| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 27 positive, 0 negative]
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| 11/09/09 |
Positive
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"Amazing people, lovely house and great area!"
"We just got back after a very memorable week at Aeolos villa. Stavros and Rosa are very warm, caring and lovely people. We had a great day with Stavros in the Athens and it was indeed an unforgetable day! We had been looked after by Stavros and Rosa from the minute we arrived. Our holiday was so relaxing as we always knew that we could call for help if needed (especially when you travel with three kids!). The house has lovely views and the area is full of places to visit and explore. We are very grateful to Stavros and Rosa for making our trip so special (it's a shame we could not meet Danae but hopefully... maybe one day in Cambridge:) "
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OlgaS, Cambridge |
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| 10/25/08 |
Positive
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We spent two weeks in Greece in October 2008. It was a terrific vacation. Stavros and Rosa are such terrific hosts. Our vacation could not have been as enjoyable without their terrific hospitality. Stavros is extremely knowledgeable about Greece and knows a lot about the best tour sites to visit. Our grandfather came to the US from Greece and he even helped us find our relatives in Athens that no one in our family had ever met. Stavros and Rosa made our vacation one of the most memorable trips of our life.
I highly recommend you stay at their villa or at the very least us Stavros as your personal tour guide.
The Papps Family |
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Eddie Papps, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
001 678 999 4476 |
|
| 09/30/08 |
Positive
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We booked the entire villa for our family of 6 for 7 nights. We realized after our first day that 7 nights was not nearly enough to see all of the wonderful sights in proximity to the villa. The villa was lovely and comfortable. We had 4 teenagers and 2 adults and even the hard to please teenagers were happy with the accommodations. The living area and master bedroom had fantastic views of the sea and the expansive windows brought a pleasant breeze into the rooms. We did not choose the bed and breakfast option, but our hosts, Rosa and Stavros, could not have been more helpful or gracious. Rosa made sure that all of our questions were answered and needs were met. She advised us on tours, restaurants, beaches and everything else we wanted to see, including making hotel arrangements for us in Athens. We had the best times on the tours that were personally led by Stavros. Our tour to Corinth and the Peloponnese was great, punctuated by an exciting bungee jump that the teenagers loved (but maybe Stavros loved more!). Try to see Epidaurus at the end of the day just before closing for an almost private experience within the theater. We also did an all day tour to Delphi and the Parnassos mountain area, stopping for a distinctive and authentically prepared lunch along the way. Our tour concluded with a visit to the beautiful village of Arachova in Parnassos where we found great pasta, great cheeses and great views! There were many highlights to the trip, but the most memorable may have been the tour that Stavros, Rosa and Danae, their daughter all accompanied us on the the island of Evia. We hiked from the top of a chilly, windy and foggy remote mountaintop surrounded by goats and goatherds down a lushly vegetated gorge, splashing in cold swimming areas along the way. The hike culminated in a late lunch prepared especially for us at a local taverna overlooking the spectacular gorge scenery. The food was delicious, but the company of Rosa, Stavros and Danae was just as memorable. I can truly say that our vacation to Greece was made the most successful by the opportunities offered by Rosa and Stavros. The kids and the adults will never forget it. |
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Tracy , Atlanta, GA |
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| 07/30/08 |
Positive
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| What can i say...this review isnt just about the property..its about the people who own it and what you get with it. Me and my 6 friends stayed in the villa...all male..which to some people would probably cause a problem. Not to Rosa and Stavros... Once you have booked the villa Rosa will keep in constant contact with you...even though she has a busy lifestyle to keep..she really cares about your stay. Any needs you have...Rosa and Stavros will try and meet them... The villa is their home..and when you get there you realise that it is more than just a retreat..it is cared for...a place to relax...plan where you want to go next...and Stavros is always on hand to take you there. I honestly cannot say enough about this family run villa...If you read all the other reviews about this family you will know about their daughter Danae..she is the most loveable little girl you will ever want to meet..this really is the perfect retreat with whatever you want from a holiday." |
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wayne kirk, derbyshire, england
447518588619 |
