Escape to Paradise: Vigla Hotel's Amorgos Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Vigla Hotel's Amorgos Awaits! - A Review (and a Plea to Stay!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I've just wrestled with the holy grail of travel reviews: trying to capture the vibe of a place. And let me tell you, Escape to Paradise: Vigla Hotel's Amorgos Awaits! in Amorgos, Greece, has a vibe. Seriously, it's like a hug from the sun, a whisper of the Aegean breeze, and a shot of ouzo all rolled into one glorious, sometimes-slightly-wonky package.
So, I’m going to try and break this down, mostly because I promised to – but also because I'm still daydreaming about that pool. And the breakfast… Oh, the breakfast…
Accessibility? Let's be Honest (and Hopeful):
Alright, I'm going to get real here. Accessibility is a bit of a mixed bag. The website touts "Facilities for disabled guests," so let’s hope that means more than just a friendly smile. This is Amorgos, an island of rugged beauty and, let's face it, hills. I didn't personally need to test the wheelchair situation, but I saw a few steps and a general island topography that makes me cautiously optimistic but unable to give a definitive thumbs up unless you’ve confirmed specific room features and access arrangements by calling ahead. Do your homework, folks! I’d really hate for someone to arrive and find it's a no-go. That's a huge bummer and a major consideration.
Wheelchair Accessible: Not a Solid 'Yes' – Investigate before you book, my friends!
The Good Stuff: Where Vigla Shines (and Where the Sun Does Too)
The Location, Location, Location: The view… oh, the view! You're perched on a cliffside, overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Aegean Sea. Waking up to that every morning felt like winning the lottery. Seriously, I’d stumble out onto my balcony half-asleep, still in my pajamas, and be immediately rendered speechless. (Pool with View is an Understatement!)
The Pool: Okay, I already mentioned it, but the Swimming pool [outdoor] deserves its own paragraph. It is a pool with a view, but it's so much more than that. It's a sanctuary. I spent hours just floating, staring at the horizon, and letting all the worries of the world melt away. Poolside Bar: Get yourself a cocktail (their Mojitos are killer!), and you’re basically living the dream.
Food, Glorious Food (and Booze!): The Vigla scores big points with me.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Listen, I’m a buffet snob. I judge. And the Vigla’s buffet? It’s a winner. Fresh fruit, local yogurt with honey, flaky pastries, delicious eggs, and more coffee than a caffeine addict could dream of. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast. I’m not sure what counts as Asian breakfast, but I was happy.
- Restaurants & Dining: While I only sampled the buffet (which, again, was excellent) and enjoyed a few snacks at the poolside bar, I’m told the A la carte in restaurant is top-notch. I regret not eating any meals at the restaurant, as I was busy exploring other restaurants near the hotel. The inclusion of Vegetarian restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant is a plus!
- Happy hour: Need I say more? This is vacation.
- Room service [24-hour]? Bless.
- Bottle of water is included, a great start!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
Relaxation Station:
- Spa/sauna, Sauna, Spa: While I didn't personally indulge in any Body scrub or Body wrap, I did take a peek, and the spa area looked seriously tempting. I was more of a “pool and a book” kind of vacationer, but I can see the appeal.
- Massage: Next time, for sure. (See: regret above).
Rooms & Comforts:
- Air conditioning: Essential for staying sane in the Greek sun
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Okay, maybe not every room, but the internet (and Internet access – wireless) was surprisingly reliable. (Hey, it's not always a given on a remote Greek island.)
- Additional toilet, Additional toilet: These were great to experience.
- Daily housekeeping was impeccable. No complaints whatsoever. The staff was always friendly and efficient.
- Bathtub: Soaking in a tub with a view like that? Pure bliss.
- Non-smoking rooms – Thank goodness!
Cleanliness and Safety in a Post-Pandemic World (Important Stuff)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Cleanliness and safety, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, 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, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: It was clear they were taking COVID seriously. I felt safe, which is HUGE.
Things I Wish They'd Do Differently (and Remember, I'm Being Honest!)
- More varied pacing and structure: I'm trying! But sometimes I need a break!
- Internet [LAN]: Never used this, but it's listed. Maybe for business travelers?
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Seminars: These weren't relevant to my trip, but good to know they’re there if you're, you know, working while on vacation.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn’t use it, but it was there. I’m not exactly a gym rat, so can't comment on its quality.
- Couple's room, Proposal spot: Romantic vibes abound!
Minor Quibbles (Because No Place is Perfect)
- Getting Around: While the hotel has Car park [free of charge], the roads on Amorgos can be a bit…challenging. Prepare for some winding, sometimes narrow, routes.
- Lack of Pets allowed: Sorry for the dog owners out there!
