We were back for our 21st visit!
Yet another amazing holiday at the beautiful Azia. This was our 21st consecutive year so that shows how much we love the place!
Why?
Well, there’s the people, the grounds, the food, the service, the atmosphere…
I don’t normally name individuals in my reviews but felt compelled this year. Many of the staff have been there for years and have become friends. Some we can’t communicate with as, embarrassingly, our Greek is practically non-existent. But that doesn’t matter. We greet each other year after year with warm recognition. Stalwarts of the hotel have to be mentioned. Rodoulla who’s in charge of housekeeping and so many additional aspects of the hotel now that she never stops. But her caring nature means that she will always make time to sort guests’ needs and ensure that they have all they want in their room. The same must be said for the ever affable Ioanna, Guest Relations. Apart from the hours in her office you’ll find her at breakfast proactively asking guests if there’s anything she can do. Both these ladies have the same ethos that they care so much that they willingly go out of their way to make each guest feel special and ensure they have a wonderful holiday. Good to see that Ioanna now has Georgia to ably assist her. Nino in the Katoi restaurant is another who is always calm and accommodating, even if numerous unexpected guests appear for dinner – she and her team will cope, always with a smile. Then there’s Elena, Front Office Manager. As she’s always busy in her office, we didn’t see too much of her this year unfortunately but we know she’s there if we need her, though her Reception team are always very helpful and efficient.
Apologies to all those I haven’t named, you are too numerous to include everyone but please be assured that you all contribute to making our holiday so special each year.
Bar staff this year were all friendly and welcoming, even those who were new to the job were keen to learn. If they weren’t too busy they’d stop for a chat and we found it fascinating to hear of their future plans and dreams. Heading them up was the genial Viorel as new Bar Manager, a great addition to the team. We were so pleased to see Plamen back racing around the garden! Unfortunately he was away during our stay last year but even after that time and the number of guests he serves, without prompting he remembered what we liked to drink and when - amazing! Another true asset to the hotel.
As ever, the food within the hotel and its various restaurant options was exceptional. Panayiotis and his team seem to make it better every year. Each evening dinner on the Katoi terrace is differently themed from Mexican to BBQ, though not restricted as there’s always plenty of alternatives on offer. In fact there’s invariably so much choice it’s impossible to take a modest portion without preplanning what you’re going to choose! This trick we’ve learned over the years. OKU is still a firm favourite for its Asian cuisine which is cooked to order in an open kitchen and delicious. We also really enjoyed the traditional Meze on Tree Deck cooked by Stelios. Again, you have to pace yourself as each course brings more local delights. The tranquil, adults only, setting is also a joy. Additionally, we would thoroughly recommend the Akamas Terrace flambé steak. The quality of meat was superb and cooked to perfection.
Certainly Andreas, the new Operations Manager, seems to have made a significant input, particularly in the à la carte restaurant areas. He would often give his time in the evening to sit and chat with guests. Another interesting character!
All this under the leadership of Albert, the General Manager. We were so pleased to see him again this year. He evidently has an appropriate vision for the Azia and his experience shows. A true professional quietly and efficiently overseeing and bringing out the best from his troops.
The other major aspect of the hotel are the unique grounds. The gardens are magnificent and extensive, giving ample space for sunbathing without being cheek by jowl. Certainly you can sit around the enormous pool if you wish, with its swim-up bar, but we prefer the gardens which are more peaceful and relaxing. Or there’s the adults only pool – smaller but perfect for a cooling dip. This has its own sunbathing area and adjacent bar.
I hope this review has given you an idea of why we and many others love this hotel. To us it’s unique and very special and we certainly look forward to our 22nd visit next year!
We must thank all the staff for their commitment which is truly appreciated. Until next time ….
1 czerwca 2023
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