Book

 

Mum and I first came here back here in September 2006, just the two of us, for some restoration.  Such a special place to find and one I most definitely had to bring Mike to when we met in 2019.  A firm favourite of his now and though we’ve all visited often, this is the first year we’ve been here twice – May for the walks and cooler clime and again in September to celebrate Mum’s 75th with the whole family.   When I asked how she’d like to celebrate ….“I’d love to go back to Levendis!” Not so many walks this time but we’ve all so enjoyed our two weeks in each other’s company.  As usual, fantastic hosts Kate, Mal and Spero – always a pleasure, many laughs and giggles over breakfasts and nothing is ever too much trouble.  Thank you!                      Hannah, September 2024

What a truly wonderful place to relax as a family!  We arrived after celebrating our dear friends’ wedding in Czech and were so grateful to have a week with them here after not seeing them for 5 years.  Our kids enjoyed the beaches and ice-cream by the sea. Us grown-ups liked the quiet, slow pace. Memories were made, bonds strengthened and rejuvination done.  And we look forward to a return trip.  Thank you!                                  September 2024, Rebecca and Matt, Berkeley (4) and Charlotte (almost 2)

Our 13th stay at Levendis.  Thank you all for everything and thank you Levendis for enveloping us all and allowing us to rest and be together.  We will, of course, be back.   August 2024  Mark and Tanya,  Ben (17), Zoe and Hannah (14)

This is our first time on Ithaca. So much to love here at Levendis: the tranquility, the views, the food and the warmth of the family – thank you Spero, Mal and Kate. And thank you from Calla for Ratatouille on movie night.  With best wishes and we’ll miss Hirohito!  August 2024  Matt and Claudia, Aurora, Astrid and Calla

What a wonderful 10 days at the beautiful Levendis Estate, just me and children and we did so much.  Such a wonderful island to explore, full of character and with friendly locals, always happy to help. Too many highlights, but some: fabulous breakfasts at Levendis coffee shop with Kate to help plan our day, endless swimming in countless bays of clear water and warm waters, incredible food choices, 7 days scuba diving for the boys, early morning walks, spooky evening trip to the Monastery, local wines.  We loved every minute of it.   July 2024 Olivia with Cecil (14) Fergus (13)  Chantree (10) and Laurella (6) July 2024

Such peace. The magic of this uniquely beautiful island and the kindness of its people got to us all.  With sincerest thanks to all of you here at Levendis for your genuine hospitality, we would love to return some day.  We enjoyed making the acquaintance of Hirohito and a number of inquisitive praying mantis who kept us company whilst star-gazing on the terrace! July 2024  Matthew, Fiona, Gemima and Gabriel

What a wonderful trip we have had to Ithaca…….and our third at this magical place. Thank you for the movie night under the trees, magical and not to be forgotten. Your friendship and hospitality are always much appreciated.  Hope to be back again soon,  June 2024 Magnus and Evie, Iona, Campbell and Felicity

After 2 long years we finally returned to our family happy place!  And again we were completely smitten by its beauty and the very unique Levendis vibe - welcoming breakfasts and lovely chats to start each day,  to the different beaches and, of course, the pool, very relaxing massages, egg collecting adventures, movie night in the forest, unforgettable evenings  - we had the very best time.  Thank you all so very much, we’ll count the days until we return again in two years.   May 2024 Robert and Anne, Lotta (7) and Emil (5)

What an amazing place.  The food was delicious and breakfasts extraordinary.   We had a great time in the pool and I really loved the day out in the boat.  Did I mention the food? It was incredible.  (William - 10)  The people here were so friendly, my favourite part of the holiday was the food, we loved the pool, and Levendis is very pretty.  Thank you for our holiday (Ollie - 7)  Thank you so much Mal, Spero and Kate, we’ve had an amazing family holiday and feel truly spoilt and utterly relaxed.  Wish we were just arriving and very much hope to return. May 2024 Ed and Helen, William and Ollie

The Levendis Estate is a small family ‘hotel’ and it is extraordinary. The family are the most competent people and great company too. Thank you, we are highly impressed.  The quality of the build, the taste, the precision, brilliant swimming pool, beautifully crafted steps ……….and spring water too!!               Vladimir and Irina, May 22

I actually managed to learn to swim, I touched an octopus, we loved the boat trip and the picnic was amazing and the swimming pool was the best,  Fleur (aged 8)  May 22.

