Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Accommodation reviews => Independent accomodation => Topic started by: Rob B on August 24, 2009, 07:58:00 PM
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Hi everyone. I'm just back from 2 weeks at Villa Theia & as I always find other people's independent reviews helpful I thought I'd add mine here too:
I don't normally do reviews but having stayed in this Villa, the owners deserve to succeed &, honestly, I'm not connected to them in any way. Dealing with the owner, Sara, has been a joy as she comes over as very genuine & likeable.
The Villa is located between Arillas & Afionas in a stunning spot looking down an Olive & Cyprus tree laden valley to the sea & out to the nearby Islands. Watch out for the very steep drive but once parked this brand new Villa is gorgeous. Generously & tastefully fitted out with loads of nice individual touches that give the impression this is someone's home rather than a cold holiday let. We were so impressed by the welcome pack eg 2 large bottles of beer, nice bottle of wine, 2 bottles of water, large bottle of coke, large pack of ham, cheese, butter, 2 loafs of bread & the list goes on. Lovely touches such as dishwasher tablets, toilet roll, washing up liquid all replenished for us during the holiday. Full clean, towels & sheet changes every 3 days by the simply wonderful Penny & Bob who are truly lovely people. Then the best left until last are the sunsets as all Forum members will know- I know people go on about these everywhere but photos can't do them justice here. We didn't eat out as much as usual because wherever we went we felt the view back at the Villa was far more stunning than any Taverna could offer. We'd eat out on the Veranda as the sun set & the Swallows dipped down for a scoop of water from the pool.
We always believe there are too many places to visit & not enough time to see them all so we never revisit the same place but for the first time ever we've returned home & rebooked for next year already. http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/corfu/76640
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A really nice post and credit has to be due to Gary n Sara for how they have planned and furnished the Villa. It's a little taste of luxury which, I think, all of us deserve now n again. ...And, as you say, extra credit must also be due to Bob n Penny who look after all guests and I know they enjoy this very much. Meeting new faces etc.
( Although I'm suprised Bob hasn't persuaded Gary n Sara to put a dartboard up! )
It's great to see all these Villas around Arillas which give, in my opinion, good value for money and also bring in more people to Arillas.
You guys out there are spoilt for choice.
Cheers
Negg
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Well done Sara and Gary. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make a dream come true so well done in getting there and making a success of it.
Need A Holiday - I've met Sara and can confirm that she's just as genuine and likable in the flesh!
Eileenx
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Thats a fantastic review Sara. It must be so lovely to hear such lovely comments after what I'm sure has been a long and difficult road at times! Well done x
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Lovely review Needaholiday!
And I am sure it is well deserved for Sara & her family, Bob, Penny and the magic of Arillas :)
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I can add my confirmation to Eileens - They are both very genuine and nice people. I met Gary and Sara for the first time when they were over at the beginning of the year putting the finishing touches to the Villa ready for letting it out. I know how hard they have worked to get to this stage, and they deserve all the praise and success that will surely come their way.
Congratulations guys - look forward to meeting you again soon.
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Well done Sara....what a lovely report. Congratulations! Hope to meet you soon....
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Thank you everyone for your lovely comments.
Needaholiday - I'm glad you considered our villa a home, rather than just a holiday let. Thats the impression I wanted to create & your booking for next year tells me more than any words that you must have thouroughly enjoyed your holiday. Thank you for the lovely review - your comments make everything we've been through all worthwhile & mean such a lot.
I really can't take all the credit though. It's Gary that has had to pay for 'our dream' [& still is paying!!] He has worked hard all life & credit goes to him too.
Also I don't know how we would manage without our wonderful Penny & Bob. They do a geat job taking care of the villa & ALL of my guests simply adore them.
Thanks also to Neill & Wendy who have helped us from the start & to our very own Eileen, who I can't thank enough for her good advice & tips - she's lovely "in the flesh" too everyone.
Thanks Dimitris for letting me advertise on your website & to all the lovely Arillas people who have made us welcome over the years. Also Spiros & Aggie of Corfubuild & everyone involved in building our dream home.
