Unbelievable Villa Xanthippi: Your Dream Skiathos Escape Awaits!

Unbelievable Villa Xanthippi: Your Dream Skiathos Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Villa Xanthippi: My Dream Skiathos Escape (and Honestly, It Almost Was!) - A Messy, Real Review
Okay, so I’ve just spent a week at Villa Xanthippi in Skiathos, and let me tell you, my brain is still processing sunshine, turquoise water, and the overwhelming feeling of… well, almost perfection. This isn't your slick, sanitized travel brochure review. This is the real deal, warts and all (though honestly, the warts were pretty minimal). Buckle up, because we're diving deep.
First Impressions (and the Freak-Out About the Hill):
"Unbelievable Villa Xanthippi: Your Dream Skiathos Escape Awaits!" – yeah, they're not exaggerating on the "Unbelievable" part. The views? Jaw-dropping. Think postcards come to life. But getting to the villa? Okay, confession: I’m not exactly a mountain goat. The initial ascent, let's just say, involved a lot of heavy breathing and a desperate internal monologue about the virtues of fitness. Access, getting around… it’s important. They do offer airport transfer, which is a lifesaver, but if you plan on exploring Skiathos on foot (like I did, bless my naive heart), be prepared for some serious leg work. There's a car park [free of charge], a godsend! Just take it, save yourself the pain, ok? But don't worry too, the elevator inside the villa is good for getting to the higher rooms. Accessibility: While the villa itself has an elevator, I'm not sure how truly accessible the property is for wheelchair users. I didn't see a lot of specifically wheelchair-friendly ramps, and some areas might be tricky. I'd strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly about Facilities for disabled guests if accessibility is a key concern.
Rooms & Comfort (Sunshine & Blackout Curtains = Bliss):
My room was… well, it was a sanctuary. Clean, spacious, and with a balcony that made me want to weep with joy every morning. The air conditioning worked like a charm (praise the WiFi gods for that!), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those long days of… well, doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the sun (a skill I've mastered, thank you very much). Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. I did notice the additional toilet was amazing. One minor snag? The carpeting. While lovely, there was a tiny (and I mean tiny) bit of wear and tear. It's a testament to the fact that this isn’t some sterile, untouched hotel chain. It's a living space. Also, the soundproofing was fantastic, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to get some peace and quiet (especially after a particularly enthusiastic karaoke night at the nearby taverna).
Internet & Connectivity (Because, You Know, Cat Videos are Important):
Okay, let's be real. In the 21st century, Wi-Fi is a basic human right. And YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and it was surprisingly fast. It was a lifesaver for everything from video calls (sorry, family!) to researching obscure cocktail recipes. They even had Internet access – LAN, for those who still dig wired connections. Internet services? They had them. I was definitely grateful for the connection.
Cleanliness & Safety (Finally, Some Peace of Mind!)
In these crazy times, safety matters. And Villa Xanthippi takes it seriously. The Daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays (you know, the whole professional-grade sanitizing services thing) genuinely put my mind at ease. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and the staff followed all the necessary protocols. I also noticed CCTV in common areas and **CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and they even add extra safety measures for the rooms like *Smoke detector.* The only thing missing? A hazmat suit. (Just kidding… mostly).
Dining & Drinking (Food, Glorious Food! And Maybe a Bit Too Much of It…):
The food situation at Villa Xanthippi is… delightful. They offer Breakfast [buffet] (perfect for a lazy morning sprawl), but also, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. I was a huge fan of the breakfast [buffet], and it's the perfect way to start the day! I even made a friend who helped with the Happy hour. The Poolside bar was a regular haunt for me. The pool with a view was a dream, and the drinks were expertly crafted (and surprisingly strong!). There were so many options! Seriously, I think I gained five pounds just from looking at the options.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa? Yes Please!):
This is where Villa Xanthippi really shines. Let's be honest, I’m not one for the gym (though they do have a Fitness center, Gym/fitness). But spa/sauna? Sign me up! They have a full-featured spa, with Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. I lost myself in the massage (worth every penny!), the sauna was bliss, and the swimming pool (with that view, remember?) was my happy place. They also offered hairdresser and manicure service. Seriously, I could have stayed there forever.