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| 05/15/08 |
Positive
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We have recently returned from a week of Bed and Breakfast and touring with Stavros and Rosa and their darling daughter Danae. We were traveling with our daughter and booked for 4 days but stayed 6. We thought that we would take 2 tours but we couldn't resist going on 4, plus a cruise on the day when Stavros was otherwise committed. We will never forget the warm hospitality and friendship we enjoyed during our stay in their beautiful home. Our exposure to Greek cuisine, history, archeology, language, customs, as well as our hosts incredible time management skills was remarkable. Our hosts helped us plan the rest of our time in their beautiful country. We learned a great deal about Greece from Stavros and Rosa and when we reluctantly left to explore on our own we felt equipped to cope with the challenge. I would recommend this Bed and Breakfast or Vacation Rental to any tourist who wants an experience of a lifetime. We have made new friends who are now a part of our extended family. Many thanks Rosa and Stavros for making our 50th Anniversary trip so memorable. Joy and Keith Smith, Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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Joy Smith, Qualicum Beach, B.C. Canada
(250) 752 8135 |
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| 05/12/08 |
Positive
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| Rosa and Stavros have thought of everything. We were traveling with a 10 month old baby. Rosa had the crib, high chair, bibs, etc. ready. Fabulous view. 5 minutes to the beach, grocery shopping, food. We had Stavros give us a tour of Athens. Wow...he covered it all. Learned so much from him. Went back into Athens on our own using our GPS. Super easy to find your way from the house. About 45 min. drive to either Athens or the airport. Highly recommend a stay here. Many items stocked on your arrival so the stop at the store is not necessary for a day or so. Very warm and welcoming!" |
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Toni Bowes Seymour, Novato, CA
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| 04/27/08 |
Positive
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I have just returned from a 2 week trip to Greece with my parents, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Our first week was spent in the company of our new friends and B&B hosts, Rosa, Stavros and their delightful daughter, Danae. Within moments we felt completely at home with this wonderful family and quickly learned that we had lucked upon the best possible hosts imaginable.
As many others have stated before, our trip to Greece would not have been the same without them. They made us feel totally at home, provided wonderful meals and a place to relax at the end of a busy day, and offered the most unique tours to various historic sites in the area.
While Greece captivated me with its colour, ancient history, architecture, and food, I must say that I was most impacted by the PEOPLE I metl. Rosa, Stavros and Danae MADE this trip for me. I will never forget them. |
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Janet Smith, Brandon, Manitoba Canada
204-720-1136 |
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| 04/01/08 |
Positive
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| What can I say that hasn't been said in previous reviews?! The reason we chose this property was because of all the terrific reviews...and we were not disappointed! Rosa, Stavros and Danae were excellent hosts and extremely helpful. We followed their recommendations on where to eat (not a single mediocre meal), where to shop, what to see and what the kids would enjoy. I highly recommend Stavros as your guide if you choose to do anything beyond sitting on the lovely patio sipping nice Nemea wine! The house was the perfect set-up for our family of 4: parents in the master, one girl in the twin and one in the loft in the second bedroom. There was plenty to do in the area; we never had a dull moment. Nea Makri is a lovely little beach town with yummy gyro/souvlaki cafes. We grilled out on the terrace one night; try the local sausages and pork burgers! Costa's taverna down the hill has great grilled meats and tzatziki (try this everywhere!). Honestly, not a negative thing to say about the house, hosts or area! We will definitely be going back for the trek on Evia...Efaristo Stavros and Rosa, Happy Birthday Danae! Eric, Lisa, Alaina and Maya |
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Lisa Phinney, Cairo, Egypt |
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| 03/21/08 |
Positive
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Stavros was our driver for a day's outing from Athens to the Meteora monastries, he is an absolute jewel. It was a very long day and a very long drive, we started out at 06:00 & returned at 22:00 Stavros was cheerful all day, full of information, drove very well & took great pride in his country. His wife Rosa was great at co-ordinating & orgenising the trip. If you need a driver in or out of Athens you can do no better. |
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Assaf, Tel Aviv
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| 01/22/08 |
Positive
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What a perfect way to visit Greece!
