Baiamalva Resort

The room was pleasant, the air conditioning quiet, and the friendly, professional staff kept it in perfect condition every day. There's a private beach and free bike rental. Reception staff were very kind and helpful, and renting a car at the hotel was easy. The pool is nice, though you have to wear a swimming cap, which isn't a common requirement. I have mixed feelings about the restaurant. You can't eat outside, even though there's plenty of room, I think. For the first time, there wasn't much choice, or the selection felt repetitive, but the food was very good. The entertainment team were good-natured, though not very professional. All in all, a nice, comfortable hotel, with a slight downside around the food.

The food was the letdown: there was lots of variety, but it was tasteless. Breakfast was a little better, the cappuccino was good, but everything else was defrosted. The rooms were lovely, clean, and spacious, and the cleaning staff were efficient and friendly. The entertainment team were excellent, though I found it odd that they had to escort guests to their rooms and carry their luggage. The village is small, with excellent facilities and amenities, and the wonderful sea is just steps away. Our stay was decent, but something was missing and we wouldn't return.

The apartment itself was very nice and comfortable, but the region felt neglected. Roads were in terrible shape, getting around was difficult, and the advertised bus routes didn't exist. The food was disgusting. During our stay at the end of May, we had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance twice. Top Of Travel's advertised "All Inclusive" package was a complete fabrication: there was no drinking water available outside cafeteria hours, and the bar served only a few sample-sized drinks in plastic cups. Excursions were very expensive, except for some guests whose excursions were included in their rental price. We booked through Leclerc Travel and found that many other people who booked through Leclerc had paid less than us. I think that's a rip-off. The entertainment staff did what they could with the limited resources they had. Our complaint to Top of Travel was useless. I will never use this tour operator again.

Housekeeping was top-notch: the rooms were clean and the towels changed daily. The beach was very pleasant, with clear water and fine sand, and each room got two sun loungers and one parasol. The pool was decent, nothing special. The place is too far from everything, with a two-hour bus ride for excursions that are far too expensive for what's offered. Food was very average, and the drinks were awful, with industrial, overly sweet fruit juices. There's a shuttle to Porto Cesareo for €5 round trip, but you need to go in the morning because everything is closed in the afternoon. There are a few shops and bars, though you can see it all very quickly.