Uncover the Hidden Gem of Milos: Villa Gallis Awaits!
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Milos: Villa Gallis Awaits! – A Review (With a Side of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – or, you know, the Aegean Sea – on Villa Gallis in Milos. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all (hopefully no actual warts, though… I'm mildly germophobic).
First Impression: The Arrival & Accessibility (or, "Did I Pack Enough Sunscreen?")
Landing on Milos felt like stepping onto a postcard. Seriously. The turquoise water, the whitewashed buildings… Instagram heaven. Getting to Villa Gallis? Relatively painless. They offer an airport transfer, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE plus, because parking in Greece, well, let's just say it's an adventure. Accessibility is… well, it's Greece. While they do have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, remember this is a villa, not a purpose-built, gleaming tower. I didn't personally need it, but I’d recommend contacting them beforehand to clarify specific needs. Accessibility note: Double-check specifics with the hotel if you have mobility requirements. Don't just assume!
The Room (aka, My Personal Oasis – and a Mild Panic Attack)
My room? Glorious. Seriously. Air conditioning was a must (hello, Greek summer!), and I appreciated the blackout curtains because, well, I'm a vampire in disguise. The Wi-Fi [free] was a godsend (more on that later), and the free bottled water was a nice touch. I also appreciated the extra long bed. I'm tall, and the struggle is real. The slippers were a nice touch, until I realized I’d forgotten my own. The private bathroom was clean and well-equipped, and the shower had great water pressure. I am a sucker for a good shower.
My Room Breakdown:
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Internet… Or, The Great Wi-Fi Adventure
Okay, let's talk Internet. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and it mostly worked. Look, I'm a travel blogger, so reliable internet is practically a life-or-death situation. I did have a few moments of mild existential dread when the connection sputtered, but overall, it was pretty decent. Internet access – wireless was the main way I used it, but there was also Internet access – LAN, which I didn't bother with.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, My Belly's Best Friend)
The breakfast [buffet] was a revelation. Forget those sad continental breakfasts. This was the real deal: fresh fruit, local pastries (OMG, the pastries!), and even some delicious savory options. They also offered Breakfast in room if you're feeling lazy. There's a Coffee/tea in restaurant, and I definitely took advantage. There are also a few restaurants on-site. I tried the a la carte in restaurant for dinner one night, and it was AMAZING. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was great (who knew?), and the desserts in restaurant were to die for. Honestly, I’m still dreaming about that baklava. The poolside bar was perfect for sunset cocktails. There's also a Snack bar which was perfect for a quick bite.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
Relaxation & Things to Do (aka, Officially on Vacation)
Okay, this is where Villa Gallis really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a Pool with view. I spent a shameful amount of time lounging by it, reading a book and sipping cocktails. Pure bliss. If I was more of a fitness-focused person, I might have checked out the Fitness center. There’s also a Spa, offering Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, and Sauna. I indulged in a massage, and it was… chef's kiss. Seriously, I walked out feeling like a new person. They also offer a Spa/sauna and a Steamroom.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Cleanliness & Safety (aka, "Is This Place Actually Clean?")
In a post-pandemic world, this is crucial. Villa Gallis took hygiene seriously. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and practiced Daily disinfection in common areas. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. I felt completely safe, and the rooms were spotless. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol and a First aid kit.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Services & Conveniences (aka, "They Thought of Everything!")
The Concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging excursions and offering recommendations. They offer Cash withdrawal, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. There’s a Convenience store in case you forget anything (like, say, sunscreen). The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. I appreciated the air conditioning in public area and the elevator.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
For the Kids (aka, "Is This Place Kid-Friendly?")
While I didn’t have any kids in tow, I noticed they had Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They seemed to cater to families, so this would be a good option if you were traveling with children.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around (aka, "How Do I Get Out of Here?")
They offer Airport transfer, which is a MUST. Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus. They also have Taxi service if you need it.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Safety & Security (aka, "Is This Place Safe?")
I felt completely safe at Villa Gallis. They had CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms. The rooms had Safety/security feature, and there were Fire extinguisher around.
- Safety/security feature: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [2
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my attempt at a Milos adventure, Villa Gallis edition. Expect chaos, questionable decisions, and enough sunburn to rival a lobster. Let's dive in… (and pray I don't drown in the Aegean).