We finally made it back to Levendis (for me) and first time for Mike after Covid scuppered all planning.  My family has been coming here since 2013 - it’s our favourite holiday destination.  This time we explored more and found lots of places we’ll return to next time.  We’re already planning our return and Mike has absolutely loved his first visit to this jewel of an island and a most precious family at Levendis,  Hannah and Mike, May 22

Brilliant, lovely as ever. After the Covid wreckage so great to be here again. Hope to see you all again next year,   Ian and Penny, June ‘22

A beautiful island with all its treasures and ruggedness, loved the soft balmy air, the scent of herbs on the wind.  Many thanks for a wonderful, restful holiday filled with surprises, adventures and calm,            Angela and Chris, June 22

My reviews don’t usually talk about the accommodation itself BUT you need to spend as much time as possible within this Estate, and stay as long as you can. Holidaying here is all about switching off, forgetting your everyday life and escaping  ‘normality’ and the real world for a while.  It’s hard to find a reason to venture out the gate, everything you need is here inside – the Chef’s real and delicious foods, shaded hammocks, library, what a pool!, massages in a forest glen, outdoor lounging platform, all washed in the wafting scents of herbs.  Nights are dark and quiet,  star-gazing incredible and beds are cosy (haven't slept this well in a long time). Our concentration levels rose and everything felt so fresh & healthy - our immersion in natural surroundings undoubtedly the reason. We thank you. John Harris, June 22

Our holiday was so good for us all, the perfect place, we loved your style and approach.  Our very tech dependent children never complained once about lack of wifi, they loved your cinema night especially but honestly they loved everything at Levendis.  I loved how comfortable they obviously felt there, able to talk to you and other grown ups they didn’t know – it was a great environment for them.  Fabulous products:  hair mask, face mousse, soaps and sunscreen all really wonderful.  Mega thanks and we’d love to come back! Becky and James, William and Theo, June 2022

 We especially loved Max, the cat.  We re-named him that because it sounds good on him.  We’re going to miss this so much and hope to be at this place again, William (10) and Theo (8)

 A special treat for barefoot-luxury loving families:  Levendis Estate has its own kind of luxury, not one you find in five star hotels (although luxurious enough also in a classic sense), but one that is linked to having only four cottages spread over a huge and beautiful garden, being supplied with great homegrown and homemade foodstuff, having a mediterranean paradise pool all for yourself (even if the other houses are all taken, there is hardly more than one party there at a time) and an owner family that goes out of its way to make your stay fabulous. Highlights were the BBQ at the shared spot with local meats of your choice supplied ready to put on, the outdoor movie night for the kids with homemade popcorn and lemonade, the collecting of eggs from their own hens with the kids, and the awesome breakfast that made us resist any other option in Ithaca every day. Very child-friendly - no wonder more than half of the guests are regulars. Robert Frick, July 2022

 On our second boat trip we were lucky enough to swim with turtles and we had a great cinema night with lots of popcorn and real lemonade. Can’t wait to come back,  Hebe  (9)  July 2022

 A wonderful stay – what a magical place you’ve created.  Amazing breakfasts and big thanks to Kate for all her suggestions – kayaking, boat rides, archeological walk, the monastery and all the restaurant bookings.  A treat to discover almost empty little bays to swim in crystal blue seas.  Delicious foods, incredible pool, the best view on the island and film night in the forest just too good.  We plan to return, Chloe, Tim and Theo, July

 We had an incredible stay.  The pool is amazing. It’s been built as if it is part of a Greek palace. The food here is wonderful and the hospitality is too. We had an incredible boat trip around the island as well as kayaking and a history tour that was fascinating even for a 12 year old like me  – all  this sorted out and booked for us by Kate, and I would really suggest not missing the cinema night because it’s fantastic down there in the forest,  Theo, July 2022

