Neilson Sivota - anyone been?

[Granard]

Hi, thinking of going to The Retreat in Sivota with Neilson in July. I'm a single mum with a 9 year old daughter and want to go somewhere that she will have activities to do and kids her own age to play with, and I might get a few hours to read my book or do some activities too, if I feel like it. Have never done this type of holiday so would welcome any feedback. I've heard lots about Mark Warner and Club Med but not so much about Neilson. Thanks in advance.

Yes went there last year. I enjoyed it but this
"Its various buildings are linked by numerous steps and paths leading down to the shores of the Ionian Sea."
is very true, the whole place is on a (steep)hill you can't get anywhere without either going up or down stairs.
There is really no beach to speak of (apart from a very small one where boats/windsurf go from and not suitable for sunbathing) but there is decking around the shoreline with sunbathers on. Don't know what the kids clubs is like as didn't take DS, saying that from what I saw they are well organised and the kids appeared to enjoy them.
I've been on Mark Warner, Sunsail and Neilson and I know this isn't a very helpful comment it really depends which resort for which company. If you have a sporty 9 yr old I would probably choose one of the ones with tennis as well (they do have tennis courts but not very many and my friends slated the tennis pro last year).

Have you been to San Augustino with Mark Warner? might be worth a look.

I was in Sivota last July with a 9 year old daughter. I don't think steps challenge children, so she was singularly unhelpful on that one! We did enjoy the beaches (there is one opposite the hotel which even in July was relatively quiet, and the one where the beach crew are located was also fun, though busy). DD's main comments were that the waterskiing is out of this world - she was completely hooked (and waterskiing is free with Neilson - so would have cost us a bomb with another operator) and that she loves the freedom. She also enjoyed the kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing. We have been to three Neilson summer resorts so would be happy to comment on any/all if you want anything further. Have also been sunsail and MW if you are looking for a comparison there.

Should add that if you are a complete sailing nut, this is not the right Neilson resort for you - can recommend alternatives!

Thanks so much for feedback. We've done no sailing at all! We're both keen swimmers and enjoy tennis but that's about it. I've just felt in recent years when we're on hols (a Greek island close to Sivota) that my DD needs constant entertainment/attention and misses out on not having other kids to play with and I feel I need a holiday by the time I come home as I don't get a minute to relax or read my book! I thought Sivota might be a good option to do for 1 week and spend a 2nd week where we normally go in Greece. But would welcome any other suggestions that would mean my daughter could have a fun holiday with kids her own age and I would get some time to myself, something I don't get at home. Thank you again.

Granard I would think Neilson would satisfy both your requirements. We have done several independent holidays on Lefkas as well as the kids club type - To be honest once she had done a Neilson holiday DD was completely bitten by the bug and we haven't managed anything "independent" since. As an only child, she finds the package of action-packed days with lots of new friends to be exactly what she wants on holiday. And I can't complain either. I do more reading in that one week than in all of the rest of the year! It says something that we are doing yet another Neilson this summer.

Jumping on thread - we're trying Nielson for the first time this year (Porto Heli) - we used to do Sunsail before DD but they have hardly anywhere left in Greece now and DH didn't fancy Turkey.

Thank you janinlondon. That's great. My DD is a bit unsure though I know she'll love it. It's the prospect of not knowing any other kids that is putting her off but once she starts, she'll be fine I'm sure. Do you think it's best to stay in the hotel or garden rooms?

Granard - garden rooms mostly a bit quieter, if that's what you're looking for. Lower down the hill they have the advantage of less steps to climb after a few drinks, but views obviously better further up. If you want a view ask for an upper floor (they are built in double storeys). I did notice that some hotel rooms don't face the sea. Presume you could specify if you don't want one of these. Not much difference other than that. Best advice is to get into the pool as soon as you arrive - and get talking to other kids/parents. Make sure you have your swimmers in your carry on - let the staff take your bags to your room while you have a nice social dip!

Thinking of going to Sivota or Aeolian Village with early teen DS - would appreciate any feedback/recommendations for one in preference to the other ref atmosphere, activities and supervision.

I went to Sivota a few years ago and loved it, my favourite Neilson holiday to date. Very pretty, great food and short boat ride/walk to the local town.

Your DD will love it and will probably ignore you the whole time. I have fond memories of lying on a wooden sunlounger reading, sound of the Aegean lapping, sun setting, then on to another great meal...

Uno, for a teen, I think Aeolian Village is probably better as larger, good sailing.