Escape to Paradise: Casa Mare Apartment, Agios Ioannis, Lefkada
Escape to Paradise: Casa Mare Apartment, Oh My Gods! Lefkada - A Review (with some serious rambling)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Casa Mare Apartment in Agios Ioannis, Lefkada. And let me tell you, "Escape to Paradise" is no joke, though, ahem, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. But hey, who wants perfection anyway? That's boring!
First, the Basics (Because, duh)… and the Messy Bits:
Right, let's get the dry stuff out of the way. Accessibility: This is kinda important. The descriptions say it's got facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. But, I didn't personally test this, so I can't give you a definitive "wheelchair accessible" stamp. I did see an elevator (good sign!), and a lot of the layout seemed pretty open. But, I always, always call ahead and ask the gritty details about ramps, bathroom accessibility, and all that jazz. Don't take my word for it on this one, okay? Be certain.
Amenities Galore (and My Obsessions):
Holy moly, there's a lot going on here. Let's start with the stuff that made my eyeballs pop!
Internet? Oh yeah, they got it. Free Wi-Fi EVERYWHERE! (and I mean everywhere). I'm talking in the rooms, the common areas, probably even under a rock if you looked hard enough. This is crucial if you're like me and need to check emails, stalk your ex, AND upload Instagram stories of that stunning sunset. But honestly, the LAN internet, I didn't even touch that. I'm so used to Wi-Fi I didn't even bother. But kudos for having the option.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (My Happy Place): Okay, this is where things get really interesting. They have a pool with a view! My jaw dropped. I'm talking, infinity pool, overlooking the Ionian Sea kind of view. Picture this: me, sprawled on a sun lounger, cocktail in hand (thanks, poolside bar!), watching the waves crash. Pure. Bliss. I'd also add, they have a Sauna, spa, steamroom… I'm not a spa person, I will admit. I like a nice pool, and a nap.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, you know, 2024): They're rocking the hygiene game, which is a huge relief. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer galore, and staff trained in safety protocols. I was super impressed! Also, they've got room sanitization opt-out available, which makes me feel a bit better about my impact environmentally.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Second Happy Place): OMG, this place feeds you! A la carte, buffet, and a restaurant. I'm a sucker for breakfast, and the breakfast buffet was EPIC. Everything from fresh fruit to omelets to… honestly, I lost track. There's even Asian cuisine! But, I'm more of a burger and beer person, and they had that covered, too. The poolside bar was a life-saver. And I love the vegetarian restaurant, I'm not a vegetarian but it should be there.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter): Where do I begin? Concierge?! Currency exchange? Car park (free of charge)? Daily housekeeping? It's all there. I especially appreciated the contactless check-in/out. So slick!
My Love/Hate Relationship with the Rooms (It's Complicated):
The apartment itself? Pretty darned nice. Air conditioning (essential!), a mini-bar (also essential!), and a balcony with a view (are you sensing a theme?). But here's the thing: sometimes, I felt like they were trying to be too luxurious. Why do I need a bathrobe and slippers? I barely wear clothes at home! But hey, that's a minor quibble. The Wi-Fi was amazing in the room, and yes, there's a coffee/tea maker which is a godsend. I did however, find some tiny imperfection which is that there are no extra pillows.
Getting Around (Because, Let's Explore!):
They offer airport transfer, which is fantastic if you're tired of wrestling taxis. There's bicycle parking, car park, and taxi services. I had planned to rent a car, but, honestly, the location is so fantastic, you could get away with just using taxis and a bit of good ol' footwork.
For the Kids (Bless Their Hearts):
They have babysitting service (thank you, sweet heavens!), and family/child-friendly options. I didn't have any kids with me, so I can't tell you from experience, but the place seemed geared towards families.
The "Oh, Crap…" Moments (Because Life's Not Always Smooth):
- The Noise: Okay, this is a heads-up. I got the room on the street-side. And sometimes, the scooters and partygoers are a little too loud. Bring earplugs, just in case.
- The Little Quirks: The staff weren't always perfect. One day, my towel was replaced with a bath mat. Another, my coffee was cold. Nothing catastrophic, but a reminder that perfection is a myth.