For the first few days there were only the two of us, so we stayed "Bed and Breakfast" with Rosa, Stavros, and Danae. It was a wonderful way to overcome jet lag and meet our first friends in Greece!
We returned at Christmas with our daughter and a group of friends and what a welcome we received from this wonderful family!
Stavros was the consummate tour guide for several trips into Athens and the countryside with its incredible historic sites and scenery. He knows all the secrets of where to go and how to get there! His knowledge of history and geography made the places we visited come alive.
Rosa helped us with shopping, receiving important mail from home, and in attention to a hundred little details that made our trip memorable. Her breakfasts are worth a 15 hour airplane ride all by themselves! Have her take you to her friend's pottery store and gallery.
Danae became our delightful young friend and we did so much enjoy her company.
This vacation could easily have become a nightmare of logistical details, but Rosa and Stavros made it all so easy--meeting us at the airport, helping with the rental cars, guiding our travels, finding the best restaurants and tavernas for our special culinary interests, and so, so much more. No request was too difficult to seek a solution.
In Greece, we never felt like tourists. Yes, of course we were tourists, but with Rosa, Stavros, and Danae we were guests and friends! I cannot imagine a better way to make a first trip to Greece, and I predict that anyone who does it once will want to come back again. We certainly plan to do so!
Happy New Year, Steve and Merle
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Steve and Merle Hildebrand, Loma Linda, CA
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| 01/13/08 |
Positive
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Rosa and Stavros took care of every little detail of our stay in Greece. They are a delightful couple and definitely made us feel like we had been friends of theirs forever. Stavros was our guide on several day trips and we would strongly recommend that you use him because of his knowledge of the area and its history. Without him, we would not have seen nearly as much of the country and its culture. Rosa kept us supplied with fresh fruit and delightful Greek desserts and we greatly enjoyed her hospitality. We strongly recommend a stay with Rosa and Stavros in Greece. The Gaskin Family |
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Carlos Gaskin, Tallahassee, FL |
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| 11/05/07 |
Positive
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Going to Greece was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. I cannot think of a better introduction to the country, its people and its culture than that we experienced through Rosa’s and Stavros’ warm hospitality and friendly guidance. Our stay at Aeolos was very comfortable, the views from the terrace were incredible, and the breakfasts were memorable. We ventured on three tours and were rewarded with exhilarating adventure, visits to the glorious antiquities of ancient Greece, and many indulgences in traditional Greek food and custom.
Not only will I recommend all this to anyone planning a vacation in Greece, I sincerely hope that I will return one day to this wonderful villa overlooking the Aegean.
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Marilyn Willox, Canmore, Alberta, Canada |
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| 10/29/07 |
Positive
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October 29, 2007
Sometimes dreams come true, not often, but sometimes and our dream trip to Greece did indeed come true because of 3 very special “Dream Weavers”, Stavros, Rosa and Danai.
No vacation has ever meant so much to Love and me as this last one. The villa, the scenery, the people and the food .... all directly from the Realm of the Gods. If ever there was an earthly domain to rival the greatness of the dwelling place of the gods this is surely it.
To future mortals seeking the most perfect place on Earth seek no further. You will find it at only one place .... Schinias. Allow your life to be touched by the greatness of the gods them selves: Stavros: God of Travel and Adventure. Rosa: the beautiful wife of the mighty Stavros and Goddess of Domestic Peace, Tranquility and Dream Making Come True and finally the daughter, Danai, goddess of youth , femininity and the Promise of a Bright Future.