Finally a BIG THANK YOU to everyone on the forum who have offered us praise & encouragement. I've met a few of you & I feel that I've made some true friends.
Can I collect my Oscar award now - I sound like Kate Winslet!!.
Sara.....................xx
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ha ha Sara, I actually pictured you clutching that award! But seriously, you must be so proud to get comments like that. Well done!
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Hi all,
Having had my holiday I've changed my profile from Needaholiday to Rob B. I suppose I could have changed it to Hadagreatholiday but then what do I do when next one approaches. All too complicated.
What I'd meant to add to the original post - & no brown nosing intended to our host - is what a lovely guy Dimitris is. Good eg is that when we followed Sara's excellent instructions on navigating we still managed to get lost as we approached Arillas (obviously I'm not blaming my wife Sue who like all women is an excellent navigator...cough, cough) but I remembered Dimitris at Brouklis knew about the Villa. Even though it was lunch time & he'd never met us before, Dimitris dropped tools & drove out to Villa Theia with us following. What a lovely thing to do!! As for his restaurant, not a Steak & Kidney Pie or Chicken & Chips in sight thank goodness & long may the excellent food there continue! If anyone should be new to Arillas then for goodness sake do yourself a favour & have a top authentic home cooked meal at Bouklis!! What was that pudding called Dimitris? Not the Baclava but that other one-gorgeous!
Now that's the end of the unprompted plugs- after this I want commission- only joking.
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It was probably galactoboureko Rob B. Fits the description perfectly. justphil and justjen justlove it!
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Yes, I thought probably galaktoboureko too. And Colin and justlynn just love it too!!
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Phil & Lynn - is that the custard pie type dessert?
Even though it was lunch time & he'd never met us before, Dimitris dropped tools & drove out to Villa Theia with us following. What a lovely thing to do!!
Rob, that is typical of our Dimitris - in fact, of most of the Arillas people. They are just soooo welcoming & nice & it's this which makes Arillas so special. Well, one of the reasons.
I must take a look at my directions & double check them - can't think where you went wrong, having said that, we got lost just last May & somehow ended up in Pagi. That was my fault though.
Once, when we arrived at Orlando airport a few years ago, I was navigating as usual - after half an hour driving we had arrived back at the airport & then there was the time we were going to Abergavenny & ended up by the coast? - I don't know how that got there!! - I'll say no more except I have improved - I think.
Sara.
P.S Baclava for me everytime - if I can manage it.
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Hi Sara - yes, galaktoboureko does look like a custard pie, but the filling is very light and tastes lemony. Agree about the baklava too, when there's room for it...........
Also have to say many congratulations to you and Gary on obviously getting it so right with Villa Theia. The photos look fabulous and you are already obtaining happy visitors, long may it continue!
lynn xx
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Hi Sara. Concur with Lynn - it is light and lemony and very fattening! But a treat no-one should miss. Dimitris once told me what the title means - if I remember after all the rose wine - "pudding of the stars." Or was it "pudding from heaven?" Both are suitable names!
JohntheRef drove us past Villa Theia in July. It is stunning and has breathtaking views. No wonder you and Gary get such rave reviews!
Phil
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That's the one, it's Galaktoboureko. Flipping delicious- we had to book the night that Dimitris told us it was on. Lovely.
As for navigating incidents, many years ago, Sue genuinely navigated me in to a Majorcan army firing area & we only realised when a group of soldiers we were driving by waved rifles at us & ordered a turn around swiftly. No doubt it's far more secure these days.
Sara- We only got lost at the junction just after the supermarket where you go straight on to Afionas. Instead we carried on down to Arillas. Don't think you need to change your instructions at all- very clear!
One thing you should add to your instructions are that when you pass the big orange building at the traffic lights on the main road before you turn off to Troumbeta Pass there is the best bakery on the Island by a long way called Emeral which is about half a mile past the traffic lights on the left hand side. Best everything anywhere there. A superb place to stock up when you arrive or are departing.
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We have just returned home after 10 wonderful days in Arillas. The weather was quite good the first week & we were able to get out & we walked for miles. At night we had some very heavy rain & some spectacular thunder & lightening storms.
