Escape to Paradise: Naxos's Hidden Gem, Nastasia Village Hotel
Escape to Paradise: Naxos's Hidden Gem – Nastasia Village Hotel (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I'm about to spill the tea on Nastasia Village Hotel in Naxos, Greece. Forget the polished travel blogger perfection; this is your real, unfiltered, probably-should-have-had-another-coffee-before-writing review. And I'm gonna be honest, it’s a bit of a brain dump, but hey, that's life, right?
SEO & Metadata (because some stuff is important):
- Keywords: Nastasia Village Hotel, Naxos, Greece, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Naxos Hotels, Greek Island Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Spa Hotels, Family Hotels, Naxos Accommodation.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Nastasia Village Hotel in Naxos, Greece! Find out everything – from the stunning views to the (slightly) questionable Wi-Fi – and whether it's truly a hidden gem. We're talking accessibility, the spa, the food, and what it really felt like to get away.
Let's Dive In (and let me tell you, it was a dive… I’ll get to that later):
Accessibility: Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a place that thinks about accessibility. Nastasia Village Hotel makes a decent effort. The elevator is a lifesaver (especially after a few too many Mythos beers), and there seem to be ramps around. I didn't notice specific wheelchair-accessible rooms, but the general layout seems considerate. Still, it’s always best to call ahead and confirm your specific needs if you require them. (Side note: I did see a gorgeous old lady cruising around the pool in a motorized wheelchair, which made my heart happy. Good for her!)
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Didn't spot anything specifically labelled as accessible, but the main restaurant seemed spacious and easy to navigate.
Internet – Ah, the Eternal Struggle:
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Yes, technically true.
- Internet Access – LAN: Useless (unless you travel with a dial-up modem, which, please don't).
- Internet Services: Limited, but you can eventually get online.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Spotty, but workable.
Okay, let's be brutally honest about the Wi-Fi. It's…well, it's Greece-on-vacation Wi-Fi. Meaning it's there. It's sometimes fast. It's mostly not. I spent a good hour one afternoon perched precariously on my balcony, desperately trying to upload a photo of a sunset. (The sunset was glorious, the Wi-Fi… less so). I think the receptionist felt sorry for me and gave me a private, sympathetic wink. Eventually, I gave up and decided to actually enjoy the sunset. Silver lining, I guess. Though, if work calls, prepare to curse the gods of the internet.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and the occasional existential crisis):
- Pool with View: Magnificent. Seriously, the pictures don’t do it justice. That turquoise water reflecting the sky… it's postcard perfect. I spent a solid two days just floating around, contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of my next cocktail). That's the only reason I got a sunburn.
- Spa/Sauna: I booked a massage. Fantastic. The masseuse, Maria, worked out knots I didn't even know I had. The spa area is small, but oh-so-relaxing. I could have stayed there all day, but the promise of the pool (and a cocktail) lured me away.
- Fitness Center: Didn’t go, truth be told. The only exercise I got was walking to the bar. No regrets.
- Other Relaxation Options: They've got the whole works: body scrubs, body wraps, foot baths. I'm not judging, but I had too much other relaxing to do.
Cleanliness and Safety (because, you know, 2024):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Rooms sanitized between stays: They're taking it seriously, and that's reassuring. I felt safe and comfortable. There were definitely no lingering COVID reminders.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch for those who are extra conscious about it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (the good stuff!):
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Standard Hotel buffet fare, but with a Greek twist. Loads of fresh fruit, delicious pastries, and proper Greek yogurt. The coffee was… fine. But the view? Always good.
- Restaurants: Several on site, and, as expected, there's a good mix of options.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: A wide variety, all quite well done. The staff at the poolside bar were the best. And the food was pretty decent, although, it's not the finest dining in the world.
- Lunch: The poolside bar served great, simple meals. Salads, souvlaki (of course!), and fresh seafood. Perfect for a lazy afternoon.
- Happy Hour: Yes. Enough said.
Here's a small, weird confession…
One day, I ordered room service. Just a sandwich. The waiter was hilariously flustered (poor guy!), but eventually, I got the sandwich. It was average, but the whole experience was just… endearing. It felt like a (slightly chaotic) home away from home.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events: The usual, all pretty well executed.