Love and I will forever be in your debt for making our Voyage into Perfection a reality. Thank you. Dennis and Love Fraser Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. |
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Dennis and Love Fraser, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
705 522 4264 |
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| 10/25/07 |
Positive
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| We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful week at Stavros & Rosa's Aeolos Villa. It is as idylic a spot as one can imagine. Both Stavros and Rosa couldn't do enough to help us enjoy our first visit to Greece. In return, as English visitors, we brought the first rain for 6 months. I would thoroughly recommend this villa and, in particular, Starvos' guided tours for anyone wishing to see a glimpse of the true Greece. |
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Rob Ward, Exeter, UK |
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| 10/19/07 |
Positive
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| My wife and I spent 2 glorious weeks at Aeolos Villa. The scenery was unbelievable and the villa was very well appointed with everything we needed. Hosts Rosa, Stavros and Danae were awesome! A dream holiday! |
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David and Joyce Hill, Evansville Ontario
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| 10/14/07 |
Positive
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Stavros and Rosa, Thank you so much for making our trip to Greece the best family vacation we have ever taken. Rosa was so patient and gracious in helping to set up our itinerary. 20 hours of travel can be grueling, especially with an 84 year old mom, but having Stavros greet us at the airport with a big smile turned everything around. Your family was a gift to us. Stavros' patience and care of mom on all our excursions made us feel as if we were traveling with family, rather than being tourists. His positive outlook on life, and calm demeanor helped soothe any of the ruffles that come with traveling. We feel blessed that we had the opportunity to meet such wonderful people. We'll be back...perhaps for Katrina's wedding. Maria, John, Katrina and the Super Ya-Ya
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Maria McCullough, Benicia, California, USA |
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| 09/29/07 |
Positive
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| If your objective is to see Greece as a tourist, book the next crowded cruise or bus tour. But if your objective is to "experience" Greece and all of its beauty, culture, and cuisine, then spend a week or more with Stavros and Rosa. This is the highest compliment that I can give someone who opens up their home and their heart to people to give them a true glipse into Greece as the Greeks see it. To people who were not only our hosts but are now our friends, thank you so much for a wonderful vacation!!! |
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Jim and Selena, Norfolk, VA |
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| 09/19/07 |
Positive
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| I am not sure how or where to begin this review. IT is almost overwhelming to think about what a wonderful experience we had. We did so much, yet at the same time were so relaxed. First of all, I can't say enough praises for Rosa and Stavros. They will truthfully, honestly do what ever it takes to make your stay in Greece enjoyeable. Second, their home and view is absolutely as close to paradise as you can get. The sweaping panaramic views of the Agean Sea, and the hills, and the Beach, and the crescent bay, and the blue sky is what I would have only expected in the Caribean or the Greek Islands, but here it is on the mainland, with easy access to all the glorious sites of Athens and Attika. A tip from us, go by ferry (which is very close)to the Island across the water to Nea Styra. IT was an unexpected surprise for us, and truly a highlight of our trip there. It has some nice beaches and restaurants and shops. the Ferry ride over was fun for the whole family. With kind regards, Francesco |
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Frank P, Leonberg, Germany
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| 09/09/07 |
Positive
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We had a wonderful time in Greece, partly due to our decision to rent Stavros Rosa's villa. Stavros and Rosa are obviously very proud of their villa and right so. The villa was beautiful, well maintained and situated with fantastic views. I really don't see how we could have done better. It housed our large part of 5 adults and 2 children with ease and comfort. Both Stavros and Rosa did everything possible to make our stay comfortable and were very helpful with suggestions of where to go and what to see.