Services & Conveniences (They Thought of Everything… Almost):
Villa Xanthippi is all about making your life easy. The concierge was incredibly helpful with everything from booking taxis to recommending restaurants. They offered cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. I even used the dry cleaning service after a particularly messy encounter with some tzatziki. The luggage storage was a lifesaver!
For the Kids (And Those Who Are Kids at Heart):
They had a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. My inner child was very happy at the pool.
The Minor Hiccups (Let's Be Honest, It's Not Always Sunshine and Roses):
Okay, so the biggest issue? That initial hill climb. Also, I'm still mentally scarred from the one slightly undercooked (but still delicious) omelet. It wasn't Michelin star quality, but the overall charm and the incredible service more than made up for it.
Final Verdict (And Why You Should Book Now!):
Unbelievable Villa Xanthippi? It’s pretty darn accurate. This is a place to escape, to unwind, to soak up the beauty of Skiathos, and to forget about the daily grind. It’s not perfect, but that's what makes it so charming. The staff are lovely, the views are breathtaking, and the spa is pure heaven.
My Offer to You (Because You Deserve a Break!):
Book Villa Xanthippi NOW and I almost promise you:
- Free Upgrade (Depending on availability – because everyone deserves a little luxury!)
- Complimentary Welcome Cocktail (Because you need it after the hill climb.)
- Spa Voucher (Because you deserve to be pampered.)
Don't wait! Skiathos is calling, and Villa Xanthippi is waiting. Book your dream escape today! (And maybe bring some comfortable shoes. Just a suggestion.)
Jeddah Airport's BEST Hotel? Clarion's SHOCKING Secret Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because my "itinerary" for Villa Xanthippi in Skiathos is less a rigid schedule and more a chaotic, sun-drenched suggestion box with a hint of existential dread. This is going to be glorious, messy, and probably involve way too much feta. Prepare yourselves.
Villa Xanthippi: A Skiathos Survival Guide (and Attempt at Bliss)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sunburn Scare
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Skiathos Airport (JSI). The airport is, frankly, a bit of a madhouse. It's tiny, crammed, and luggage appears to be spat out onto the tarmac like a rogue water cannon. Honestly, I'm already questioning my life choices. Found my bag though!
- 1:30 PM: Taxi to Villa Xanthippi. The driver, a man named Dimitri, talked non-stop. Something about the olive harvest, his ex-wife, and the gloriousness of moussaka. I understood approximately 10%, which is probably for the best. The drive is a blur of turquoise water, pine trees clinging to cliffs, and enough bougainvillea to make Monet weep. Already feeling slightly overwhelmed, but in a good way? Maybe?
- 2:30 PM: Check into Villa Xanthippi. Oh. My. God. The view. (Okay, there, I said it. View. It's a view.) The villa itself is charmingly Greek, whitewashed, and promising an oasis of serenity. I immediately unpack my swimsuit and sprint to the pool.
- 3:00 PM: First swim. Bliss. I even attempt a dignified "stylish pool loaf." This lasts approximately 2 minutes before I realize I REALLY need sunscreen. The sun is NOT messing around.
- 4:00 PM: Sunburn panic. I, a seasoned traveler, forgot the SPF. Idiot. I spend a frantic hour slathering myself in aloe vera and regretting all my life decisions.
- 6:00 PM: Wander into Skiathos Town. It's adorable. Cobblestone streets, little shops selling everything from tacky souvenirs to seriously gorgeous jewelry. The air smells of salt, flowers, and something deliciously grilling.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a taverna called "Avli." Ordered the grilled octopus. It was… unexpectedly chewy. But the setting – tables spilling onto the waterfront, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses – made up for it. Plus the local wine, oh my, it was like sunshine in a glass.
- 9:00 PM: Attempted an evening stroll around the harbor. Got distracted by gelato. Ate gelato. Regretted gelato. Went back for more gelato. This is the beginning of a beautiful, and probably unhealthy, relationship.
- 10:00 PM: Collapse into bed. This whole relaxation thing… it's exhausting. But in the best way.
Day 2: Beaches, Boats, and the Quest for the Perfect Gyro
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, feeling simultaneously refreshed and slightly burnt. Breakfast on the villa's balcony: Greek yogurt, honey, and a truly epic view of the Aegean Sea. This is definitely the life.
- 10:00 AM: Beach day! (Round Two) Heading to Koukounaries Beach, the most famous beach on the island which is known for its fine sand and pine trees. I'm hoping to secure a spot and avoid a repeat of yesterday's sun-worshiping blunder.