The "Why You NEED to Book Vigla" Argument (and My Personal Plea)
Okay, let's cut through the fluff. Escape to Paradise: Vigla Hotel's Amorgos Awaits! is a place where you can actually relax. It's a place where you can unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself (and maybe a good book). It's a place where the staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the views will literally take your breath away.
I spent a week there. And I'm still dreaming of it. I need to go back. So, please, for the love of Zeus, book a room and let me live vicariously through you. Because if you don’t go, I might just have to sell a kidney and book it myself.
Seriously. Just do it. You won't regret it.
My final recommendation, with a little SEO twist:
Vigla Hotel Amorgos is a MUST-SEE destination for anyone craving paradise, offering stunning Aegean Sea views, relaxation, and delicious Greek cuisine. Book your getaway now! #Amorgos #Greece #ViglaHotel #Travel #Paradise #GreekIslands #HotelReview #PoolWithAView #LuxuryTravel #EscapeTheEveryday
Santorini's SECRET: Unveiling the Mythical Blue Luxury Suites (You HAVE to See This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is me, flailing gloriously through a trip to Vigla Hotel in Amorgos, Greece. Prepare for a bumpy ride, complete with sunburns, questionable food choices (okay, mostly questionable), and a whole lotta love for that damn turquoise water.
AMORGOS ADVENTURE: A MESSY, MAGICAL JOURNEY (WITH OCCASIONAL NAP BREAKS)
(Day 1: Arrival & Utter, Glorious, Jet Lagged Bewilderment)
- Morning (ish – let's be real, it's more like early afternoon): LAND! Athens airport. The air… feels different. Salty, maybe? Or is that just the impending doom of navigating two different languages without a phrasebook that wasn't written for a toddler. I'm already convinced I'll be stranded in a kebab shop, forever, communicating with hand gestures and desperate facial expressions.
- Anecdote: Spent an hour trying to buy bottled water. Pointing, gesturing, uttering vaguely Greek-sounding sounds. The kiosk lady just smiled, handed me a bottle, and I think she's judging. The first of many, many judge-y Greeks…
- Afternoon: Ferry to Amorgos! (Thank God for pre-booked tickets, because trying to figure that out in the airport after the water bottle fiasco would have been my breaking point.) The ferry… is a beast. Huge, loud, and the wind whips through my hair like a manic stylist. The Aegean Sea is a swirling, sparkling canvas. Already, I want to jump. Oh, also, my luggage seems… missing. Lovely.
- Quirk: I'm pretty sure I saw Poseidon himself peeking over a wave. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the jet lag. Either way, breathtaking.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrival at Vigla Hotel. Finally! But first… where IS my luggage?! Panicked call to a helpful, if slightly amused, hotel employee. Check in – beautiful, simple room with that view. I practically wept. My balcony overlooks the Chora, the island’s main town. That's where I'll eat eventually, assuming my luggage (and sanity) is located.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed in the best possible way. Exhausted. Hungry. In love. All at once. This is going to be… epic. I swear, I could nap for a week.
- Evening: Dinner! My luggage miraculously appears! We go find a tavern in the Chora. It's gorgeous, the streets lit by the moon and the aroma of something delicious wafting from every doorway. I eat grilled octopus so tender it melts in my mouth. I also order way too much tsipouro (Greek firewater).
- Imperfection: After the tsipouro? Blurgh. The hills of the Chora? Not my friend. I think I spent a solid ten minutes giggling like a toddler and getting lost on the way back to the hotel. Worth it. Every. Single. Drop.
(Day 2: Chora Charm, Hiking Horror, & Goat Cheese Gratitude)
- Morning: Woke up. Alive. And, surprisingly, not completely broken. Vigla Hotel breakfast, which I think consisted mainly of olives and feta. I'm not complaining. The coffee is strong, the view is stronger. I'm starting to love this place.
- Observation: Everyone in Greece is ridiculously good-looking. I blame the genes, the sun, and the olive oil.
- Mid-Morning: Exploring the Chora! Whitewashed buildings, bougainvillea EVERYWHERE, cats lounging like furry little kings. The narrow alleyways are like a maze, but a charming one. I found a tiny, perfect little shop selling handmade jewelry. I bought something I didn't need, but I wanted it. Always a good sign.
- Anecdote: I tried to order an espresso shake at a café, but it ended up being a cold coffee drink with whipped cream. Okay, not what I initially wanted but amazing. I blame my terrible Greek pronunciation.
- Afternoon: Hiking to a Monastery - The Agonizing Ascent. Oh god, the hills! I decided to hike to the monastery. The guidebook said "easy," but "easy" apparently means a death-defying climb in Greek. The sun is beating down, I'm sweating, and I'm pretty sure I saw a vulture circling. I am not made for hiking.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure. Unadulterated. Agony. I cursed the guidebook, the sun, and my own hubris. The views are truly stunning, I can't deny it. But I am so not a hiker.