 Such peace, The magic of this uniquely beautiful island and the kindness of its people got to us all. With sincerest thanks to all of you here at Levendis for you genuine hospitality and recommendations. We would love to return. We enjoyed making the acquaintance of Hiro Hito and a number of inquisitive preying mantis who kept us company whilst star-gazing on the terrace.                                                        Matthew Fiona Gemima and Gabriel July ‘22

We came, a family of 14 and found it the perfect place for our family ranging in age from 77 down to 5.  Our 4 branches of the family each had their own house and space and we all lived for a week in  perfect harmony.  How could we not in such an idyllic place? We fell in love with the wild landscape, the glorious ruffled sea – a view that it’s hard not to be mesmerized by, the simplicity and sliceable peace and quiet.  Thank you for looking after our every need unobtrusively and with such grace. We’re restored, revived and full with blissful memories. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we would love a repeat.                   Clico and Gerard July ‘22

The pool at sunrise and at night with amazing stars, cookery class excellent, the guided archeological tour very interesting …………and such relaxation here at Levendis……Cinema night with ‘Ratatouille’ was brilliant,  The Yoxalls, August 22

Our hearts are full.  We have fallen in love with Ithaca – in our view the most magical of all the Greek islands we have visited.  Levendis is the perfect sanctuary from which to explore this beautiful island, thank you to Mal, Spiro, Kate and Niko for all the magical memories.                                                            James, Carly, Mollie and Ralph, August 2022

Over and above all our expectations!  We’ve had the most restful and restorative week in these beautiful surroundings – the gardens are such a haven of natural beauty. We would love to return with family one day soon. Wonderful memories and thank you for all the hard work to create it.  Pippa, Tom, Max and Indie, August 22

 Our week at Levendis restored the four of us. Other reviewers have captured the beauty of the location, the sweet-scented gardens, the warmth of the welcome and the deliciousness of the breakfasts, but for us, the real boon was the chance to recapture a sense of proportion. Our younger daughter had been very ill during the year & was in the process of being diagnosed with autism. We were, as a family, at our tethers' end.  After lockdown, we really didn't want to be marooned alone in a villa, nor to fend for ourselves, but equally we didn't want to be crowded and assailed by noise and society. At Levendis we found just the right balance. Here are some things we loved, in no particular order

- the little cat who visited every day
- the lack of wi-fi. (Huge bonus: this meant our children spoke to each other and to us...and to the cat)
- the good humour & speed with which Mal sorted out a replacement car key after we lost ours out swimming. (Yes, the keys turned up the next day: shout out for the cantina at Cemetery Beach)
- Spero's outdoor movie night. And the thoughtful early morning conversations as he pottered round the pool.
- the library of good books available for guests. Our teenager announced she was changing her A Level choice, to Classical Civilisation, after racing through Levendis books by Barbara Graziosi, Madeleine Miller etc. Hurray! That means an excuse to come back to Ithaca on "study leave", no?    Susannah Ford August 2022

Our tenth holiday here at Levendis and after a four year break it’s been more special than ever.  We have all switched off, relaxed, swum, played games and eaten a lot!!  It’s been just wonderful again.  Until next time our love, Tanya, Mark, Ben, Zoe and Hannah, August 22

Thank you Levendis for many happy memories.  We’ve been coming here nearly our whole lives and it’s amazing every time.  Can’t wait to see you all again. Thank you Kate for our amazing breakfasts!         Zoe and Hannah (11), August 2022

Thank you so much for helping us rest and unwind.  From the massages to the incredible food to the beautiful home and wonderful, endless views – a sensory heaven.  Alistair and Anna, Ernie and Ruby, September 22

Recommendations:  Come here at least once a year for your health and wellbeing, visit the best breakfast/coffee shop in the world on a daily basis (its up lots of steps to the top!), take possibly the scariest drive of your life up to the church in Exoghi.  And the one down-side – you have to go home! But be sure to book your next trip – it will soften the blow. Thanks for your easy hospitality, for all the interesting discussions at the breakfast shop and mostly for allowing us to share this wonderful corner of the world.  Viv and John, September 22

