New for 2009
This is the operator’s third season in Cephalonia and its portfolio now includes 1 hotel, 3 sets of apartments and 19 villas with private pools in Assos, Fiscardo and the surrounding villages.
Two exquisite new villas with private pools on the Erissos Peninsular have been added for 2009. These include the two-bed Vigli Retreat - a restored 200 year old village house in the sleepy hamlet of Vigli - and the three bed Dracopulos Residence, a private family house and painstakingly restored by its current owner. See: http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/
The beautiful Braunis Horio Villas in sleepy Assos have new private swimming platforms with direct access to the sea down a series of steps. Unspoilt Assos is a short drive from the picture-postcard Myrtos Beach. See http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/
Only operator with business class seats
Exclusive Escapes is the only operator offering business class on its weekly Heathrow flight to Cephalonia, with BMI. Exclusive Escapes schedules an entire aircraft from Manchester and Heathrow-Cephalonia every Saturday. Those flying out of Heathrow can choose to upgrade to business class by paying a flight supplement of £175pp. Guests using the service say their holiday starts immediately they board the plane. Benefits include increased leg room, business class lounge, one hour check-in, upgraded meal and priority baggage. See http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/
No single supplement offer
The single supplement has been waived at both the Almyra Hotel and Kiki Apartments, on a first-come, first served basis. It applies to one or two rooms and extends throughout virtually the entire summer, including peak season. See http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/
Activities
As well as fabulous walking on many way-marked coastal and inland routes on the island, popular activities include:
• Hiring a motor boat from Fiscardo for pootling in and out of remote bays which are deserted even at the height of summer. Pack a cool box for a refreshing lunch under the shade of an olive tree. Or cross the bay over to Ithaca, to visit Stavros village for lunch in the delightfully traditional restaurant. Motor boat hire from £40 per day.
• Diving at the FNEC conservation school offers something for all levels of diver. Children from as young as 10 can join a ‘Discover Scuba Day’ with this not-for-profit company that is interested in marine life and conservation. From £35pp.
Sample Price: Exclusive Escapes (T: 020 8605 3500 or www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk ) offers seven nights at the Dracopulos Residence from £684pp based on six sharing, including return flights (ex Heathrow or Manchester) to Cephalonia, transfers, seven days’ car hire, a welcome hamper and daily maid cleaning.