- Business facilities: Didn't really check these out. If you need a high-powered business trip, think twice.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Xerox/fax in business center: The expected.
For the Kids (and those of us who are kids at heart):
- Family/child friendly: Definitely.
- Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities: They seemed well set up for families. I saw lots of kids playing happily around the pool.
Rooms (the nitty-gritty):
- Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The rooms are comfortable, clean, and well-equipped. Nothing luxurious, but perfectly adequate.
- Soundproofing: The walls aren’t paper-thin, which is essential in a busy hotel.
- The "Window That Opens" Thing: Loved it. Fresh air & the sound of the sea = Bliss.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: They arranged it with ease.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Plenty of parking. Finding a car is another story…
Okay, the Dive Story (I promised this):
So, one day, I decided to be adventurous. I went to the other side of the pool to get a more dramatic view. Because the pool's edge was seamless with the ground, I assumed I was on the ground. Nope. I took a huge step and basically… dove headfirst into the fountain (I think that's what it was). I was soaked. My dignity was temporarily lost. Everyone stared. It was mortifying and hilarious. I, in all my clumsy glory, recovered. The staff were wonderfully kind and didn't make me feel completely like an idiot.
Overall Impression:
Nastasia Village Hotel is a good choice. It's not perfect. The Wi-Fi could be better. It's a bit of a hike from the main town (taxi, but this is Naxos, so it's to be expected). But the views? The pool? The staff who didn't laugh (too much) at my fountain dive? They make it a truly lovely place to stay. It's a solid option for families, couples, or anyone who wants a relaxing getaway with a sprinkle of Greek charm.
**Would I go back? Absolutely. (Just maybe I'll avoid the fountain next time
Estancia De Lorenzo Tarlac Capas: Your Dream Philippine Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into what I hoped was paradise: a week at the Nastasia Village Hotel on Naxos Island, Greece. And let me tell you, it was… well, it was certainly something. Let's get ramblin', shall we?
Nastasia Village's Messy Melody: A Week of Sun, Sand, and (Mostly) My Sanity
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of Perfection (that swiftly crumbled)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landed at Naxos Airport. Tiny. Adorable. Basically, a glorified shed. Found the transfer – a slightly-too-enthusiastic Greek guy named Dimitri waving a sign that looked suspiciously like it was made of construction paper. The drive to the hotel… well, it was a scenic route, if your definition of scenic includes dodging goats and holding on for dear life on those hairpin turns. My anxiety levels were already at Defcon 4.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Checked into Nastasia Village. The lobby? Picturesque. The room? Less so. "Sea view" meant a sliver of blue visible from the extreme corner of the balcony. The bathroom? About the size of a postage stamp. And the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. Initial reaction? Mild disappointment. Subsequent reaction? I was slightly annoyed.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordered grilled octopus. It arrived looking like an alien's discarded tentacle. Tasted… rubbery. The house wine, however, was a revelation. I might have had three glasses. Regret? Not at the moment. The sunset over the Aegean Sea was breathtaking, which helped to wash away the culinary crime.
Day 2: Beach Bliss… Maybe? (Spoiler: Mostly Sand in Unmentionable Places)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Beach day! Achieved by a sweaty walk down to Agios Prokopios Beach. Let me just tell you, that sand is fine. I mean, really fine. Like, it gets everywhere. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I'm still finding it in places I didn't even know existed. Found a sunbed. Fell asleep. Woke up with a lobster-esque sunburn.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a beachside taverna. Greek salad. So simple, so delicious. And a restorative beer to soothe the burn. Met a lovely couple from Manchester who were also slightly sunburnt and questioning all their life choices. Bonding over mutual pain is really a thing here!
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Wandered into Naxos Town (Chora). Cobblestone streets. Twinkling lights. The smell of fresh bread. Fell in love with the place almost immediately. Ate souvlaki that was divine. Managed to get hopelessly lost trying to find my way back to the hotel. Seriously, why are Greek streets so confusing?