- 11:00 AM: Koukounaries Beach: It is exactly as beautiful as the pictures promised. The sand is like powdered sugar. The water is unbelievably clear. It’s also packed with people. I finally find a place but I want to die from heat.
- 12:30 PM: Hunger strikes. Time for lunch at a beach taverna. I'm determined to have that gyro. I have very high food expectations! I order a gyro, it is acceptable. I am still on my mission.
- 2:00 PM: Boat trip time! Hired a water taxi to take me to Lalaria beach. The water! The caves! The views! It's all utterly breathtaking. It was so beautiful, I'm not even surprised I was left speechless.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the villa. The sun and the sea have officially wrung me dry. Time for a nap.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in Skiathos Town. I'm on a mission; a quest for the PERFECT gyro. Tried a different taverna. This one was marginally improved, but still, the pita was too stale, the meat slightly dry. The search continues.
- 9:00 PM: Watched the sunset from the harbor. This is where I feel the best, truly present.
Day 3: Hiking, Hidden Coves, and the Feta Crisis.
- 9:00 AM: Wake up feeling relatively energetic. Breakfast, again. This time, I eat way too much feta. I think I might have an addiction.
- 10:00 AM: Decision time! I decided to hike to a monastery. I love those, it's always a good way to experience the area.
- 11:00 AM: The views from the monastery are, of course, stunning. But the hike was harder than I remembered, and honestly, I think I might have overdone the feta. I'm already regretting the whole thing. I also met this guy; he spoke English and was really nice. He explained some of the more complex concepts.
- 1:00 PM: I'm starving. Lunch break at a taverna. I order a salad. And, yes, more feta. I can't help it.
- 2:00 PM: Found a little cove. I didn't see a soul out there, it was so quiet. I went for a swim and then just sat there, reading for hours. Best moment so far.
- 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks at a bar overlooking the port. It's a good way to keep the sun away from my skin. This is a perfect way to unwind.
- 7:30 PM: Third gyro. This one was the closest yet, but still not perfect. The hunt continues. The barman tells me a secret place.
- 9:00 PM: This is when I learned a truth. I don't know how to explain it… this is when I finally understood that maybe it's not about the perfect gyro, but about the joy. The wind in my hair. The sun on my face. The laughter of the people. So I sat outside, in the darkness, and had a final glass of wine.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast at the villa. Trying to savor every moment. This is a good memory to keep.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Dimitri is back to take us to the airport. More stories, a few more glances towards the sea. I'm leaving with a heavier heart than I imagined.
- 11:00 AM: Airport madness. Goodbye, Skiathos. I'll be back.
- And beyond: I will bring back my best memories. Perhaps I do.
Postscript:
So, did I find the perfect gyro? No. Did I have a perfect trip? Absolutely not. But was it glorious? Unquestionably. Would I go back to Villa Xanthippi and Skiathos in a heartbeat? Without a doubt. In fact, I'm already mentally planning my return, and my pursuit of the perfect gyro. Wish me luck!
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Unbelievable Villa Xanthippi: Your Questions Answered (and My Crazy Experiences!)
Okay, REAL TALK: Is Villa Xanthippi REALLY as good as it looks in the pictures? Seriously?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because here's the truth, unfiltered. The pictures? They're damn close. Maybe even *under*selling it, depending on your priorities. When I first saw it, I nearly choked on my baklava. (Yes, there's baklava, more on that later...)
Picture this: I *was* a nervous wreck. Booked it for a romantic *thing* with this guy. (We'll call him "Steve." Because, well, he *was* a Steve. And he's now an ex-Steve. Go figure.) Anyway, all I wanted was a flawless trip. NO PRESSURE.
The villa itself? STUNNING. The view alone? Forget about it. You're basically gazing out at the Aegean Sea like a Greek god... or goddess. (I went full goddess mode, naturally. Steve just complained about the sun being too bright.)
The rooms are gorgeous, the pool is… well, it’s a pool. A REALLY nice pool. I spent approximately 80% of my time there. That's where the baklava comes in... I ate it poolside and I was happy. So yeah, it lives up to the hype. Honestly, I'd go back today, Steve or no Steve.
What’s the deal with the location? Is it a pain to get around?