It was nice to come home to Villa Theia & it felt more like home this time. We had friends staying with us the first week & one night I cooked dinner, we opened a few bottles of wine, we lit the fire for the very first time & then we sat down & watched Mamma Mia. It was so cosy.
The garden is looking quite good now & we have grass!!!! Well, sort of. It's still very patchy & theres lots of weeds in it. Lets just say, it's a challenge for our gardener.
Because we had friends staying we visited the usual tourist attractions. Paleocastritsa, Kassiopi & Kalami etc, but they too have become Arilliac's. They simply loved the area & they will definitely be back.
We spent many hours in our 'local' the Night Owl. Thank you Linda & Niko for making us feel part of the community. Niko is even bringing Makis his donkey to graze amongst our olive trees. Our good neighbour Spiridoula brought us 5 litres of olive oil, olives & nougat. She's so nice, but she can't speak English & I only know a few phrases in Greek, but we get by.
We had some very good meals at Brouklis [I tried the Galaktoboureko & the rose wine & I can too confirm that they are delicious] also Portofino, Night Owl, Mon Amour & the new Porto Timoni Restaurant. We also stopped for drinks at the ideally located!! Gravia Bar.
It was good to see Neill again & Eileen. Shame we missed each other again Viv. IF we go over in January as planned, Gary & myself have been put down to play darts, so watch out everyone - I can't even through a ball straight!!
I've posted a few of my favourite photos taken last week.
Sara.........x
(http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9153/picture319h.jpg) (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/picture319h.jpg/)
Arillas beach last week.
(http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3962/picture328.jpg) (http://img514.imageshack.us/i/picture328.jpg/)
(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2038/picture331z.jpg) (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/picture331z.jpg/)
View from Villa Theia after the heavy storms. The clay washed down into the sea has changed the colour of the water.
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2744/picture297e.jpg) (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/picture297e.jpg/)
(http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4734/picture299y.jpg) (http://img39.imageshack.us/i/picture299y.jpg/)
(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5582/picture298a.jpg) (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/picture298a.jpg/)
Sorry, but I just had to post these cute little kittys. [Photo taken at the Monastry, Paleocastritsa]
(http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/915/picture312z.jpg) (http://img260.imageshack.us/i/picture312z.jpg/)
Our friend Clive lighting the fire for the first time. As someone who sells logs & installs woodburners, this was the highlight of his holiday!!
(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2880/picture317c.jpg) (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/picture317c.jpg/)
Photo of Villa Theia taken from the Arillas to Afionas roadside.
(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3411/picture339i.jpg) (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/picture339i.jpg/)
Finally, can anyone tell me what this non-paying guest is called? It seems to have made it's home in our porch.
Sara
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Thanks for your report, Sara, I enjoyed reading it. Shame we missed each other though!
Regarding darts, have faith - I thought I would be useless but gave it a go, and guess what? ...... Still useless, but a better sort of useless.......
Loved all the photos, must sort ours out and put some on.
Oh, and not sure but I think the insect may be a mantis, possibly a praying mantis, unless anyone else knows better (which they probably will, lol)
lynn xx
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Oh, and Villa Theia looks FABULOUS!!
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Looking good Sara! I can just imagine how lovely the warmth from the fire place :)
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Thanks Sara. A few minutes of pure escape for me...
Phil
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Lovely report and pics Sara.....We were lucky with the weather this month, 7 glorious days..... I do like to watch the thunderstorms though.
riggers...
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Looks fantasic and at this time of year great to get a report to keep us going until next year.
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Sara n Gary
Thanks for the "tour" of your Villa. Finished and furnished to a very high standard.
Can we borrow that log fire of yours for the Winter?
Good luck for next year and hope to meet up
Negg n Wegg
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Hi Sara, you may have not seen us but we did glimpse you, you were in the garden seeing that you had yur friends with you we didnt like to intrude. The funny thing is we also did the tourist bit and went to Paleocastritsa and Kassiopi, we also went to see Costa's at the Porto Timoni, so it seems we were follwing each other round Corfu all week. lol Viv & Pete
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Oh Vivian!!! You really should have come down the drive to see us. Will you be in Arillas next April? If so, we will have to get together then.