Milos Mayhem: A Week of Sun, Sand, and Possibly Regret (But Hopefully Mostly Delight)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, I'm Actually Here!" Moment
- Morning (or, what I'm calling "whenever I manage to peel myself off the bed after that wretched red-eye"): Arrive at Milos Airport. Pray the baggage handlers are gentler than the ones in Athens. I swear, my suitcase has a vendetta against me. The taxi ride to Villa Gallis… well, it's a blur of whitewashed buildings, bougainvillea that's practically begging to be Instagrammed, and that intense, salty smell that screams "vacation."
- Afternoon: Villa Gallis and the Great Unpacking Disaster: Okay, Villa Gallis? Gorgeous. Just… stunning. The photos online didn't do it justice. (Always a good sign, right?) The plunge pool is practically calling my name. However, unpacking? A nightmare. I always pack way too much. My suitcase exploded, and now I'm convinced I brought enough clothes to outfit a small Greek island. (Side note: Why do I think I need that many options? I'm pretty sure I'll live in a swimsuit for the next seven days.)
- Evening: First Meal Fiasco and the Sunset That Stole My Heart: Found a taverna down the road. Ordered… something. I think it was a Greek salad. And a massive plate of grilled octopus. The octopus was amazing, tentacles and all (hey, don't judge!). The wine? Cheap and cheerful. The sunset? Oh. My. God. The sky exploded in a riot of orange, pink, and purple. I actually teared up. (Don't tell anyone.) It was that beautiful. Felt like time stopped. Then, the waiter brought the bill. And I realized I'd forgotten to factor in the "service charge." Oops. Learning curve.
Day 2: Sarakiniko Madness and the Search for the Perfect Gyro
- Morning: Sarakiniko! The Moonscape Beckons: Woke up with a slight hangover (thanks, cheap wine!). But Sarakiniko? Absolutely worth it. Those lunar-like white rocks are even more breathtaking in person. Spent hours clambering over them, taking a million photos (and almost falling into the sea at least twice). The water is ridiculously clear. The only downside? The crowds. Tourist central, people. But hey, I'm a tourist too, right?
- Afternoon: Gyro Quest and Beach Bumming: The mission? Find the perfect gyro. I'm talking melt-in-your-mouth meat, perfectly seasoned, with that irresistible tzatziki. I tried three places. One was… okay. Another was disappointing. The third? Almost perfection. Still searching. Then, I spent the afternoon at a small, secluded beach called Papafragas. Just… bliss. The sea was warm, the sun was glorious, and for a few hours, I forgot all my worries. (Except for the gyro situation, of course.)
- Evening: Sunset Drinks and Accidental Karaoke: Back at Villa Gallis, I sat by the pool, sipping a local beer (yes, another one!) and watching the sunset. It was… good. Not the amazing sunset of the previous night, but still good. Later, I stumbled upon a karaoke bar. (Don't judge. I'm on vacation.) I may have had a few too many shots of ouzo and… well, let's just say my rendition of "Dancing Queen" was… memorable. (For all the wrong reasons, probably.)
Day 3: Boat Trip to Kleftiko: The Day My Inner Pirate Was Unleashed
- Morning: The Dreaded Wake-Up Call (aka My Alarm): Okay, the boat trip was booked. This was serious business. Dragged myself out of bed, feeling the effects of the karaoke night (again, don't judge!).
- All Day: Kleftiko and the Unforgettable Swim: Kleftiko. Oh. My. God. This is the highlight of the whole trip, hands down. The boat trip itself was a blast. The turquoise water, the hidden coves, the majestic rock formations… It's like something out of a movie. Jumping from the boat into the crystal-clear water, exploring the sea caves, snorkeling with the fish… I felt like a pirate! The water was so clear, you could see the bottom, and the caves were stunning. The sun beat down, the sea was refreshing, and I felt completely free. We snorkeled, we swam, we explored. And for a few hours, the world outside of Milos didn't exist.
- Evening: Seafood Feast and Pirate Dreams: Back on land, exhausted but exhilarated. Found a taverna that specialized in seafood. Devoured a plate of grilled octopus (again, I know, but it's SO good!) and a mountain of fresh fish. Fell asleep dreaming of hidden treasures and swashbuckling adventures.
