Healthy Options Nederland

01/08/2024

Late beschikbaarheid augustus en september

Voor de rest van augustus en een groot deel van september hebben we nog maar zeer beperkt plaatsen beschikbaar. We kunnen nog wel een aantal late boekingen accomoderen op basis van een kamer die bij aankomst wordt toegewezen. Neem contact op met Hans van Nes op 070 8080162 voor actuele informatie.

Hier alvast wat up-to-date informatie:

31 aug, VOLGEBOEKT
7 sep, VOLGEBOEKT
14 sep, Nog max. 4 plaatsen

We hebben nog steeds redelijke beschikbaarheid in de weken van 21 en 28 september.

29/09/2023

At the risk of oversharing: we're already getting a bit nervous! Today (Saturday) is the last day of voting in the 2023 British Travel Awards and we'd REALLY like to continue our winning streak!

For a small, independent travel company such as Healthy Options, winning the BTAs has made a tremendous difference. It's the kind of external validation that tells us and others that we're doing something right.

If you haven't voted yet but you do think we deserve to win, please take some 30 seconds out of your schedule and go to https://greece.healthy-options.co.uk/vote right now. I'm sure we've already told you, but the organisers of the BTA will raffle off tens of thousands of pounds worth of travel prizes, including a Healthy Options holiday for two. So this might just be the most lucrative 30 seconds you've ever spent!

If you did already vote, let me just thank you for your support on behalf of everyone here in Vassiliki. Your love and support really means the world to us!

25/09/2023

Hey, can you please help Healthy Options out?

In 2019, 2021 and 2022 we were the proud winners of the British Travel Awards, coming in first in the category small activity holiday companies. This was such a fantastic recognition of the hard work of our dedicated staff!

Obviously, we would like to continue our winning streak - and we have indeed been nominated again! If you have a moment, we would surely appreciate your vote. It only takes a minute and it would really mean the world to us! If you believe Healthy Options offers a unique holiday that makes you return home all relaxed, recharged and rejuvenated, then please head over to greece.healthy-options.co.uk/vote - it only takes a minute.

Anyone can vote. If you’re not from the UK, simply uncheck the box that says “I have a UK postcode”. Σε ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ!

05/09/2023

Allow our fantastic Manager, Alex, to guide you through the exciting offerings at Healthy Options. Just as our team of skilled experts has always been a cornerstone of the Healthy Options journey, our diverse program is equally significant. The best part? Most of the classes and activities are included in your holiday package at no extra cost, setting us apart from other vacation destinations. Many delighted guests have left us with newfound knowledge to seamlessly integrate into their daily lives.

Preview our sample itinerary here (subject to slight variations each week): https://greece.healthy-options.nl/yoga%20holiday-sample-schedule-vassiliki

As Alex aptly puts it, the wealth of choices available does not in any way diminish your holiday experience. Our haven is far from a rigid boot camp – the level of your involvement is entirely at your discretion. Whether you prefer soaking up the sun followed by a leisurely poolside G&T, the choice is yours. After all, it's your holiday, and your preferences take center stage.

Europe's best Yoga, Pilates and fitness holiday has had a mini-makeover this year! Programme manager Alex tells you what you can expect.

28/06/2023

Porto Katsiki, a little slice of heaven on earth

Porto Katsiki is a renowned beach located on the Greek island of Lefkada, situated in the Ionian Sea. It is often regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in Greece and has garnered international acclaim for its exceptional beauty. The name "Porto Katsiki" translates to "Goat Port" in English, and it is believed that the name originates from the fact that the beach was once accessible only to goats.

What makes Porto Katsiki truly remarkable is its dramatic landscape. The beach is nestled at the base of towering limestone cliffs that stretch high above the azure waters below. The cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and create a sense of secluded serenity. The pristine white sand contrasts beautifully with the vibrant turquoise colour of the sea, creating a picturesque setting.

Accessing Porto Katsiki involves descending a series of steps carved into the cliffside, which adds to the sense of adventure and anticipation. Visitors are rewarded with an idyllic beach surrounded by natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, allowing visitors to explore marine life and underwater wonders.

