Product Reviews : Travel - Short Haul : Mousses, Lefkas, Greece

We've just come back from Mousses and had the best holiday we've had since our son was born. The layout meant it was very, very sociable and the kids all play together and the adults all get to know each other well which meant it was really good fun. The creche was fabulous, loads of indoor and outdoor space and plenty of toys and activities and really good staff - our 2 yr old really enjoyed his time theere. The swimming pool and children's pool were lovely and the grounds were great and totally toddler friendly (no playground though). The staff at Mousses were all very kind and helpful. Simply Travel were excellent and provided a very good service throughout.

There were however some downsides...

- Lefkas is not a beautiful greek island, local beach (Milos) was scruffy and unappealing and c.40 mins walk. Ended up driving 30-40 mins to find OK beaches - mostly pebbles, tiny bit of sand. Sea was lovely though.

- Constant buidling work all round Lefkas, everything seems either half-built and abandoned or for sale. lots of heavy lorries constantly going along the road next to Mousses

- The food in restaurants was very poor - only had one decent meal in 2 weeks. Mousses pool bar food very mediocre too.

- 'End of Season' we went in mid-Sept and everything was being closed down for the end of the season which was a bit depressing. Weather not great either - 6 days of heavy rain out of 13.

- The accomodation was very basic with TINY kitchen that made self-catering quite hard work (we ended up cooking loads as restaurants so bad!)

- Guard dogs in a warehouse next door barked all night every night and drive everyone to distraction!

In summary, would definitely recommend Mousses as we had a great time. I don't think we'll go back though - if it was re-located onto a lovely Greek island with good beaches, plenty of character and nice food we'd be going there every year!

A "fantastic little complex of ten small houses set in an ancient olive grove". Accommodation is "comfy and sweet although fairly basic" but "the wonderful owners cannot do enough for you". Reviewers raved about the "superb childcare, the nannies are just brilliant". "It's perfect for pre-school and primary age kids, our five year old spent the entire time swimming or running around the grounds with his new friends". All reviewers agreed that they'd "definitely return". "The most relaxing holiday since having kids!" "Highly Recommended".

Mumsnet top tip: "It's worth upgrading to an air-conditioned car - high summer is baking!"

thanks to mumsnet we have been here twice now. the only holiday since kids that feels like a holiday. need i say more?

Thanks to mumsnet we have just returned from our most relaxing holiday since having children. The complex of 10 villas set in beautiful well kept grounds, the pool, bar and restaurant were just superb. The creche opens all day mon - fri 9.30 - 5pm, for full day or half day sessions. We chose half day sessions which can be changed once you are there if you wish to go out for the day, but i would advise pre-booking some sessions as the creche is very popular ! The childcare staff were all excellent and UK trained to our standards and the creche itself welcoming, colourful and secure for your peace of mind. The resort is quite isolated but Lefkas town (the capital) is just 5mins drive away for gorgeous meals by the waterfront and very reasonable. A family of 4 can eat out incl wine for under £50. The beach is a 20 min walk or 3 min drive, safe swimming and golden sand, just perfect for families with children. Andreas and Eleni's weekly BBQ is a hit with kids and parents alike as the food is wonderful, setting idyllic and the kids all play together in the courtyard while you relax - perfect. We are booking for next year already, highly recommended !!