My Verdict (The Big Reveal):
Listen, Casa Mare Apartment isn't perfect. But it's got a whole lot going for it. The location is divine (Agios Ioannis is a stunner). The views are breathtaking. The pool is enough to melt all your worries away. And the amenities are plentiful. If you're looking for a place to relax, recharge, and be thoroughly spoiled, this is it. Just bring your earplugs, and prepare for a little bit of… charm.
My Personal Recommendation (The Emotional Plea!)
Look, I'm not a travel writer. I'm just some grumpy, slightly-overweight woman who likes a good view and a stiff drink. But I loved this place. It felt like a real escape. It has flaws, sure, but they're easily overlooked. So, book it! (But don't take the room on the street-side. I want it next time!).
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KL Tower's Jaw-Dropping Scandi View from Kampung Baru!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your glossy, picture-perfect travelogue. This is what actually happened during my week at Casa Mare Apartment in Agios Ioannis, Lefkada. Prepare for turbulence, tangents, and way too much feta cheese.
Lefkada Labyrinth: Casa Mare Chronicles - A Week of Sun, Sand, and Slightly Unhinged Adventures
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Luggage Debacle (and the Promise of Perfection)
- Morning (ish): Landed in Preveza airport. Okay, fine, I'm already sweating. The flight was fine, except for the woman behind me who had the most aggressive gum-chewing I've ever witnessed. Seriously, I thought her jaw might dislocate. Also, my luggage? MIA. Yep, vanished into the ether. Cue existential crisis in the baggage claim.
- Afternoon: Made it to Casa Mare! Stunning view from the balcony? Check. Apartment itself? Actually quite lovely. Simple, clean, the perfect base. (For now.) The owner, a lovely Cypriot woman named Maria, was SO helpful, even though my entire wardrobe was currently vacationing somewhere near Heathrow. Decided to grab some essentials (aka: a bathing suit and some oversized t-shirts) from the local shop on the way, this made me happy not being around my family, and no one knowing my where abouts. I always wanted to be alone.
- Evening: Sunset on Agios Ioannis beach. Okay, now we're talking. The wind was something else. It practically whipped the sand into my eyes as I walked along the beach. Found a little taverna and ate the best grilled octopus I'd ever had (even if I did spend most of the meal trying to prevent it from blowing off the plate). First bite of a proper Greek salad? Pure bliss. I felt a surge of pure joy, a feeling I honestly thought I’d lost for good. First day, and I was in love with it already.
Day 2: Wind, Waves, and the Quest for the Perfect Beach (and my Clothes!)
- Morning: Windsurfing central, Agios Ioannis. Wow, I'd never imagined myself doing this. Watched (with a mix of awe and terror) as dozens of windsurfers danced with the waves. Felt like I was witnessing some ancient ritual, as the wind blew in my hair.
- Afternoon: Still no luggage. Called the airline and spent 40 minutes on hold, listening to elevator music. The receptionist sounded more like a robot than a human. Went to Milos Beach. Oh, the beauty of it! That turquoise water! That perfect, soft sand! I had the best time by myself! This was already the best trip I'd ever been on, and it had only been two days.
- Evening: A quick trip to Nidri. Wandered the harbourside. Lots of touristy shops, but I found a small, authentic gyro place where I had the best experience. Fell asleep on the balcony, listening to the waves.
Day 3: The Village of Fear (and the Unexpected Kindness)
- Morning: Explored the Village of Agios Nikitas. It’s cute, but… crowded. Like, sardines-in-a-tin crowded. Got a bit claustrophobic, actually. The narrow streets are like a maze.
- Afternoon: Decided to hike a bit into the hills. Found myself completely lost (shocking, I know). Got a bit panicky, to be honest. This is the most out of my comfort zone I had ever been. But then, this amazing local, a shepherd with the kindest eyes I've ever seen, guided me back to civilization. He didn't speak a word of English, but he showed me the way. He offered me an apple. It was one of the most humbling moments of my life. I could not be more thankful.
