The whole way through this trip was perfect. The hotel rooms had plenty of space, very clean and with its own fridge to keep food and drink. On the first morning, I was welcomed by a stunning view of the sea and islands from our balcony. Boiling hot! Sun lotion is essential. I spent much of my time paddleboarding and kayaking, all of which were so peaceful and relaxing. However, other activities such as waterskiing, cycling and tennis are also a must-do. The sea was very calm and clear and had lots of fish, so I would recommend this neilson resort to any snorkelers. The food at this resort was amazing! Every day brought a different meal, all delicious and top-quality! The staff were super kind and helpful. This place has a swimming pool if you're ever looking for a more relaxed day. A brilliant trip, great location, beautiful seas, fun activities, great staff and delicious food. The usual perfect from neilson. I'd highly recommend!…
I got food poisoning the day after I arrived and thought it was the food I was in a terrible state, after 2 days I was feeling better and drank the water in a water station that they insisted was safe and got ill again by a process of elemination I realized it was the water. I was ill for 4 out of 7 days!!!! The hotel manager said their had been other complaints but the local doctor they called said it was a bug but he would say that which side would you take if you were him. A multi million pound local business or a few tourists. The poisoning ruined my holiday and I didn't try to sue so this is not a scam
Don’t let the number of steps in the Retreat put you off. If you are looking for an activity holiday that includes fitness and relaxation classes, challenging cycling, a wide variety of water sports, padel or normal tennis and a gym - then this is the perfect holiday for you. The Retreat is set in a stunning location and the staff could not have been more friendly, professional and encouraging. I met new friends and came home fitter than when I arrived (and I still managed to enjoy the great food and the cocktails in the bar). The hotel accommodation is of a good standard, very clean and comfortable. I tried new activities in this stunning setting, like paddle boarding and enjoyed some great kayaking group trips, as well as a group cycle ride to Perdica, for example. I have never been so busy on holiday! Unlike me, if you are a hard core cyclist then there are plenty of even more challenging rides for you to try and the stretch classes in amongst a busy programme of fitness classes will really help with tight muscles. I am sure my experience was not a one off and that Neilson’s Sivota Retreat must be consistently amazing because so many guests told me they return again and again. I know I will.…
The setting on this hotel is stunning, the sunrises and sunsets are amazing and whilst there's a lot of steps in the resort it's worth the walk down and up to the beach. We were a bit shocked at having to wade to the watersports beach as the Neilson's website says it's a shallow paddle across....i'm 5ft 6 and my knickers got wet!! We tried most of the activities on offer and all the instructors and staff were great. Cycling is hilly, their "blue" route bike had a 5km climb with over 250m elevation gain in it (but coming back down was fun!). Personally I would have liked a bigger swimming pool, it's only 18m so you have to swim a lot of lengths to get anywhere! The room was modern and clean, we're not so keen on the glass door to the bathroom but that's a minor gripe. We had a couple of issues that were dealt with promptly by reception. Food was fairly basic but tasty - lots of grilled chicken, fish etc with rice / chips / local potato dishes and a great choice of salads every day. Temperatures were mid to high 20's between the 18th and 25th Sept so ideal for doing activities but also warm enough to relax by the pool. It's a short walk downhill to Sivota harbour where there's plenty of options for food and drink in an evening but it's very uphill on the way back. Take a torch as it's not lit for most of it either. A taxi cost 5E if you don't want to walk.…
The resort still has many of the ‘old’ Neilson’s plus points. The staff are great, the accommodation and food, very good. The location is stunning. The range of activities has changed and some have been ramped up. I’m not in to ‘Military training’ and high intensity classes. I missed having proper yoga / ‘Body Balance’ and classes like Zumba type dance. There weren’t as many ‘Blue’ bike rides as there used to be. Swimming across to and round Goat Island are to be recommended! It’s good having a mixture of nationalities, although the ‘Scandie’ dance class instruction is unacceptably loud (If your room is anywhere near the bar!) For another time, I would look for a beach club based on the ‘old’ Neilson’s business model.
5* Retreat. Food is fantastic, staff couldn’t be more pleasant and helpful, setting is to die for with everything you need. 10 mins walk to Sivota and a couple of beaches below. The bungalows are definitely worth an upgrade as they have huge balconies and glorious views. I don’t often return to the same resort but I’ll definitely be back here!
We have just returned from a fortnight at the Sivota retreat. As commented on other reviews, there are a lot of steps, but this is a small price for the setting which is just beautiful. Facilities are superb, wide range of activities on offer but what really sets this place apart is the staff. Nothing is too much trouble. My daughter has a severe food allergy and was initially concerned about what she could eat, however this was short-lived as the Head Chef gave her a tour of the restaurant on her first few evenings to advise her what to avoid. He was always on hand for any further questions about ingredients - exceptional service and delicious food too!! The lack of kids club suited us well, with teenagers in tow, but it might have been nice to have an introductory social activity for them. All round fantastic resort. Hoping to return next year.…
Sivota Retreat is fantastic but not your normal Neilson holiday. There was a few things missing from a traditional Neilson resort but as the Retreat is jointly run with Apollo holidays, there was some extras too, such as Yoga and Spin which was too advanced and too hot for me. Aqua aerobics was more my thing with Madeline. You really need to be fit to negotiate all the steps and steep hills around the hotel, and there is a lot of them! The hotel staff all spoke good English and Andreas was a good wine tasting guide along with Kostas. Vasia on the food buffet was good too. As for the Neilson crew, Stefanos and Natasha run a very tight ship and all the staff were all amazing and lots of fun. Shame we couldn't do the bikes or tennis as it was far too hot. We stuck with the SUPs and kayaks and worth going on a trip to see the caves. Just one thing, please can we have better coffee!…
Visited Sivota neilson Aug ‘22 for 1 week. Such a stunningly picturesque location and club/ accommodation. Lots of activities, as it says you can do as much or little as you like. No problem booking classes , there was always space. Although the only restriction was the heat (and the hills if you cycle) 32 degrees most days. Get your exercise in early! Then chill in the sun and the sea. Wonderful delicious healthy buffet food. Make sure you visit Sivota town and sit in one of the harbour front bars watching the world go by. It’s beautiful. Awesome holiday.
A fantastic action packed holiday in the most glorious setting. Even if you don’t fill your time with any of the planned activities the steps will keep you fit! Fabulous setting with breathtaking views and a watery playground at your feet. Challenge yourself to try something new. You will not be disappointed. Great food and super friendly staff.
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