Day 3: The Temple, the Tears, and the Terrifying Scooter
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visited the Temple of Apollo. Seriously, just look at the gate! I have not seen a more photogenic structure in my life! It's majestic. It's iconic. It's… windy. The wind nearly blew my hat off. I stood there, feeling ridiculously small and utterly in awe. Might have shed a tear or two. (Don't judge me, I'm an emotional traveler).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Decided to rent a scooter. Bad idea. A really bad idea. I'd never ridden anything with two wheels and an engine before. Spent the afternoon tentatively navigating the island roads, resembling a terrified, wobbly penguin. Nearly drove off a cliff. Twice. Vowed to stick to walking, even if it meant missing out on all the remote beaches.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner back in Naxos Town. Found a tiny little restaurant down an alleyway, where you got the best moussaka of my life. The owner – this lovely old lady – kept topping me up with wine. It was a glorious night of eating, drinking, and almost completely forgetting my near-death scooter experience.
Day 4: The Delos Dilemma and a Boatload of Regret (and a potential sea sickness!)**
- Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Took a boat trip to Delos, a tiny island with an incredible archeological site. The brochure promised ancient ruins and historical wonder. The reality? It was hot. Very hot. And the boat, which was nice, had a bunch of people in it. I felt a bit like a sardine. The ruins were impressive, but the lack of shade made that experience even more difficult.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch at a taverna near the harbor. Sat down for a quick bite, only to discover that the waiter had already sold me my beer before I had even stepped through the doors! And let's not discuss the amount of sun-burn that I had acquired.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Attempted to watch the sunset. The sky was a glorious orange. I just wish I didn't have to move to see it.
Day 5: The Search for Serenity and the Reality of Chaos
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Determined to find some peace. Went for a walk. Found a beautiful, secluded bay. Spent the morning reading. It was perfect. Utter blissful serenity… until a swarm of wasps descended on me. Chaos ensued. I ran screaming back to the hotel. Apparently, serenity in Greece is a myth.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Tried the hotel pool. It looked inviting. It was also overrun with screaming children and people playing water polo with aggressive enthusiasm. Spent the afternoon hiding in my tiny bathroom, reading my book.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Found a rooftop bar in Naxos Town. Stunning views. Cocktails. Finally, a moment of peace. Then a drunk guy started trying to hit on me. And they did't speak english.
Day 6: The Verdict, the Packing, and the Questionable Souvenir
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last beach day. Embraced the sand, the sun, and the inevitable sand in my… well, you get the idea. Actually, I had an epiphany during that trip, I really love the ocean and everything it stands for.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Souvenir shopping. Bought a ceramic olive oil dispenser that's probably going to break in transit. Also, a tiny, slightly creepy ceramic statue of a mythological figure. Regret.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell dinner at this lovely restaurant. Ate the grilled octopus in the hotel. Finally enjoyed it, and came to realize that this week has been a rollercoaster.
Day 7: Departure and the lingering scent of sunscreen (and disappointment)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Packed. Said goodbye to Dimitri. The flight was delayed. I swear, I am never traveling again.
- Afternoon: The plane took off. I did not know that this one trip could offer so much.
Final Thoughts:
Nastasia Village Hotel? It wasn't perfect. But it was mine. And despite the sunburns, the scooter-related near-death experiences, the rubbery octopus, and the existential crisis that I experienced in the bathroom, I wouldn't trade this trip for the world. Would I go back to the Nastasia Village? Probably not. Did I love Naxos? Absolutely. Greece, you magnificent, chaotic, slightly bonkers place, I will be back. And next time, I'm leaving the scooter at home. And packing a bigger bathroom.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Kaifeng Tongxu County!
Alright, spill the beans! Is Nastasia Village REALLY a "hidden gem" or just… another hotel?
Okay, okay. Fine. It *claimed* to be hidden...and, in a way, it is. It's not screaming in your face from the main road, that's for sure. But hidden gem? Mmm, depends on your definition of "gem." I went expecting this pristine, flawless experience based on the photos… (and let’s be honest, the promise of a break from reality).
Here’s the truth: the pool, for sure, a gem. Perfect for Instagram shots (which I totally took, no shame). The views? Divine. However, the phrase "hidden gem" needs to come with a disclaimer, like a strong "MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANCE OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS, OCCASIONAL INSECTS, AND A TOUCH OF GREEK TIME." More on that later. I am getting ahead of myself.
Let's talk location. Is it actually close to things? Or are you stuck in the middle of nowhere with a goat as your only companion?