- Evening: Back in Casa Mare, I could feel the wind blowing through my hair again. I poured myself a glass of wine. I've never felt so free. My luggage finally arrived! Everything was wrinkly. I didn't care.
Day 4: The Feta, the Fatigue, and My Emotional Breakdown (Kinda)
- Morning: The ferry ride! Spent the entire morning taking pictures, I couldn't believe how beautiful everything was. I felt a pang of sadness though. I had to remind myself that this was special and I had to live it.
- Afternoon: So, this is what freedom feels like. I had a sudden wave of tears as I ate my lunch. Grief. I remembered my family back at home, and how things had changed. It was all too much, but I was alone.
- Evening: Dinner. Spent the night looking around and realizing that I was not myself, I was not my family, I was finally myself.
Day 5: The Road Trip from Hell (and an Unexpected Miracle of a Beach)
- Morning: Rented a car! Big mistake. Lefkada's roads? Not for the faint of heart. Narrow, winding, and apparently favored by kamikaze scooters.
- Afternoon: Porto Katsiki. Okay, wow. The pictures don't do it justice. The cliffs, the sand, the water… pure, unadulterated beauty. It was packed, of course. I still found a spot, but the drive there was more than I had bargained for. Found myself smiling again. Something I hadn't done in a while.
- Evening: Ate way too much fried calamari. Worth it.
Day 6: The Calm Before the Storm (and the Reluctant Farewell)
- Morning: Relaxed on the balcony, watching the windsurfers one last time. Read a whole book. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon: A perfect beach day. The sun finally felt warm on my skin. I wandered around. Ate what I wanted. And smiled.
- Evening: Packed. Said goodbye to Maria. The only thing I was looking forward to was coming back again.
Day 7: Departure – Leaving a Piece of My Heart (and Promising to Return)
- Morning: Last Greek breakfast. Tried to eat everything.
- Afternoon: More airport drama? Nope! Smooth sailing. Still, the thought of leaving felt heavier than my luggage.
- Evening: Landed back home. I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life. I was already planning my return.
Casa Mare Verdict:
Casa Mare? Fantastic. Agios Ioannis? Magical. Lefkada? Messy, imperfect, and utterly, completely wonderful. I left a piece of my heart there. And I'll be back. Probably with more stories, and hopefully, less luggage drama. Until next time, Lefkada!
Bali Dream Villa: 3BR, Private Pool, Unbeatable Views!
Okay, so... Escape to Paradise: Casa Mare Apartment. Sounds cheesy, right? Is it *actually* paradise?
Ugh, the name. I know. “Escape to Paradise”... my inner cynic almost choked on it. But look, lemme be real. Paradise? Nah. Perfect? Absolutely not. Casa Mare had its quirks. Like, the air conditioning was… let’s call it 'aspirational' on a couple of scorching afternoons. And the shower? The water pressure was sometimes best described as a polite trickle. I swear, I spent half the time trying to convince the showerhead to actually, you know, *shower.*
But… BUT! Here’s the thing. You open the balcony doors at Casa Mare, and you’re hit with this *breezy* view of the Ionian Sea that just punches you in the face with beauty. The sunsets? Forget about it. Just… speechless. I definitely shed a tear or two over those sunsets, I’m not gonna lie. Actually, maybe more than two. They were *that* good. So, paradise? Not perfectly, but close enough.
The location: Agios Ioannis. How's that? Beach bum friendly? Easy to get around?
Agios Ioannis. Oh, Agios Ioannis. Okay, so, it's windy. VERY windy. This is *the* spot for kite surfing and windsurfing. Like, people come from all over the world for that. Which is cool... until you're trying to eat your gyros on the beach and get sandblasted. Seriously, pack a good beach umbrella. And maybe some goggles.
Casa Mare’s right up on the beach, which is fantastic. I mean, *literally* steps away. You roll out of bed, throw on a swimsuit, and BOOM, you're on the sand. Amazing. The town itself? Small, charming, and has everything you need: a few tavernas (more on those later!), a minimarket for snacks and essentials, and a couple of bars to watch the sun go down with, a local bakery with the most amazing spanakopita. Think it wasn't worth it? I'm still dreaming of that spanakopita. Getting around? A car is *highly* recommended. Lefkada's a beautiful island, and you'll want to explore. Don't be like me the first day and leave it to public transport. Trust me. It's a comedy of errors on 2 wheels and buses, not a good start at all.