Day 4: Plaka, Catacombs, and the Quest for the Perfect Souvlaki
- Morning: Plaka's Charm: Took a bus to Plaka, the capital. It's a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and charming shops. Got lost. (Again. I have a terrible sense of direction.) But that's part of the fun, right? Wandered around, bought some trinkets, and soaked up the atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Catacombs (Spooky!) and Souvlaki Search, Part Deux: Visited the ancient catacombs. A little creepy, but fascinating. (And surprisingly cool inside, which was a welcome relief from the heat.) Then, the quest for the perfect souvlaki continued. Tried two more places. Success! Found one with juicy, flavorful meat, perfectly toasted pita, and a generous helping of tzatziki. Victory!
- Evening: Relaxing at Villa Gallis: Back at the villa, spent the evening relaxing by the pool, reading a book, and recharging my batteries.
Day 5: Day Trip to Pollonia and the "Accidental" Wine Tasting
- Morning: Pollonia Bound: Hired a car (a tiny, ridiculously cute Fiat) and drove to Pollonia, a charming fishing village.
- Afternoon: Beach Bliss and Wine Tasting (Accidental Edition): Spent the morning swimming at a beach. Absolutely loved it. Then, I "accidentally" stumbled upon a wine tasting at a local vineyard. (Okay, maybe it wasn't an accident. I saw the sign and couldn't resist.) The wine was surprisingly good. (And the views were even better.)
- Evening: Farewell Dinner and Contemplation: Had a delicious farewell dinner at a taverna in Pollonia, watching the sunset. Reflecting on the trip so far, I was filled with a sense of gratitude and a little bit of sadness that it was coming to an end.
Day 6: More Beaches! And a Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt
- Morning: Beach Hopping: Dedicated this day to beaches. Visited a few more, each one more beautiful than the last.
- Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping: Scrambled to find some last-minute souvenirs. (Why do I always leave this until the last minute?)
- Evening: Packing… and Panic: Packed my suitcase (again, a disaster). Tried to figure out how I was going to fit everything in. Panic set in.
Day 7: Departure and the "I'll Be Back!" Promise
- Morning: Farewell to Paradise: Checked out of Villa Gallis (sob!). Said goodbye to the beautiful view.
- Afternoon: The Flight: The flight back home. Already planning my return.
- Evening: Home, Sweet Home? Back to reality. Already dreaming of the next adventure.
Quirky Observations and Random Thoughts:
- Greeks are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Even when I butcher their language.
- The sunsets are a religious experience. Seriously.
- I need to learn how to pack lighter.
- I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten more octopus than I have in my entire life.
- Ouzo is a dangerous, but delicious, beverage.
- I'm already missing the smell of the sea.
Imperfections and Mess-Ups:
- Got lost (a lot).
- Sunburnt (a lot).
- Spent way too much money.
- Failed to master the Greek language.
- Probably embarrassed myself on multiple occasions.
Emotional Reactions:
- Overwhelmed by the beauty of the island.
- Grateful for the opportunity to experience this adventure.
- Sad to leave.
- Already planning my return!
Final Verdict: Milos? Absolutely incredible. Villa Gallis? Perfect base for exploring the island. Me? Slightly messy, occasionally directionless, but utterly and
Jeddah's BEST Serviced Apartments? Al Hayy House Awaits!
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Milos: Villa Gallis Awaits! - FAQs (with a little *too* much honesty)
Okay, so *is* Villa Gallis actually a "hidden gem"? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Ugh, "hidden gem." Sounds so cliché, right? But honestly? Yeah, it kinda *is*. I went there expecting… well, I don't even know what I was expecting. Another generic villa with a pool? Something that felt like it was designed by a committee? Nope. Villa Gallis? It's got soul. Like, actual, real soul. You feel it the second you walk in. It's not just a place to *stay*; it's a place to *live*. And the views… don't even get me started. My jaw actually dropped. (And I'm not a "jaw-dropping" kind of person, usually). The only downside is, now I'm worried everyone will find out and it won't be "hidden" anymore! Seriously, I'm half tempted to delete this whole thing so I can keep it to myself. But, you know, gotta share the love (and maybe score some brownie points with the gods of good karma).
