READ HOW I COMMENT ON THE HOTEL IN MOURESI . 

 

I noticed from the beginning that there are 'magic balconies' in 2 different beaches, 2 accommodations by the same owner. The one is found at Papa Nero opposite the camping somewhere and the other is at north end of the beach of Plaka 10 minutes by car from the beach of Agios Ioannis ….10 minutes ONLY if you happen to know the way!

LOCATION. The location was exactly how I was dreaming of it to be with terrace built right on top of the rocks with steps going further down to the water. This is the kind of beach I love to swim in and I can rate the location and the beach with an A*.

The main photo on TripAdvisor shows the property in Plaka.

MISLEADING SIGNS: Signs are misleading and it took us more than 50 minutes to spot the place. It was very hot, we were exhausted and none of the 6 locals we asked knew of its existence. How ironic because I thought that it is well known and anybody could give us directions to move on. Unfortunately I was not carrying the phone number to call them, until suddenly I come across the Customers’ Information kiosk which is very close to the white iron bridge you see as you approach the beach of Agios Ioannis. This bridge separates the two beaches.

Instantly I felt better and I approach the person in charge who was very polite . I was absolutely sure that I would get the right directions but alas! He did not know either so I make it to the car so let down that I wanted to cry. As I was opening the door the man calls me back and tells me that he will check on the net and call them.

Ok…at last this is an achievement! We found out that the people running the business were expecting us, but although they know that people get confused because the magic balcony is further up on the right hand side of Agios Ioannis beach among olive groves on earthy narrow country road, yet they did nothing for us. We were told much later when we finally met that they usually meet the first-time visitors at a certain spot, or send them a Google map link and guide them exactly how to come to the property.

On the way up we came across a family, who were heading for the beach property at Papa Nero that time. The road was narrow so when we came face to face with them the driver was nodding his head and smiling telling us that the people are expecting us, but he also told us about his family’s glorious and heroic exploit to spot the same magic balcony at 02 .00 after midnight the previous night. The family were also disappointed.

Anyway, after coming across several misleading signs each time indicating less kms than the usual, we finally found it.

SERVICE AND STAFF: Impeccable service, Amazing guys, Helpful in every way but not professionals at all. They are amateurs but very positive. I cannot judge them that strictly because I am a very positive person myself and I tried to understand them. They are not excused but I am sure they have the time to learn how real professionals make deals.

OUR ROOM: Anyway since at last we found the property, I considered that the negatives would stop here.

We walk pass the north apartment that we were supposed to stay the 2 nights we booked here and to my surprise we are shown to a very small dark room on the ground floor –a room with no balcony at all small like prison with just two loopholes one overlooking the corridor high up, and the other much above our heads over the bed . A room of a 2* hotel. At least there was a small ice box to keep some water cool, a dressing table and a wardrobe but there was no space to walk or a stand to place the suitcases on. Linen and towels were clean but Ι was not satisfied with the cleaning of the room. It needed dusting.

BATHROOM: The bathroom was very small and dark with no opening at all. There were no toiletries other than a half empty liquid soap plastic bottle for the hands. No shampoo or a plastic cap or shower gel. I mentioned it once or twice but we were never brought anything and I did not want to sound demanding. I used the ones we had from Minelska Resort at Kala Nera. It was a shock leaving from one hotel to the other facing this huge difference.

The reason I got this specific room at the ground floor was because the couple who showed interest to stay at the magic balcony had a high position and the owners did not want to disappoint them .

BREAKFAST: Average the first day, the second, much better. The ‘high guests’ were away by now and Nico was more relaxed. In one or the other way, Nico works miracles in his miniature kitchen and breakfast the second morning was more satisfying with homemade pies, and strong Greek coffee.

TIME AT THE PREMISES: I got acquainted with the ‘high guests’ who were indeed an adorable couple and after breakfast we walked all the way the three of us down the path to the beach for a swim. They left an hour later. I decided to spend the whole day at the premises that day as I wanted to get the feeling of the place, get acquainted with the nice guys who run the business and enjoy at least the rest of the stay in the beautiful surroundings and forest.

The location is magic indeed, lush and green, the waters cool, deep crystal turquoise and extremely inviting to those who prefer this kind of coasts which differ a lot to the sandy crowded beaches of the south or the one at Papa Nero and Agios Ioannis.

In the afternoon I was urged to move to the north suite –the real magic balcony but I did not feel like moving just for a few hours. Even if I moved the feeling would still be the same and nothing from what I write above would have changed. We did not get to the room till late midnight as it was not at all inviting, but I took advantage of this paradise like spot to fill my batteries and relax over the sounds of nature the entire day .

LUNCH: Nico prepared a nice tasty omelette and some salad. He sat with us and we chatted a lot and we arranged that we shall remain at the premises for dinner as well.

DINNER: A beautiful night, full moon and good company. What more to expect! We got acquainted with the other guests and relied completely on Nico’s cuisine which is unbelievable. I still have no idea how he manages to present such delicious delicacies in such small cuisine. Many of his cooking secrets come from his Mom and Grandma.

We had a barbecue out in the beautiful terrace and then all residents together with Yianni and Nico enjoyed the evening out. Everything was a delight, there was much chatting and laughing until very late. There was thunder and lightning in the distance every now and then but as the time went on a thin layer of clouds masked the full moon and blotted out the stars. It was chilly and very late when we went indoors a little before the rainstorm started . It was raining heavily the whole night –a stormy night, even in the morning. I love the smell of earth after the rain! Here, the smell was a mixture of paradise!

I truly want to return with no surprises this time. Yianni and Nico, try to learn from your mistakes, I forgive you because you are young and still amateurs. You certainly need a lady out there to keep everything in order. Be yourselves like you do. You both deserve the very best.


 
TIPS: Be sure where you wish to stay first. It is either close to the sandy beach of Papa Nero or this beach I described above. Remember when you hear the word –magic balcony you should have in mind that there are two different properties.

Secondly arrange with the management to either pick you up from Agios Ioannis, or be sure that you see the Google map and spot the property before going . Don’t be misled with the village of Mouresi which is high up, nor the misleading signs you come across in the olive groves.

Thirdly, if you are a person who loves crowds, sandy beaches, cafe bars and noise, this place is not what you look for. Come here for a romantic getaway, snorkeling, peace and quiet to fill your batteries up. The guys running the business are great hosts and indeed make the difference. 

 Have in mind that this place is not handicapped friendly.