Porto Katsiki attracts both locals and tourists alike, drawing large numbers of visitors during the summer months. It has become an iconic destination for travellers seeking a quintessential Greek beach experience. While it can get crowded during peak season, the mesmerizing scenery and the overall allure of the beach make it a must-visit location for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.

This exotic beach isn’t famous just in Greece, but all around the world, as it has been listed as one of the best beaches in Greece, the Mediterranean, Europe and the entire world on many occasions, and who could argue?

Porto Katsiki is located about 40 kilometres southwest of Lefkada Town, the island’s capital city. There are two ways to access the beach. You can take a boat from Nidri or Vassiliki to Porto Katsiki or catch a daily cruise and visit Ithaka Island, Skorpios Island, Kefalonia and Egremni Beach.

However, the boats are not allowed to come onto the beach and you’ll have to swim to the shore, otherwise, you'll need to stay on the boat and enjoy the stunning sights from there.

The other way to get to Porto Katsiki is by car, however, be ready for some zigzag roads! At the top, close to the steps, you’ll find a car park and some snack bars and a cafe, where you can buy some food, drinks and other refreshments.

Once you arrive, you will be blown away by the breathtaking landscape and crystal clear blue sea. Porto Katsiki is surrounded by incredible hills and a cliff, which offers you a natural shade spot for some suntanning too.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available for rent on the beach when you get there, so don't worry about having to carry an umbrella all the way down and back up those stairs!

We do advise you to get there early and if you have children, come well prepared but we guarantee you this is a beach you will definitely admire!

01/06/2023

Greek Reporter:

Lefkada, widely known as the “Caribbean of Greece,” is a recipe for the perfect summer holiday in the Ionian Sea, a perfect dream destination for people who love exotic islands.

Located in the Ionian sea, Lefkada is a stunning island, even by Greek standards. It connects to the mainland by a small bridge and is easily accessed by car.

25/04/2023

Spoilt for choice with new schedule

Key to Healthy Option’s reputation over the past 15 years has been the provision of an incredibly broad range of Yoga, Pilates, fitness and watersports activities for you to choose from. We are particularly delighted to share our new schedule for this year: with all the innovations following our mini-makeover that will be waiting for you in Vassiliki - along with the sun and Metaxa!

Just as high calibre, expert staff have always been an important part of the Healthy Options experience, so is the extensive programme - importantly, the bulk of which is provided at no additional cost to your holiday as most of the classes and activities are all provided for free - unlike at many other holiday centres. Many happy clients have returned home after a holiday with us, ready to introduce all they have learned into their daily practice.

Please see our new schedule here https://greece.healthy-options.nl/yoga%20holiday-sample-schedule-vassiliki

Tailor make your holiday
With so much to choose from you can select from all that is on offer to tailor make a bespoke holiday for you. It’s rare indeed for people to make all the same choices so you meet a range of people in the different sessions during the week.

Relaxed with no pressure
As highly experienced Healthy Options Manager Alex explains, this plethora of options available does not detract in any way from your holiday. This is no regimented camp - it’s totally up to you how much or how little you want to take part in. If sunbathing followed by a G&T by the pool are more your cup of tea, then so be it: it’s your holiday and totally your call.

Be the first to try the new schedule
So, if the weather has been getting you down, some sun on your back appeals and you can’t wait until later in the year to get away to our beautiful Greek island fishing village, April 29th may be for you. This may also suit if you want to be the first to try out the new Yoga equipment, shiny new fleet of bikes, Snorkel Safari, SUP Social, Herbal Talk, early morning Power Walk Pilates along the beach, Joint Freeing Yoga Classes and Dancercise.

The only downside to having so many new activities available is that, as they haven’t started yet, we don't have any photos to tempt you with: so there’s a high chance you may feature on our website if you join us on this opening week.

28/03/2023

De 2023 make-over van Healthy Options!
Vernieuwingen en verbeteringen bij Europa's beste Yoga, Pilates & fitness-vakantie

Het Healthy Options-team is op dit moment vol aan de slag met de planning voor het zomerseizoen. Manager Alex richt zich met volle energie op de innovaties voor het nieuwe jaar, want Healthy Options krijgt een mini-make-over!