Thank you so much for a wonderful week. My sister did not lie – this place IS a slice of heaven! We were here in the last week of October and encountered rain, winds and sun but weather didn’t stop us enjoying everything this idyllic island has to offer – amazing walks which were almost ancient in the feelings they evoked, gin clear seas, great unhurried moments with family, we will return. Mandy and Sam, 27 October 2021

Today we leave you for Sweden and Stockholm, we’ve had two amazing weeks on your lovely island.  Being here for the third time it starts feeling like a second home, especially now we are bringing ‘Little Spero’ home (8 week old Frikes kitten) that connection will be even stronger. To any guests who also want to adopt a cat, it’s very easy (with help from Kate and Mal).  See you all again soon,   Bozarth Fornell family,  July 2021

Such a beautiful and magical place. We made forever memories.  See you next year,                         Dom and Sarah, Teddy and Amelie, July 2021

Huge thanks to all the staff and our delightful hosts, Mal and Spiro.  Scenery stunning, hospitality exceptional. Thanks Kate for helping us with amazing excursions and supplying us with full breakfast bellies, the Chalfen family. August 2021

All of us immediately fell in love with this mystic place you have created!  Our hearts feel at home here at Aphales bay and especially in your beautiful Levendis paradise. We’ll definitely be back soon, Florian, Nicole and Enola, Austria, October 2021

Thank you so much for having us to stay.  We’ve enjoyed every second, the peace and tranquility at Levendis and the beautiful geography of the island.  Snorkel in Aphales bay – go right to the rocks for the most fish then around the corner to the secret beach.  Teo, Lena and Eva, Poland, June 2021

Thank you all for the most amazing 10 days and the chance to be back here in this piece of heaven – just what we needed!  Thank you for all of it:   the food (wow!), the beaches, visiting old favourites and finding new ones (our secret Dragon Egg cave) and the 12km run to Marmakas is a spiritual experience – sunrise over the ocean – just do it.  All of it was magic (especially no wi-fi).  Thanks for your creation and sharing it with us, With gratitude, Max, Jenny and Isie, South Africa, July 2021

Another wonderful holiday, thank you to all, you really give us a special place.   Jo, Gi, Barnaby, Flora and Henry and Rosie, England, August 2021

We loved walks in the forest and discovering fairy groves, pool views of sea and cypress, delicious foods, the lovely olive trees - such perfect companions to lay under and watch the sky - no wifi, no TVs, no ambulance sirens and the wonderful Levendis family.  A labour of love and you can see it reflected everywhere, thank you all.   William, Anita and Robin, Germany, September 2021

Your beautiful gardens and pool are filled with the laughter and memories of all our family holidays here which make Ithaca and Levendis like no other place in the world for us. Thank you for always making us feel at home in this very special place.  Aileen and Nick Brindle (and Scott too!) September 2021

To the whole Levendis team, Thank you!  We have had a wonderful 12 days here – I actually feel like I’ve had a holiday!! Needless to say, we all want to come back.   Jo, Gi, Barnaby, Flora and Henry, September 2019

 Best holidays, as per usual!  Will miss it here as I usually do. Thank you SO much everyone, Will be craving the breakfast waffles ………..until next year, Love Ada XX   August 2019

 Thank you for a wonderful week with space to stare at the sea, read our books, talk and to go on a few adventures…………..it’s lovely to siesta outside under the olive trees with the sound of the sea and cicadas, and swimming in the pool at night with the little bats was exquisite.  Home-made lemonade at Anoghi, the beach below Levendis and clambering around the Ulysses Castle site wondering how many layers of Myceanean history are still below the dig…..but a few highlights, fond farewells till next time, Max, Kate and Brendan, June 2019

 What a special place we’ve found, & one we’ll return to.  Particularly loved Ag Yiannis beach, morning runs along the mountain and dip in the sea, driving to Anoghi for coffee and cake and to see the beautiful church there… and lots more.  But the family favourite was spending time here at Levendis soaking up the breath-taking views, enjoying the pool, making friends, eating breakfasts at the coffee shop, inhaling the scents & generally losing track of time whilst we spent fun quality time together.  Love Jenny, Rhys, Noah (7) & Rosa (5)

