Ai Helis Hotel Apartments

We've just returned from a week at this new resort in Svoronata. Although the apartments need a few little tweeks we enjoyed the relaxed feeling and the location. Our two roomed apartment gave us adequate room for our teenager who slept in the main room whilst we had a separate bedroom. Lots of windows each side of the apartment looking out onto the lovely pool. Bedside tables would have been an asset and snacks available at the pool bar. Very relaxed feel to the apartments which are surrounded by olive trees. Pool area is lovely although a few more sun beds and umbrellas would be a good idea especially when families are staying in apartments rather than just couples. Bathroom is more of a wet room so flip flops a good idea and although we had a bath mat to start with this wasn't replaced when towels were changes. We would recommend a car although if you don't mind walking there are restaurants and shops within reach and the area felt totally safe. A torch would be a good idea as the lane from apartment to restaurants is very dark. Breakfast is good but you need to book and as we arrived late due to delay we were too late to book and the shops were closed for provisions. Tui could have advised us to get the transfer taxi to stop off at supermarket on our way.

We stayed at Ali Helis in early August 2019 and enjoyed a relaxed holiday with lots of different things to do. If you're looking to sit around a pool the Ali Helis is perfect for this, more importantly, you don't have to get up at 5am to grab a sun lounger as generally there are enough for everyone. If you fancy a trip to the beach there are a few within walking distance (for those possessing a modicum of physical fitness), Ali Helis beach being the closest at 10 mins and Avythos around 30 mins. We found 4 or 5 restruarants with 15 minutes of the hotel, our favourite being the excellent Esperides, 5 minutes down the road. We also liked The Fois, which while not being in the same league as Esperides did offer a friendly welcome and good basic food. The hotel itself is new and it's continuing to develop in certain areas such as the bar. Yes, you can get a cold draught beer at the bar and yes, you can get breakfast, just let the ever helpful Christos know what you want. Breakfast should be requested the evening before. The facilities are very clean and as you'd expect very new. You do have to pay for the air conditioning and the safe key, but the air con is very quiet and actually allows you to sleep when it's operating. The bathroom shower could be better designed but you can stop the flood with the judicious use of a spare towel. Many have commented on the small bathroom; however, little mention is made of the room size. The rooms are really generously proportioned and offer a separate bedroom with door onto the living room with sofa bed. The rooms have electric blinds to keep the room cool when you are out for the day, we used them and they really keep the heat out for when you get back after a day in the sun. We hired a car for 3 days at a reasonable rate from Greekstones in the Village, trouble free and they offer a good level of insurance at no extra cost. The car or bus will get you Lidl supermarket which does what it says on the lid, while the local supermarket just past the Greekstones car rental is well stoked and sells everything at not too high a price. Don't forget to stop over at Crazy George's for a cocktail which is also located close to the car hire. We had a great time and would have no hesitation in returning to the Ali Helis in the future.

We stayed for two weeks in July and had a fantastic time. The room was very clean and had everything you could need for a self catering break. The bar wasn't open when we were there, but we didn't need it or miss it. It was so relaxing sitting around the pool and just listening to the wild life in a beautiful setting. The pool was clean and the best we've had in Greece. Like others we did experience flooding in the bathroom but we took the advice of a previous visitor who advised taking a micro fibre cloth, which worked a treat. Not many places to eat, but all were great and a bus ride into the capital was worth it for a change. Would love to visit again.