Nieuwe materialen, snorkelsafari en SUP rond de baai
De Yoga-tent krijgt een nieuwe uitrusting om de lessen nog professioneler te maken. Bovendien is er een selectie glimmende nieuwe fietsen voor de tochten op maandag en vrijdag.

De wekelijkse boottocht krijgt een upgrade en wordt een snorkelsafari! Dive George zal zijn deskundigheid over de baai van Vassiliki Bay zodat jij de beste plekken kunt verkennen en verschillende onderwaterdieren in het wild kunt aanschouwen.

Voor de liefhebbers van stand-up paddle-boarding zal Mike dit jaar een SUP Social rond de baai leiden en je onderweg ondersteunen met je techniek. Uiteindelijk stoppen we voor een welverdiende koffie met gebak in de vroege ochtend, voor we weer terugkeren naar het strand.

Unieke Dream Seminars
Nieuw dit jaar zijn Dream Seminars onder leiding van dream keeper Aris, waarbij de hamvraag is: wanneer heb je voor het laatst plezier gehad in je dromen?

Met behulp van creatieve meditatie en de daarbij horende theorie zal Aris je begeleiden bij een navigatie door je dromen en het krijgen van controle over je onderbewustzijn. De focus ligt op plezier maken en angsten overwinnen. Het is onze verwachting dat deze sessies heel populair zullen blijken en daarom plannen we ze zo, dat er zo veel mogelijk mensen bij aanwezig kunnen zijn.

Verbeterde zeilervaring, herbal talks en meditatie op het strand
Onze zeilervaringen zijn dit jaar terug en wie dat wil krijgt de kans om meer te leren over het zeilen. Je krijgt de mogelijkheid om het roer over te nemen, met Mike als coach.

Onze lokale herbalist, Aris, zal nu Herbal Talks leiden als onderdeel van onze aanvullende opties op het programma. Aris zal de lokale flora en fauna belichten die in het volle zicht zijn verborgen, brandende salie demonstreren en ook zijn assortiment crèmes en tincturen delen zodat je de kans krijgt zijn magie mee naar huis te nemen.

We onderzoeken ook de mogelijkheid om in de vroege morgen of in de avond extra meditatielessen op het strand te organiseren.

Nieuwe lessen bovenop het bestaande programma
Er komen een aantal nieuwe lessen bij die echt iets nieuws toevoegen aan het bestaande programma, zoals:
• Powerwalk in de vroege ochtend
• Pilates aan het strand
• Yoga gericht op soepele gewrichten
• Dancercise

Er zijn dus veel nieuwe opties om uit te proberen, maar ons succesvolle kernprogramma blijft natuurlijk bestaan. Onze geweldige Stefanie, die vorig jaar bij het team kwam, komt terug met meer van haar populaire en informatieve Yogasessies. Er zijn populaire workshops waarin je recente informatie krijgt om mee naar huis te nemen om je persoonlijke Yoga-praktijk ook na de vakantie te blijven ontwikkelen.

Onze social nights blijven net eclectisch als altijd, met livemuziek en boogying op de barbecue - of misschien doe je donderdag mee met de cocktails?

01/02/2023

Lefkada voted the best Greek Island by WHICH Magazine

Our island of Lefkada has been voted the best Greek island by WHICH consumer magazine. It topped the poll with an overall score of 86% and 5* ratings for having the best scenery and peace and quiet with low tourist numbers.

It beat the two most celebrated premier islands, Santorini and Mikonos, hands down with double the ratings for beaches and food and drink. This 'lesser known' island was described as ‘virtually unspoiled and still typically Greek’ and praised for its ‘stunning scenery’.

Toppling these giants for the top spot is no small feat as they both have outstanding international reputations. Santorini has long held the crown as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, let alone in Greece. It is the romantic honeymoon destination of choice thanks to its stunning scenery, spectacular vistas, panoramic sunsets and natural beauty. Which readers scored our beautiful island of Lefkada as having equally breathtaking 5* scenery.

Mikonos, meanwhile, has been an ‘A’ lister hot spot since the 1960s with Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor and Sharon Stone gracing its shores but its reputation as the preferred haven for private jets and yachts has built over recent years for the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Alessandra Ambrosia and Mariah Carey.

Healthy Options clients have been keeping this jewel in the Ionian Sea a closely guarded secret for over 30 years and quietly cherishing its phenomenal beauty.