- Late Afternoon: Monastery reward! The monastery, perched on a cliffside, is breathtaking. The air is cool. The silence is… bliss. The view? Unparalleled. I felt like I'd achieved something akin to scaling Everest.
- Quirk: Sat there for about an hour, just absorbing the peace and eating my emergency chocolate bar. Also, the nuns? Kind of scary, ngl. Like, they could probably end you with a glance. But respectful.
- Evening: Dinner at a more rustic taverna! This time I got goat cheese with honey. Seriously, give me all the goat cheese with honey. I also stumbled on a local wine! It's sweet, a bit rough around the edges, and absolutely delicious. I might have inhaled the entire plate.
- Imperfection: The next day my thighs screamed.
(Day 3: Beach Bliss, Underwater Adventures (Kind Of), and the Sea's Embrace)
- Morning: Beach Day! To Agia Anna beach! This is precisely what I came for! Turquoise water so clear you can see every pebble on the seabed. Soft sand. Bliss. I spent hours wallowing in it, reading. I went for a swim, I swear I saw mermaids, or maybe it was because I'd been swimming so long and my brain was fried. Then a nap.
- Opinion: Agia Anna beach is perfection. Just go. Seriously. Run, don't walk.
- Afternoon: Scuba-Diving - The Humbling Experience. Okay, full disclosure: I’m not a natural diver. My mask leaks, I can’t equalize, and I’m pretty sure I spent more time flailing than actually enjoying the underwater world. Still…
- Deep Dive Experience: I had visions of gracefully gliding through coral reefs, communing with fish, and being a cool-ass ocean explorer! The reality? Coughing up seawater, frantically adjusting my mask, and feeling generally terrified. The instructor looked like he was trying not to laugh. It was the same instructor who tried to explain the difference between a sea urchin and a sea cucumber to me, 3 times. I still don't know. But hey, I survived! And saw a few fish! Kind of. That coral? Stunning.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the beach! This time, I just sat and listened to the waves, got a lovely sunset and a cold drink. Maybe the scuba diving wasn't my thing. But the sea? My true love.
- Emotional Reaction: That feeling of utter relaxation, where your mind just empties itself. That is what the sea is all about. Amazing.
- Evening: Dinner with a view. More seafood. I tried a traditional Greek dish I can't pronounce, but it was amazing.
- Anecdote: I attempted to use my limited Greek to compliment the chef. It probably came out sounding like I was insulting his cooking, but he just smiled and gave me another glass of wine.
(Day 4: Final Days, Farewell Feels, and Already Planning a Return)
- Morning: Lazy breakfast on the balcony, savoring the last moments of this incredible view. Vigla Hotel is so lovely. This time, I'm eating the entire plate.
- Observation: I've fallen in love with this place. The pace, the people, the food, the sea… everything.
- Mid-Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. More jewelry, of course. And probably a few things I will never use but somehow feel compelled to buy.
- Quirk: I'm pretty sure I'm leaving a trail of olive oil and feta cheese in my wake.
- Afternoon: Hike - The Redemption Ascent Ok, I'm going to hike again. Same Monastery. This time, I think I can do it… maybe?
- Deep Dive Experience: I did it, or at least part of it. I'm a bit tired and a little sweaty, but less likely to need to be rescued. I made it, and it's actually enjoyable, but still, so many hills! The view? Even better than the first time!
- Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel. I spent the rest of the afternoon, and the evening, having a long, hot bath and drinking a bottle of wine on my balcony. It's a perfect end to a perfect trip.
- Evening: Final dinner! I got to see the sun set while looking
Escape to Paradise: Vigla Hotel's Amorgos Awaits! (Or, at Least, It *Said* It Did...)
Okay, so, Amorgos. Is it *really* paradise? Because my last "paradise" turned out to have more mosquitoes than beaches...
Alright, let's be real. Paradise is a *big* word. And sometimes, expectations get, shall we say, *slightly* out of whack. Amorgos? Yeah, it’s breathtaking. Picture this: I stepped off the ferry, and *wham*... the air, clean, salty, smelling faintly of oregano and something indescribably… Greek. That’s a good start. It almost made me forget the near-seasickness on the journey *there*. But... mosquitoes? Blessedly few. I only got one, and it was purely my fault for leaving the balcony door open at 3 AM while contemplating the existential dread of a half-eaten gyro. So, less mosquito-ridden, definitely. Paradise? Close. Very, very close.
The Vigla Hotel. Spill the beans. Was it the 'rustic charm' of a fairytale, or the 'charming' of a crumbling ruin you have to prop up every morning?