 Thank you for creating the nurturing Levendis – a special place: the dky, sea, gardens, sounds, smells, tastes and the peace. David, Adam, Matthew  California

 This has been the most magical yoga retreat I’ve put on yet. The healing powers of Levendis, its tranquility, fully immersed in nature with its authentic planet protection action is all we could have wanted and more – not to mention the amazingly nutritious, prana-filled food to nourish us throughout the week.  I’ll be back for more!  Donna Williams@emergencyyoga

 Our fifth visit to our home from home in the peace and beauty of Levendis. Thank you foryour vision in creating this slice of heaven, for all the years you’ve lovingly tended this place. We’ve had a wonderful 11 days, so quiet, restorative, peaceful.  See you again,  Neil & Melanie, England, June 2019

 Thank you for making it possible to return to our idea – and reality – of paradise. Despite our many visits this time we found new walks, thanks to the Ithaca pathways team for their clear signs and opening the new path.  The hands of the masseuse are magic and healing and her advice brilliant, thank you!  Our love, Peter and Carole, September 2019

 Here I am again in the company of the fabulous Levendis family.  I’m sleeping, reading, sea swimming and taking in the silence – what could be more perfectly soul-filling?  Donna Williams, August 2019

 When we arrived our daughter said, “I love it here.  I think there are fairies here”  (She’s 15!). We leave tomorrow and we’re so sad to go.  It is really magical, we’ve loved every second.  Scott, Daisy and Ashley from California, June 2019

 Levendis is utterly wonderful, Ithaca is magical, beautiful and filled with life. Explore every inch as around every corner there’s something new and exciting to see and do. We hope to make a speedy return,  Rosina, Pepita, Zoe and Isabella

 When we arrived it was pitch dark and I was worn out so the house welcomed us with super warm beds.  Alba (aged 6) England/Spain July 2019

 “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. Thank you for the beauty of Levendis, long may it last! A unique holiday experience and unlike any previous holiday. An eco-chic vacation where everything has been taken care of before you arrive, according to your wishes. Ithaca is an island where nature reigns supreme….olive trees, a rich and varied vegetation, crystal clear seas, pure air, beautiful scenery. Levendis philosophy of creating a space that takes advantage of the natural environment responsibly and takes care of every individual’s need; and the island is simply a great place to be in September. However, the most powerful endorsement has to be that other guests were all on their umpteenth visit to Levendis, happy to note how the Estate had evolved over the years. Bryan and Gigi 2018 – Switzerland

Holiday highlights – snorkeling at the local beach with loads of different fish with vibrant colors; kayaking above the clear blue and green water and the really good Levendis breakfasts. We had a great time, but the best was staying here at Levendis. Libby (11) and Jess (9), UK, May 2018

You have given us the most fantastic holiday. It has been so very special to return to this well kept secret place. Beautiful and nurturing and heavenly swimming, especially this morning in the dark before leaving! Felicity and Sarah Hedley, Dorset and New Zealand, Sept 2018

Day 1 and what a lovely start to our week here! We woke around 10.30 and went up to the Coffee Shjop for breakfast, and my god, that breakfast was a treat! After we went in the luxurious pool – amazing! Adam, Simona, Lizzie (16) Noah (14) and Benji (12), August 2018

It was great to see you again after three years, but it won’t be the last. While we were here we had a cross country, a swimming race, two movie nights and a couple of visits to the farm. We loved the forest, pool and breakfasts. Arkie (11) and Havi (14), Sydney, July 2018

A well needed recuperative family holiday. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to stay. Anna Ellery, UK, May 2018

Such a beautiful, peaceful place, full of delights. We didn’t do much, but we didn’t need to. Levendis is a very special haven. John and Alison, UK, Sept 2017 My highlights were a fishing boat trip, movie night, the sea and breakfasts – oh and the homemade lollies! Oona, (11) UK, August 2017