Thanks for a wonderful holiday. |
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Mark, West Midlands, England |
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| 07/26/07 |
Positive
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Greece is a country filled with magnificent historical sites almost obliterated by a vast sea of loud, pushy tourists becoming impatient and irritable in interminable lines. Stavros Barbicas is a superb guide who can show you the glories of ancient Greece minus the hordes of grumpy tourists. Stavros, often accompanied by his wife Rosa, offers a glimpse into the wonders of ancient Greece without the stress and distraction of crowds. He is an expert at finding the hidden treasures of Greece, made all the more magical because of the utter absence of crowds. Stavros took our party of four on a trek to Evvia where we hiked down a magnificent gorge on a trail carved out of the mountains in 1230 AD. At the bottom of the five-mile hike, we swam at a deserted beach and then feasted at a tiny taverna where visitors have to call the day before to order their meals. Everything we ate was grown and made on site from the homemade yogurt to the wondrous breads. Stavros told us of another site, Ramnous, near Athens where our party were the only visitors and we could almost hear the ancients whispering words of wisdom to us. We swam at lovely beaches and ate at beachside tavernas where we were the only non-Greeks. Stavros has an MBA from an English university and gave up a career in international wine marketing to spend more time in Greece with his wife and daughter. It was the right choice for him and for those fortunate of us to enough have him as a guide to Greece. We started out as clients of Stavros and finished as friends. If you are going to Greece, use Stavros as your guide for an unforgettable experience.
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Martin Mazner |
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| 07/24/07 |
Positive
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We toured with Stavros and thoroughly enjoyed his company. He was informative and fun. We saw the important sites of Athens, hiked on Evvia and explored caves, ruins, and various interesting archeological sites of Attica in a relaxed and well- paced way over several days. A great way to see the area. |
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John Loeb, Emerald hills, CA
650 3691421 |
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| 07/13/07 |
Positive
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| Our vacation to Greece was wonderful due to Rosa and Stavros! We found them through VRBO and started to correspond about dates, etc. I could tell through Rosa’s correspondences that we had made the right choice to stay at their Bed and Breakfast. Schinias is a beautiful area and the house has an awesome view. They are fantastic Host and Hostess! Rosa made a special breakfast every day (Greek touches) and many other special surprises. Stavros is extremely knowledgeable in the local history and natural areas. He is an excellent tour guide. They provided travel information and directions to local and regional points of interest. We do not speak Greek so their ability to translate assisted us in making reservations, car rental, etc. We visited several countries during our vacation, and the highlight of our trip was when we visited Greece. Thanks to Stavros and Rosa our experience in Greece will always be remembered and cherished!!!!!!! Ed and Andra, Lake City, Florida |
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Anonymous, Lake City, Florida |
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| 05/21/07 |
Positive
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| Dear Rosa and Stavros, Thank you both so much for the warm welcome, wonderful breakfasts, daily support and helpful travel hints we received each day we were with you, but most of all thank you for your caring and your friendship. Staying with you all really introduced us to the Greek way of life and after all, it really is the people which make Greece such a fabulous place to visit. Your home became our home and we soon forgot any of the anxieties we may have had about our trip to your wonderful country.(especially around the driving!!) The view from our room was breathtaking each morning and we are still trying to find yogurt that even slightly resembles the rich creamy yogurt we were served every morning! We have marvelous photos to remind us of our time in Greece but the best memories are the ones we hold in our hearts and your are all truly there. Thank you again so much. Your Canadian friends Wendy and Bob |
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Wendy and Bob, Sidney,B.C. Canada
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| 03/31/07 |
Positive
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| Rosa, Stavros, and their delightful daughter, Danae, are superb hosts! Their home is modern, while at the same time warm and inviting. Not only do they have a lovely home, they are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The three of them collectively made our family trip so memorable. We could not have enjoyed Greece nearly as well without their kindness and hospitality! Stavros or Rosa can meet you at the airport and transport you to their home, even stopping on the way to help you purchase warm bread to go with the food that they have stocked at your prior request. Stavros can lead you around Greece on any tours you personally select. He and Rosa can introduce you to the local tavernas and shops so you can savor Greek cuisine as the local residents do. Your trip to Greece will be so fantastic because of this amazing family! |
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Ursula McCormick, Maryland |
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| 11/12/06 |