22/12/2022

A very Merry Christmas from all of us at Healthy Options!

29/11/2022

I’m writing this happily hugging a bottle of champagne: we’ve just jumped from the stage at the British Travel Awards wielding the Gold Award for the best sports/activity holiday company!

John, Ann and Debbie, the office team here with me, are ecstatic and promise to get even more ecstatic (tipsy) as the evening goes on...

We're absolutely thrilled to be top of the podium again. Pre pandemic in 2019 we won gold with our first nomination. This time, the award holds even more value as it covers two years: 2021 and 2022.

Our first thoughts are to thank everybody who voted for us and of course a massive shout out to all our staff at Wildwind and Healthy Options, who put their hearts and souls into providing a great holiday experience for all our lovely clients.

Once again thank you so much for all of your support! It seems I’m being dragged onto the dance floor....

Cheers, a big grinning Simon

19/07/2022

Bookings for 2023 Season Now Open!

Almost full for the season

As almost all of our available spaces in July and August this summer are already filled up, we have taken the decision to open up our 2023 summer season room charts rather earlier than normal.

If you’d like to make an advance booking for next spring or summer, please do get in touch with your friendly agent and we’ll pencil in your reservation with no financial commitment until late autumn when our price list should be available.

In the meantime, if you are interested in checking what small availability we still might have left for this summer, please do get in touch with us as soon as you possibly can. While July and August are mostly full (you can still check for last minute cancellations), we do still have a few places in September.

Consider the off-season

Do note that summer in Greece starts earlier and ends later. You might therefore consider booking a holiday anywhere from early May to late September to benefit from lower prices compared to peak season, a generally calmer centre with even more personal attention, and lovely if slightly more temperate summer weather when it's often gray and rainy back home.

17/01/2022

WE ARE HIRING FOR SUMMER 2022 IN GREECE

Are you qualified in Yoga, Pilates or Fitness Instruction?

If so, this could be the summer season for you, here on the beautiful Greek island of Lefkada. Situated on the beach in Vassiliki, Healthy Options provides truly exceptional holidays with various tailored Yoga, Pilates and Fitness classes as well as a range of local activities and excursions. We are not a retreat, but instead our aim is very specifically to give our clients the option to relax or to get active; either way, we want them to return home refreshed, renewed and inspired.

That’s where you come in!

With varying lengths of contracts between May - October 2022 and a flexible approach to your style of teaching, this competitively remunerated position is likely to be filled quickly so please get in touch asap: [email protected]

24/12/2021

Joe, our excellent manager and Alex our Healthy Options manager bid you all the best from a rather chilly Vassiliki

24/12/2021

Xmas greetings and plans for 2022

First of all, the Healthy Options team would like to wish all of our friends and guests a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Above all we hope that you are and will remain in good health through and beyond the current difficult times.

Our Vassiliki centre is expected to be open as of the 30th April; our prices are already live online. Meanwhile you are welcome to ‘pencil-in’ any advance booking without any financial commitment.

We were naturally really happy that none of our clients tested positive on holiday with us in either of the past two years. Feedback from our guests was just so welcoming to our team who had tried so hard to give our visitors a truly wonderful holiday and a much needed break.

Because there is still some uncertainty with holiday travel arrangements though, we have decided to postpone re-opening Syvota in 2022. Unlike in Vassiliki, where we work closely with Wildwind Holidays and to some extent the two programmes support each other, in Syvota, Healthy Options stands alone in this respect and until we are confident that the number of holidaymakers will return to something like pre-covid levels, we cannot afford the risk of re—opening there at this time.

However, Alexia, who was previously our manager in Syvota, is putting together two weeks of her own progamme with Olympia, who has taught yoga at both our centres. If you are interested in joining them please contact [email protected] (June 5th - 12th & June 12th- 19th) **

Finally, Varvara Dranidis, Alexia’s sister and one of the founders of Healthy Options is now based on the south coast and is offering a combination of Yoga principles and mind-set coaching as well as her more traditional 1-2-1 Yoga sessions either face to face or via Zoom.