Let's talk about the apartment itself. What's the vibe? Is it modern? Clean? Spacious?
Okay, the apartment… Let's be real. It's not the Ritz. It's clean, though. *Generally*. I mean, it’s not spotless, you know? You MIGHT find a stray hair or two if you're looking for them. But it's well-maintained and comfortable. The vibe? Relaxed. Beachy. Functional. Not much in the way of frills. The furniture is… practical. The bed? Surprisingly comfy, thank God! I slept like a log after those epic sunset viewings.
Spacious? Not really, but enough for two people. There's a balcony, which is where you'll spend 90% of your waking hours. Especially if you're smart. You should definitely take a bottle of good wine and just chill out and take in the view. It's worth the price of admission to Casa Mare all by itself. The kitchen is adequate for cooking basic meals. I attempted a Greek salad one night. Let's just say my feta cheese to cucumber ratio was… *enthusiastic*.
The best experience you had while at Casa Mare Apartment?
Ugh, choosing one? Okay, fine. I’ll go with it. It was the evening I discovered that the taverna right next door (named *The Flying Fish*, how cute is that?!) had THE BEST grilled octopus of my life. Seriously. This octopus, it was tender, smoky, seasoned *perfectly*. And you sit right on the beach, the waves lapping lazily nearby. The stars came out like crazy. The wine was flowing. Then, someone, maybe the cook, maybe a local, brought over a guitar and started playing Greek music. It was the most ridiculous, most perfect, most *Greek* evening ever. I think I might have gotten a little misty-eyed… again. That octopus. That music. That view. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Oh, and also, the cats. I forgot to mention the cats. There were several, glorious feline overlords roaming around. They love a fuss and the guests kept giving them bits of their food so they got very spoiled. One adorable little tabby in particular, used to come and park itself under my balcony table. He was the best. He became my little shadow. That cat, and the octopus... I can still smell the sea after all this time.
Okay, be honest: Anything you *didn't* love?
The water pressure. *Seriously*. And the 'aspirational' air conditioning. And the wind. Did I mention the wind? It can get quite intense. I'm talking, 'wind whipping your hair into a frenzy' wind. Wind that will steal your hat and probably your dignity. The lack of decent coffee. I needed my morning caffeine! Also, while the tavernas are great, the choices are limited. You can get a bit "samey". And the neighbors. I heard a lot of the conversations from the next room. They were clearly enjoying themselves. I wish I could have joined them. The walls of the house felt very thin. Not ideal when trying to sleep in.
But honestly? None of those things were dealbreakers. They were just… quirks. You get used to them. The good stuff – the view, the beach, the food, the cats – far outweighed the negatives. Plus, I never expect perfection on holiday. It's just not realistic. And frankly, it’s the imperfections that make a place memorable, right?
Would you recommend Casa Mare Apartment?
Look, if you're expecting a five-star resort experience, Casa Mare isn't for you. But if you're looking for a relaxed, authentic Greek experience, somewhere to unwind, soak up the sun, and fall in love with the Ionian Sea? Absolutely. 100%. Go. Book it. Pack your bags. Just… don't forget the beach umbrella. And *definitely* try the grilled octopus.
Any tips or tricks for surviving/thriving at Casa Mare?
Okay, listen up, my comrades. Here’s the survival guide:
- Embrace the Wind: Learn to love it. It means you get to see kite-surfers doing incredible things. Also, invest in a good hat.
- Bring a Power Adapter: You're in Greece. You will need it. I didn't, and I spent an entire afternoon trying to charge my phone in a *very* un-powered-outlet-friendly coffee shop...
- Stock up on Snacks: There's a small supermarket nearby, but you'll want some nibbles. Especially for the balcony.
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Casa Mare Apartment - Agios Ioannis Lefkada Lefkada Greece