Okay, the goat! I did NOT see a goat, though I'm pretty sure I heard one bleating. That was probably the old man who's in charge of the daily morning bread delivery. (Seriously, a life saver). The location isn't *perfect.* It's not literally smack-dab in the middle of Naxos Town. So, you need a car. Or, brave the (sometimes bumpy) bus ride.
I'd say it's a *pleasant* hike distance (around 20 minutes) to what I consider to be "close to things." But, in reality, it did keep me off the resort and visiting the surrounding areas, which I liked. It's nice, peaceful, but don't expect to stumble out of your room and into a bustling taverna. P.S. The walk back uphill after dinner? Gets you in fighting shape. Or at least, it made me feel like I needed a stiff drink!
The rooms! Were they as dreamy as the website photos? Did you find any hidden "features" (like the ancient plumbing someone once mentioned)?
The website… oh, the website! It *definitely* had the "dreamy" vibe down. My room? Okay, it was nice. Clean? More or less. The view? Spectacular. You had that sun blasting through the door in the morning. The photos don’t lie when they say it is bright. The pictures DO look like a perfect room as well. However, I had what I called a "Character Building Experience."
The first night I realized my air con did not work, so I had to ask the reception for a fix. After some time, they had sent someone, who fixed it in seconds. The next problem was my shower. I swear there was no hot water, but I was too lazy to go and explain to the reception, and I just took cold showers. I heard no one mention those, eh? The "ancient plumbing"? I’m not saying that the bathroom was full of surprises, but let's just say the water pressure was… *assertive*. And yes, there were a few, shall we say, **interesting** noises emanating from the pipes at unexpected times (like 3 AM). They are old. They have Character.
The food. Please tell me the food was amazing. Because, let's face it, food is crucial.
Okay, food. Food is LIFE. And the breakfast… was GOOD. Not Michelin-star good, but solid. Fresh bread like I mentioned, local jams (I'm a sucker for a good fig jam!), and strong coffee. The buffet was your standard European breakfast. I was happy! The staff were attentive and always smiling, at least.
Dinners. There are other places around to eat, but I took some of my dinners at the hotel. There was a set menu, which was decent. Nothing mind-blowing. The chicken was dry, but I was on vacation. They have the Greek salads. And the view while eating it? Unbeatable.
Overall, the food situation was perfectly adequate. The wine? Always flowing. And that's what really mattered - the wine.
The Pool. Let's dive deep! Instagrammable? Crowded? Freezing?
OKAY. The pool. This is where Nastasia Village *absolutely* shines. Instagrammable? OH YES. Sparkling blue water, sun loungers perfectly arranged, the whole shebang. Crowded? Not really, thank god! I’m anti-crowd. Especially when I need to find a free sun lounger.
Freezing? No, but refreshing. Perfect to dip into after a sweaty day. You can get your tan on, take a dip every now and then, or get a drink to sip by the pool… it’s heaven.
If you're looking for a place to relax, the pool is honestly the best part of Nastasia. I spent a lot of time there. It helped me ignore all the imperfect things which are often part of a hotel experience.
Staff! Were they friendly? Helpful? Or did they just pretend not to see you when you needed something?
Honestly? The staff were lovely. Generally, they were attentive. Everyone seemed very dedicated, from the reception to the cleaning lady, even the person who delivered the bread. They all had one common thing: a smile.
I had a problem with my aircon, and it was fixed quickly. The staff would always answer my question, "Opa!" was the most common answer. Overall, they're a good bunch.
Would you go back? The big question.
Hmm... That's a tough one. Did I have a good time? YES. Am I still dreaming of the pool? YES. Did everything go smoothly? No.
I think I would go back knowing what to expect. Knowing there might be some quirks, some "Greek time" moments, and some imperfect things? Sure, I would. I loved the location. To repeat myself, I loved the pool. If you don't go expecting perfection, you'll have a wonderful time. It's a nice, relaxing place, just not a perfect one. And honestly? Part of the charm is accepting those little imperfections.
Any final thoughts? Words of wisdom? Random ramblings?
My final thought? Pack bug spray. Seriously. And embrace the adventure. Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the flawless ones. They're theBook Hotels Now