We are looking forward to a series of article posts from Varvara in the New Year explaining what she would suggest to keep you in the best of health both mentally and physically through the winter months; if you are interested in a private session, joining in any of her classes or finding about her coaching Varvara is offering a free 20 minute ‘discovery’ call that might have you looking forward to a really fresh start for 2022. See https://greece.healthy-options.co.uk/varvara for more details

15/09/2021

Last chance for Yoga in the Sun this year?

Our 2021 summer season on the gorgeous Greek island of Lefkas is coming to a close.

Because we’ve been full most of August and September we’ve put on one extra week starting October 2nd. What’s more if you are a solo traveller you can have a room all to yourself without any single supplement (saving you €180) OR if you are travelling with a friend and sharing a room we’ll give you both €100 off your holiday cost.*

So from only €625 overseas transfers and our unique programme of healthy and fun activities of yoga, Pilates and fitness classes as well as our amazing aqua-safari, access to our Stand Up Paddleboard fleet and mountain bikes (guided rides available too) a taster sailing session, a wonderful herbal walk into the countryside as well as our friendly atmosphere and occasional events such as BBQ’s and cocktail nights with live music, what are you waiting for? Time to get some sunshine before winter is upon us!

Our Healthy Options holidays are aimed at anyone who wants a healthy break and our programme has been widely praised with our winning the British Travel Awards 2019 Best Sport/Activity holiday company gold prize.

While we have a wide range of classes and activities on offer for you to choose from there’s no pressure for you to join in - we never forget that it’s your HOLIDAY first and foremost and if you simply want to lounge around the pool with a glass of wine in your hand you’ll be more than welcome.

We have a very few places left for the week of the 25th September and a dozen spaces still available for our last week of October 2nd. Please do get in touch with us as soon as possible if you are keen on joining us.

30/08/2021

We are now opening an extra week in Greece

Hoping this message finds you in the best of health and having made the most of summer so far.

As you might imagine running a holiday centre over the past eighteen months hasn’t been easy but we are delighted to tell you that we have received amazing feedback from out guests this year and have been busy and indeed full for some weeks.

So much so that we have decided to out on an extra week at the end of our season on our beautiful Greek island. So our last departure date will be on October 3rd finishing on October 10th.

We do still have a few places left on some weeks in September as well so if you are thinking of getting away still this year please do call us as soon as possible.

02/08/2021

Our clients loving our new yoga tent this summer with sun sun and more sun...

https://www.google.com/search?q=weather+vasiliki+lefkada&oq=weathr&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j35i39i305l2j0i10i457j0i402.2561j0j4&client=ms-android-samsung-ga-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

18/06/2021

Spec-ta-cu-lar last minute discounts and Solo Traveller Appreciation Weeks

As the British are currently limited from traveling, we have fewer guests than normal. This allows us to present you with some very special last-minute offers that we decided to combine with our yearly Solo Traveller Appreciation Weeks! A real Healthy Options holiday was never this affordable!

Unfortunately for our British guests, travel restrictions out of the UK are still very strict. This means that when Healthy Options opens next week, we still have quite a spots available. We decided to turn this into an opportunity to make a truly spectacular offer to our clients in countries with no of few restrictions to the save island of Greece.

Then, we decided to combine this offer with our yearly Solo Travellers Appreciation Weeks. This means that on top of these low, low prices, solo travellers do not have to pay any single room or single room upgrade supplements in the weeks until July 3th, and get a 50% discount on the single room supplement in first two weeks of July!

The sun is out, the water is warm, our Yoga tent is set up and our excellent instructors are eagerly waiting to meet you! So what are you waiting for?

JUNE 19th
7 nights from €395, 14 nights from €795

JUNE 26th
7 nights from €495, 14 nights from €895

JULY 3rd
7 nights from €545, 14 nights from €995

JULY 10th
7 nights from €595

30/04/2021

Ilias, Eleni, Ourania, Nik, Effy, Kryssa, Thanos, Stephania, Joe and all of our friends of the Wildwind and Healthy Options ‘family’ in Vassiliki and Syvota wish you all an extremely happy GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER, ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ (many years), and we wish you the best of health to you and your families wherever you are.

23/04/2021

Greece is said to be lifting its quarantine restrictions, under conditions, for travelers from specific countries in a first step to re-open for tourism.