Positive
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What can I say about you and your lovely villa? No keys on this keyboard can describe the magic I felt in your home or meeting you all. Rosa, I will never forget you, your daughter, or your husband, Starvos. I can still call up in my memory the beautiful view from the large windows that cover the house, or sitting at your table, drinking a wonderful wine, eating that fantastic dessert you prepared, or the chats we had over coffee. What a warm feeling I had there at Aeolos Villa...just like home. Your hospitality was above and beyond my expectations..all the special touches did not go unnoticed! The romance of that view !! and Greece was represented well by you...the combination screams at my heart...My heart is full now and this trip to your lovely villa will affect me for a life time...and I want you to know that I will be back one day because I could not imagine going down this highway called life and not experiencing Aeolos Villa again...but most of all, experiencing you and your family..that was the true gift of this whole visit to Greece...ahhhhhhh, the view.. I can still see those sparkling waters from your balcony !! Every morning it took my breath away...Thank you so much for everything, and for a friendship that I will treasure all my life. Love you all !!! Efharisto!! BRAVO...Meredith p.s. I still think you don't charge enough!!! This type of treatment,food, and services commands all the gold a horse can carry, and a bushel of the finest jewels...and when it is done, thank you just does not seem enough to reward the feeling I have inside and I feel lost for words in describing the trip of a lifetime...but I shall leave you again with thank you!!! Efharisto!! |
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Meredith Davis, Port Townsend, WA
360.379.4160 |
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| 10/05/06 |
Positive
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Stavros, Rosa & Danai - We were so very lucky to meet each of you and use your taxi service and wonderful hospitality while in Greece in September 2006. Stavros, your knowledge of Greece and your incredible driving skills helped us to see and do more than we would have ever done on our own. You and your family are full of life and love. Your house is wonderful and we enjoyed having appetizers and drinks on your balcony our last evening in Greece. It was a lifetime memory. That sunset is beautiful from your balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea. We would highly recommend your services and your home to anyone traveling to your area and looking for more than the average vacation. Hopefully we can extend our hospitality to each of you if you ever come to visit Texas. Blessings to all of you!
Phil & Grace Wright - Fort Worth, TX USA |
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Grace Wright, Fort Worth, TX USA
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| 10/04/06 |
Positive
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Dear Stavros, Rosa and Danai, YOUR FAMILY made our trip to Greece a trip of a lifetime! We have made new friends, and that is a blessing beyond any measure. Stavros, we so enjoyed our day in Athens with you! A great way to see the city. And our hike on the island of Evia was magnificent! Rosa, thank you for booking our one-day cruise of the islands. Everything was EASY because of y'all! Most memorable for us, though, was our last evening in Greece - sitting on your front balcony, enjoying ouzo, and making great memories with your family! You'll always be in our hearts. We'd love to host you in Texas!!! Many blessings, and love - |
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Joe and Cindy Culpepper, Ft. Worth, Texas |
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| 08/06/06 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Stavros-- Remember us? You're favorite taxi clients, I'm sure! Well, you were definitely our favorite taxi driver,and we want to thank you for all your help. It was really fun getting to know you and our trip was much richer from the time we spent with you. We meant it when we said that you are welcome to visit us in Colorado! We have great skiing! Hope you and your family are doing well. Tell Danai (sp?) hi from Annabelle! Thanks again. Jann, Kraige, Meredith and Annabelle Kinney
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Jann Kinney
Colorado
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| 07/23/06 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Hi Stavros, I wanted to thank you again for helping with my family's vacation. I am not exagerating when I say that you changed the whole atmosphere of our stay. My mom and dad could not have enjoyed Athens without your help and gentle personality. I would have never gotten the baghlama and my sister would not have been able to enjoy the Plaka so effortlessly. Please extend our thanks to your charming wife. We all thank you. Let us know if you are in California. All the best, Joe Brookshire
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Joe Brookshire
California
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| 12/04/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Dear Stavros, What a fabulous trip and great memories. They will last a lifetime. Meeting you and having you at our service was fortuitous and you made it so I could end my trip on a great note. What confidence in me that you knew I'd be staying on for one more day and convince the airlines on a non-exchangeable ticket to do so. It goes to show when there is a will there just may be a way! Happy Holidays to you and your family and perhaps I'll be out in Greece again. Sincerely, Mike
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Mike Flint
Los Angeles
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