Sara
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I recognise those floor tiles Sara....lol
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Hi Sara, Can't get home tell May 14th next year but im sure we will meet sometime during 2010. Love Viv
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Hi Lynn, A friend tells me , it is a walking stick mantis. Did you know that the word Mantis is Greek and means profit or fortune teller. Love Viv
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Hi Viv, thanks for that. No, I didn't know what it meant - just shows you can learn something new every day, lol.
love,
lynn xx
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Villa Theia now has a website www.villatheia-corfu.com (http://www.villatheia-corfu.com) & I've just created a page on facebook www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1240477463#!/pages/Villa-Theia/191205544226658 (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1240477463#!/pages/Villa-Theia/191205544226658) Please take a look & join in if you wish & share with your friends.
We're going over to the villa for a month next April. Really looking forward to spending another Easter in Arillas & hope to see a few of you - Eileen, maybe Sandy & of course, the lovely Negg & Wegg.
I hope to take lots of photos to share with you on the forum.
Sara.x
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Great website Sara....and what glowing testimonials. Congratulations! May see you in April....making the decision this weekend.....
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Nice, clear and concise website Sara! It is easy to navigate and colours are pleasant. Good job! :)
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What a nice website, Just wish I could jump through the screen and be there. Viv
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Hi Sara,
Just a few words to let you know I'm so pleased to hear things are going
well for your business and the photos of the Villa are absolutely stunning!
I'm quite sad at the moment, caused by my little Silke's health, but I will
get back to you later.
Love Connie x
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sara
you should be so proud of not only your beautiful villa ,but also a wonderful website,and some lovely pictures .......yammas
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Wonderful website, beautiful photos.
Val
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Lovely villa, lovely people, lovely website.
Phil
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Thanks everyone. I'm pleased with the website too. I've got our very own Dennis Cakebread [of www.agiosgeogios.co.uk (http://www.agiosgeogios.co.uk) ] to thank, for sending me the link to the website which allows you to create your own site using templates. It was so easy - & if I can do it.........!!
Initially it was free, but I paid to have my website optimized so that I could have a .com address plus I removed the adverts.
I'll be adding some more photos in May.
See you in April Sandy & Connie, I'm glad your little Silkie is O.K now.
Sara.x
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Sara, I am just so excited about staying in your beautiful villa. My son and I have got tonsilitis at the moment and it's all rather miserable here. So I am immersing myself in all things Arillas, and it is cheering me up no end. :)
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Hi Yummymummy not sure if you have been to Arillas before but sure you will enjoy it heres a link to a virtual tour iknow its been posted in the past but seeing you only have 2 posts you probably havn't come across it so here you go enjoy just click the link below
http://arillas.corfu360.net/ (http://arillas.corfu360.net/)
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Hi Yummymummy not sure if you have been to Arillas before but sure you will enjoy it heres a link to a virtual tour iknow its been posted in the past but seeing you only have 2 posts you probably havn't come across it so here you go enjoy just click the link below
http://arillas.corfu360.net/ (http://arillas.corfu360.net/)
Thanks TONYNEW, I hadn't seen that. It's brilliant!!
My mum and stepdad have been and loved it (we had previously been with them in 2009 near Agni and found it very expensive). They love Corfu and go every year. Now that we have our son we were looking for sandy beaches which obviously you don't get on the other side of the island, plus we wanted sunsets too. So when they booked Villa Theia and asked if we wanted to come too we had a look at the website and thought, YESSSSSSS!! Can't wait.
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Very professional website Sara.... love the setting too for your villa too... in our favourite place, betwixt Afionas and Arillas.. Looks like you are fully booked too for most of 2011... Well done!!
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Welcome to the forum Yummymummy. Glad you are looking forward to your holiday. Little Harry will love the beach & a paddle in the sea.
Not long now until May, it will be here before you know it.
Sara.x
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Thanks Sara, we can't wait. 3 months and 3 weeks!!