Okay, the Vigla. It's *charming*. Like, properly charming. Think stone walls, bougainvillea EVERYWHERE (seriously, photo opportunities abound!), and a view… oh, that view! My room? Smaller than I expected – let's just say I became intimately acquainted with the walls – but clean, and the balcony! Oh, that balcony. It looked out over the Aegean. The sea. The endless, glorious... sea. It wasn't a crumbling ruin, thankfully. Though I did witness one very dramatic power outage during a particularly epic thunderstorm. The staff handled it way better than I would, though. I spent a good hour convinced the apocalypse was upon us. Luckily, the reception guy, Dimitris, gave me a shot of raki and a reassuring smile. That, my friends, is where "charming" morphs into "genuinely wonderful".
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day! What culinary delights awaited you? Did they have decent coffee (a MUST for me)?
Breakfast… Ah, breakfast. Okay, let's talk coffee first. Because, yes, it was *essential*. And the Vigla’s? Excellent. Strong, delicious, and kept flowing. They had the usual continental suspects: bread, butter (lots of butter!), jams, yogurt. But the real stars were the local specialties. Those pastries? Forget about it. I think I single-handedly kept the baker employed during my stay. The honey? Oh, the HONEY. Thick, golden, and tasting of sunshine and flowers. I had to stop myself from eating it straight from the jar. Okay, I didn't *completely* stop myself. But seriously, breakfast was perfection. Except for that one morning when I spilled orange juice all over the pristine white tablecloth. Oops. Still, the staff were lovely, offering me fresh napkins with patient smiles. I blame the jetlag. (Totally.)
The Pool! Was it as inviting as it looked in the pictures? Did you spend all day there, or did the island pull you elsewhere?
The pool. Oh, the pool. Look, the pictures *don't* lie. It's gorgeous. Turquoise water, sun loungers galore, and that view again! Pure bliss. Honestly, I *intended* to explore the island more. I really did. But that pool… it was just so… inviting. So, yes, I spent a significant amount of time there. Partially because the sun was so deliciously warm, and partially because I'm a terrible sunbather and burn easily. But mostly, the pool was just… perfect. There were days when I barely left the hotel. (Don't judge me!) I read books, swam, and perfected the art of doing absolutely nothing. It was glorious. And I saw other people enjoying the pool more, too. Mostly, I got sunburn, but still, it was the best.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Was there a grumpy one? (We all know there's *always* a grumpy one...)
The staff! Okay, this is where the Vigla really shines. Honestly, they were *amazing*. Dimitris, the reception guy I mentioned earlier (the raki savior)? Always smiling, always helpful, always willing to answer my (probably ridiculous) questions about the island. The cleaning staff were sweet and efficient. The breakfast crew? Cheerful even at 7 AM (a feat of human endurance, in my opinion). Did I encounter a grumpy one? No, not a single one. And believe me, I was looking. They were genuinely friendly, genuinely helpful, and seemed to genuinely *enjoy* working there. It really made a difference. This speaks to the kind of environment they've built. Seriously, the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. (And trust me, I’ve met my share of hotel staff, some good, some… less so.)
Beyond the Hotel: What's worth seeing and doing on Amorgos? Any hidden gems you can spill the beans on?
Okay, fine, I admit it. I spent *most* of my time by the pool. But I *did* venture out occasionally. Amorgos itself is stunning. Worth seeing and doing? Definitely. The Chora (the main town) is postcard-perfect, with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a real, authentic feel. The Monastery of Hozoviotissa is a must-see (get ready for a climb, though!). Aegiali beach (where I met a very persistent seagull) is beautiful. And the sunsets… oh, the sunsets. Every evening, I made a point of finding a spot with a good view to sit and watch the sky transform. Hidden gems? Okay, here's a secret: Find a taverna away from the main tourist areas. The food is fresher, the prices are lower, and the atmosphere is more… well, more Greek. Oh, and if you're into hiking, the trails are incredible. (I attempted one. It was… challenging.) So yeah, Amorgos offers plenty to experience.
The "Escape" Part: Did you actually *escape*? Did you leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, or just with a slightly deeper tan and a yearning for more?
The escape… Ah, good question. Did I escape? Yes and no. I definitely escaped the routine, the stress, the… well, the *stuff* of everyday life. I left feeling refreshed, yes. Rejuvenated? Perhaps. More tan? Absolutely. And yes, I also left with a yearning for more. More sunshine, more sea, more of that delicious honey. But the biggest thing I left with? Memories. The sound of the waves, the taste of the food, the kindness of the people. Was it perfect? Nope. But it was pretty damn close. And I'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already planning my return. Maybe I will finally tackle that hiking trail… or maybe I'll just stay by the pool. Who knows? It will be there, calling me.
Hidden Stay
Vigla Hotel Amorgos Greece
Vigla Hotel Amorgos Greece