Location, location, location, right? Villa Xanthippi's not exactly "in the thick of things." It’s a bit of a drive from the main town, Skiathos Town, meaning, you’ll either need to rent a car or be okay with taxis. (Taxis can get pricey.)
I, being the ever-prepared traveler (ha!), rented a tiny, ridiculously underpowered car. This was a *mistake*. Picture this: me, frantically wrestling with the steering wheel on the winding, cliffside roads, praying the thing didn't roll off into the sea. Steve, meanwhile, was backseat driving and complaining about the lack of air conditioning. (See? Steve.)
But honestly, the distance is part of the charm. You want peace and quiet? You GOT IT. You want breathtaking views? DITTO. And renting a car *does* give you the freedom to explore all the amazing beaches (Koukounaries is a must!) and little tavernas. Just… maybe get a slightly more powerful car than I did. Or, you know, befriend a local with a boat. That's always an option.
What's the kitchen like? Can I cook my own meals? Because... Baklava.
The kitchen at Villa Xanthippi isn't just a kitchen; it's a freaking *dream*. It's got everything. Literally. I'm talking high-end appliances, oodles of counter space, and enough pots and pans to feed a small army (or just me and all the baklava I could shove in my face.)
I, being a somewhat enthusiastic (but not terribly skilled) cook, decided to make a romantic dinner for Steve. Disaster. Absolute, utter disaster. I burned the garlic bread (it was a valiant effort!), the pasta was overcooked, and the wine… spilled everywhere. (Steve *loved* it – sarcasm.)
My advice? Stock up on groceries (the local markets are amazing!) and embrace the simple pleasures. Fresh Greek salad, grilled fish, and yes, more baklava. And if you're truly hopeless in the kitchen like I am, hire a local chef. Seriously. Best decision EVER. They can cook AND clean up the mess. Win-win.
The pool… TELL ME ABOUT THE POOL!
Okay, the pool. This deserves its own category, frankly, and yes, I'm going to make it long. This is where I spent 80% of my time at the villa, maybe more. Seriously, the pool is life. It's infinity-edged, which means it just melts into the horizon. You're swimming, looking out at the ocean, and it’s just pure bliss.
I took a gazillion photos. (I’m not kidding. Check my Instagram, it's all pool.) I sunbathed. I floated. I read. I cried (after Steve and I, you know… things). I even tried to do some synchronized swimming moves (don't ask). The water’s crystal clear, the temperature is perfection, and there are plenty of sun loungers. You could easily lose a week just lounging by that pool, and have no regrets whatsoever. Okay, maybe a little regret that Steve didn't appreciate it as much as I did.
The only minor “imperfection?” Maybe the shade situation. There aren’t a *ton* of umbrellas, so, bring a good hat and some serious SPF. And maybe a floatie. You know, for… science. And for maximum relaxation.
What about the service? Is the staff friendly and helpful?
The service at Villa Xanthippi? Top-notch. Seriously. The people managing the place were incredibly helpful and friendly. They made me feel like, well, a goddess. (Maybe they were just humoring me, but still!)
When I arrived, I was a wreck. The flight was delayed, and my luggage was stuck in Munich. The villa team took one look at my frantic, jet-lagged face and sprung into action. They arranged for my things to be delivered, ordered me a much-needed bottle of wine, and generally just made sure I didn't completely lose it. They even helped me find a place to buy some emergency swimwear. (Because, pool.)
They’re also super discreet. You feel like you have the whole place to yourself. (Apart from the occasional gardener, who was a lovely, chatty chap.) They’re there when you need them, but they totally respect your privacy. It's the perfect balance. And let me tell you, after a stressful flight and a near-breakdown, that level of service is worth its weight in gold…or baklava. Definitely baklava.
Are there any downsides? (Be brutally honest!)
Okay, fine. I'll be brutally honest. There are a few teeny-tiny “downsides,” but honestly, they're so minor they almost don't count.
Firstly, the internet can be a bit spotty. Fine for checking emails, not so great if you're trying to stream Netflix. (Which, let's be honest, who’s watching Netflix when you've got THAT VIEW?)
Secondly: mosquitoes. They're everywhere in Skiathos. Invest in some serious bug spray, especially if you like to sit outside at night. (They love me. I’m a mosquito magnet.)
And finally, the… the ex-Steve factor. (Just kidding! Sort of.) The place is SO romantic, you could easily have a disastrous trip if you’Scenic Stays


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