White Orchid Calanthe

Herm, a Jedi masseuse, Vivian, Rania, and owner Vassiliki gave us such warm Greek hospitality. We also found fabulous local restaurants, though the sunset over the Ionian Seas from Thalassa restaurant in the hills is a memory we'll treasure. We just got back from a lovely four-day break in Sivota, a largely undiscovered corner of the Greek mainland near the Albanian border. This adults-only hotel in Epirus was an incredible stay, with calming interiors, stunning views, and a show-stopping infinity pool.

Breakfast each morning came on a terrace with its own views, and the small staff team was attentive and friendly without intruding. The hotel has just eight suites for up to sixteen guests, so it stays calm and peaceful. Every suite has a private balcony facing the sea, with uninterrupted views along the beautiful coast of northern Greece. A wonderful place to stay, with absolutely no complaints.

The room and the view were great, but that was about it. For a stay costing 200-250 per night, the quality didn't match the price. Getting to the hotel means driving an awful road, and a good SUV is needed. We had booked the best room, but no one was there to help carry our bags up the 70 steps. The outdoor bathtub only had cold water. They said COVID meant breakfast would be brought to the room, which sounded fine. What arrived each day was nowhere near enough to share: olives, a stick with two pieces of mozzarella and two cherry tomatoes, bread sticks, and no egg or pancake. There was no orange juice either, just a concentrated kind. I have photos from every day if anyone wants to see. When we told the woman in charge this wasn't acceptable, she said we shouldn't complain because it was free, even though the room price listed breakfast as included. After we complained, we eventually agreed that they would make two eggs each and bacon for us on the following days.

Our hosts deserve a special mention for helping make the stay so enjoyable. The accommodation has a lovely elevated ocean view and a nice infinity pool.