Grecotel Filoxenia, Kalamata, Greece

In May, I was lucky enough to travel out to Kalamata, Greece,e for the Aspire (luxury travel magazine) and Grecotel charity hike. We were very lucky to be hosted by Grecotel at their Filoxenia hotel, el and wow, it was a treat.

Situated just 15 minutes from Kalamata airport makes this hotel and destination and ideal short break option, but I would gladly stay for longer too.

I must mention the airport: due to being extended and upgraded next year, it did feel dated, but this was part of the charm. With just 2 border control desks and 2 security scanners, you may worry about long queues, but certainly for us this was not the case. Just our plane, we passed through border control to find our luggage already going round; a few of us were asked to pop our cases through the security scanner, and then we were out. From landing to being checked in at the hotel was an hour;r how good is that?

The hotel has an app, and they invite you to complete a check-in on there prior to arrival. This involves uploading your passport and speeds up the actual check-in, allowing you to enjoy the welcome drink, sit on the comfy sofas, no queuing at a desk.

Rooms are light, bright and airy. I was lucky enough to have a shower and a bathroom in 518, pictured, but most rooms have a double shower and no bath. A fridge, nespresso coffee maker (no tea bags; you can make tea with the nespresso but take your own bags), gorgeous bathroom with amenities, slippers, bathrobe, safe, all the usual things you would expect and a balcony or terrace to enjoy your own outside space.

There are 3 pools, one dedicated to children, plenty of sun beds with lovely thick cushions, and if you prefer the beach,h there is direct beach access, as well as plenty of beds and cabanas.

There is also an indoor pool, spa and gym. A kids club and a buffet restaurant and A’la crate restaurant. The food was fantastic, a real focus on fresh local ingredients.

There is a bus stop right out the front of the hotel, tel or you can walk along the front into town; approximately 2 miles will have you right at the harbour, but if you are fancying the old town I would recommend using the bus or a taxi as it is a bit further, 3 miles maybe into the heart of the old town.

I mentioned it was 2 miles to the harbour, but it is worth pointing out that you start passing cafes and restaurants from about half a mile, so it can be a very nice relaxed walk with lots of drink and people watching stops.

There is a supermarket next door to the hotel; as a coeliac I can’t help but head into supermarkets when I am away and see what gluten-free things they have that are different. Luckily, I went in here at the end of my run, as I picked up a few extra bits to take home. All dry or baked goods; got to be aware of what you can and can’t take in and out of countries, of course.

This hotel and area have definitely made it onto my list of places to go back to; as someone who likes walking and running, the shoulder seasons are best for me. Grecotel Filoxenia is open seasonally, through October, so for me May and late September and October would be the best times to visit; otherwise, it gets too hot to be active.

If you want to hear more about this property or would like to check availability, then please do get in touch with me.