On our second visit, so refreshing and relaxing. The environment you’ve created is grounding, peaceful and in complete harmony with nature. It’s both timeless and different each day – the colors, the sky, the air, so fragrant and natural. We’ll be back for another dose! Neil and Melanie, Australia and now Yorkshire, Sept 2016

Our 9th year making wonderful memories in our most favourite place with our most favourite people, see you next year! Tanya and Mark, Ben (11), Zoe and Hannah (7), UK August 2018

We all loved it – everyone, every place, every minute. See you again. Nat & Helen, Evelyn (2) and Iris (2 mths) UK, June 2018

A joy to return to Levendis – but this time at a different season. We loved the variety and color of spring at Levendis, but this time it’s been lovely to swim in such warm waters. We have walked familiar and new trails this time. But best of all has been the friendliness and laughter we’ve shared with our hosts at the Coffee Shop each morning. Carole and Peter, UK, September 2017

Way too short this time, but super sweet and deliciously enjoyable stay!! Already looking forward to coming back once again – for longer! Antonia, Ernesto, Keanu & Anais, Switzerland, July 2017

Thank you for your wonderful, soulful hospitality. It takes an awful lot of hard work and sensitivity to create somewhere that instantly makes guests feel relaxed, but you’ve done exactly that. Rhiannon, London, June 2017

The pillows are perfect, slept like a baby. Fantastic week, didn’t move far from the lawn-lounger-with-view, everything else lived up to standard of the pillows! Isabel Ettedgui, August 2014

On holiday number 6 at Levendis we’ve been lazier than ever. Just took the time to enjoy our favourite bits: breakfast up the stairs, the unbeatable pool with view, Marmakas for swimming and snorkelling in beautiful turquoise water, Ag Ioannis beach to watch the sun going down and Frikes for dinners. It seems like the Estate is growing with our boys, with more for them to do and explore every year. Thanks for the kindness and thoughtfulness, of course we’ll be back! Aileen & Nick, Robbie & Scott, July 2014

How could I not have had a wonderful time - Massages in the forest pavilion, a serene setting to say the very least, happy kids who appeared only at meal times, marvelous views from my garden, lovely lotions and potions, interesting breakfast chats at the coffee shop …..and I read nine books with four kids in tow! The most relaxing two weeks in 12 years, thank you. Patricia, Demark, 2013

If you want peace, tranquilty, a chance to recharge in the company of your loved ones and to return with a better balance for life, this is the place for you. Magical villages in the sky and beautiful beaches to be discovered. See you next year. Liam and Susan, Holmforth, 2015

Thank yous from us all. Your conception of the perfect family holiday that blends loads of fun for our kids with the simple luxury of silence and beauty for us is unique as far as I know. We already consider ourselves regulars! Harold and Eve, Geneva, 2014

The one place I’ve been that I want to return to – often. In fact I’m thinking that I live at Levendis Estate, but sadly need to return to Ireland to work 50 weeks each year. Jenny Walsh, Co. Cork, June 2015

A little corner of the world where nothing really matters and where the beauty of nature renders everything just as it should be. But more than just a beautiful peaceful place, Mal and Spiro offer something much more……..we will go back to our quiet part of Sussex inspired about what ‘welcome’ means. Hospitality here extends into every blade of grass, every perfectly located hammock, every gorgeous double espresso………. We leave with enriched souls. Jed and Gilly, England, 2014

Our 11th holiday at Levendis. Some ask us why not see the rest of the world and we reply what more could a soul ask, Levendis supplies all. Here we find ourselves, our thoughts, spend time to re-find inner peace and re-decide what really matters to us. We love being within the enthusiasm and creativity of Spero and Mal’s company in a glorious corner of the world where it’s so easy to ‘let go’. Thank you for all your hard work, same time same place next year of course. Rob & Nita, Hollingworth, UK, 2014

Thank you and Levendis for our fortnight of peace, perfect peace, in exquisite surroundings. Marg & John, Melbourne, 2014

Exploring the island is exciting, birds-eye views from mountaintops, the clearest seas imaginable, but the best was always coming back to Levendis - to the cool and calm ………..and ‘that’ view! Thank you for making this beautiful place for us. Jackie and Cathy, London, 2015