What's the deal with the location? Is it *actually* close to anything?
Okay, so location. This is important, right? Villa Gallis is up on a hill. A *beautiful* hill, mind you. So, you get those views. But, and here's the slightly messy part… you'll probably need a car. (Or, you know, be prepared to do some serious hiking. Which, let's be honest, I'm not built for.) The main town, Plaka, is a short drive away – and Plaka is adorable. Think whitewashed buildings, bougainvillea everywhere, cats lounging in the sun… pure Instagram gold. But, and this is a big BUT, if you're expecting to stumble out of the villa and into a bustling nightlife scene, you're gonna be disappointed. It's all about the chill vibe here. Which, frankly, is *exactly* what I needed. I spent an entire afternoon just sitting on the balcony, drinking wine, and watching the sunset. Pure bliss. (And yes, I *did* accidentally spill some wine. Don't judge me.)
The photos look amazing. Is it *really* as good as it seems? Because, you know, Photoshop…
Alright, the photos. I get it. Everything looks perfect online. And, yeah, the photos of Villa Gallis are gorgeous. But here's the thing: they don't even *begin* to do it justice. Seriously. The real thing is… better. The pool? Crystal clear and the perfect temperature. (I spent a shameful amount of time in that pool. No regrets.) The rooms? Spacious, bright, and decorated with impeccable taste. Not that sterile, cookie-cutter hotel room vibe. It feels like a real home, which is a HUGE win. Okay, okay, I'm getting carried away. But I’m telling you, the pictures are lovely, but the experience? It’s like going from black and white to full technicolor. And the sunset... oh, the sunset. I swear, I saw colours I didn't even know existed. (And yes, I might have cried a little. Don't tell anyone.)
What's the villa *really* like? Give me the nitty-gritty.
Okay, nitty-gritty time. First off, the *smell*. It's amazing. That fresh, clean, salty air mixed with the scent of the flowers in the garden… heaven. The kitchen is well-equipped. I'm not a chef, by any stretch of the imagination, but even *I* managed to make a decent breakfast. The beds? Comfortable. Like, seriously comfortable. I slept like a log. (Which is a miracle, considering I usually toss and turn all night.) The staff? Super friendly and helpful. They were genuinely lovely people, always happy to offer suggestions for things to do and places to eat. (And they put up with my terrible attempts at speaking Greek, bless their hearts.) The only "downside" – and I'm using the term *very* loosely here – is that the Wi-Fi wasn't always the strongest. But honestly? I didn't care. I was there to disconnect and recharge, and the spotty Wi-Fi was actually a bonus. It forced me to put down my phone and *actually* enjoy my surroundings. Which, you know, is kind of the point.
Anything *bad* about it? Be honest! (We're not judging.)
Okay, okay, fine. Nothing's perfect. Here's the honest truth: finding the Villa the first time was a little tricky. The roads are… let's just say they're not always well-marked. And I may or may not have taken a wrong turn or two (or three… or maybe five). My sense of direction is notoriously terrible. But, honestly? That was part of the adventure! And once I found it, it was totally worth it. Also, the stairs. There are stairs. Lots of stairs. If you have mobility issues, this might not be the place for you. (Although, the views from the top are worth the climb!) And… that's it. That's all the "bad" I can come up with. Seriously. I'm grasping at straws here. It was that good. (And now I'm starting to get a little sad thinking about it again. I want to go back *now*.)
What kind of traveler is Villa Gallis best suited for?
Okay, so who's this place *really* for? Not the party animal, that's for sure. If you're looking for wild nights and non-stop action, you're in the wrong place. Villa Gallis is for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and beauty. It's for couples looking for a romantic getaway. It's for families who want to reconnect. It's for solo travelers who crave a bit of solitude and a chance to truly unwind. It's for anyone who just wants to escape the chaos of everyday life and feel… well, happy. (And if you're like me, a slightly stressed-out, perpetually tired human who desperately needs a vacation, then it's *especially* for you.)
Okay, you've convinced me. How do I book?! And what about the cost?
Alright, alright, I'm practically drooling over the thought of going back. Booking is easy, I'm sure you can find the details online. As for the cost? I'm not going to lie, it'Comfort Zone Inn
