Hi Everyone
For the first time in 15 years, we have not sent out one of our Villa Loukia Christmas Cards. A family tragedy in late November set back all the normal planning. So instead I am doing the first Villa Loukia newsletter!
I am writing this on December 21st - it is 15 years to the day since we bought the very basic villa, without a pool or garden, just built in the olive grove above Kassiopi. What an adventure the past 15 years have been. We have met and had contact with so many people from different countries and from all around the UK . Loukia has provided holidays to couples, groups, and growing families alike. It has seen big birthdays celebrated, anniversaries and even a honeymoon. And some guests have come back year after year. And for us, new friendships have been created.
Whilst I was at Loukia at the end of this season in late October, I went through all the many thousands of photos that we have taken, cataloguing the way Loukia has evolved and improved over the years. I have made an album of the adventure, which you will be able to see in the villa next year.
2022 saw Villa Loukia back to 'normal' following the two pandemic years. Many of our guests this year had been waiting a long time for their holiday, as Covid had forced many postponements. It was lovely seeing guests confidently travelling once more and without testing, masks and PLFs! Let's hope those days are firmly behind us.
Nick and I have worked very hard creating the Villa Loukia of today and so we are always so pleased when guests contact us soon after arriving at Loukia with messages like this one:
Well. Wow. This is absolutely lovely! The villa looked great from the pictures but in real life it’s 10 times better! Just confirming we are in ok. VERY happy with everything. It feels like a very loved house. Also - you will probably think we are totally bonkers - but what is your availability looking like next summer!?
That really says it all!
We are all facing difficult times this winter, so having holidays to dream about is always a good way of getting through the winter. I have good availability for 2023 with the exception of June and August and I have taken a booking for 2024. Planning ahead does guarantee you the weeks you want and at the previous year's price. Also the best deals on flights are always when they are first released.
The booking platforms (with the exception of Simply Owners which is free) seem to become ever more costly for our guests, so booking direct is the most cost effective way. Next year, I want to find a way that you can do an instant booking directly with me (for those of you who don't prefer the personal touch!) - more news on that when it happens.
We continue to strive to make holidays at Loukia as sustainable as they possibly can be. We made 61.5% of the electricity used from our solar panels this summer and I once again offset the carbon used in running Loukia and all guest flights. In addition we have just planted a further 9 cyprus trees in the olive grove.
We had our first guests arrive by train and ferry this year from London - will try and get a blog done about their experience early next year.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Best Wishes
Lucy