Calilo Hotel Review on IOS Island – A Journey to Paradise on Earth
August 6, 2022
Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations. It's no wonder – it's a remarkable, picturesque country with a rich history. However, some places are exceptional even for Greece. One of them is the Calilo Hotel on the island of Ios, which I visited in July of this year.
This hotel is located in Manganari, on a captivating island surrounded by majestic rocks. This place is of particular historical interest. Calilo is just 40 minutes from Skarkos, one of the oldest villages in the world. Some of the first human settlers in Europe arrived in this then-virgin land thousands of years ago.
Historical accounts of this ancient village are not the only treat for lovers of the history and culture of ancient Greece. Legend has it that it was on Ios that one of the greatest poets of all time, Homer, met his end. Although civilization has flourished there for thousands of years, we can still admire the pristine beauty of nature.
Hearing the region's misty legends, I couldn't wait to finally reach the Calilo Hotel on the island of Ios. When the long-awaited day arrived and I arrived in Greece, my first good impression was at the airport. A hotel shuttle bus was waiting for me. The journey proved to be very comfortable, allowing me to admire the incredible landscape along the way.
The bus traversed uneven terrain until it finally climbed a hill. There, well above the hotel, was the entrance gate. This provided additional security. The gate attendant also ensured this. Every potential guest was thoroughly vetted. While this was somewhat inconvenient, it also guaranteed a safe stay.
Swimming pool, spa and much more
After the security check, the bus descended until it reached the hotel. I went out to the parking lot, where the concierge was immediately waiting and invited me for a detailed tour of the hotel. We began our tour through an eerie corridor. It reminded me of a cave with a water stream. Sculptures of futuristic figures lined the sides of the corridor. A courteous employee then led us through the nooks and crannies of the building, explaining how to navigate them, and thoroughly explaining which services were worth using and when.
The concierge informed us, among other things, that the property offers many interesting attractions, including a spa. He also added that hotel guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool. He also noted that guests with cars can easily park in the hotel's free parking lot. Another important feature is the fitness center.
The concierge also told us about the hotel's signature wellness offering. Guests can enjoy a head massage, a couples massage, and a hand massage. They can also enjoy a nourishing caviar therapy with provitamins, a black facial mask to remove dead skin cells, and an anti-aging facial. Furthermore, among the treatments available at the hotel spa, guests can choose from a traditional Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage, and a hot stone massage.
After showing us around, the concierge bid us farewell and wished us a pleasant stay. He emphasized that we could always count on his services. He kept his word. His workspace, located in the main lobby, was open 24 hours a day.
Next, it was time to settle into our room. Its decor also filled me with admiration. The finishing touches were meticulously crafted. The hotel offers a variety of room types. I chose the one with a large terrace, a lounging bed, and a large bathtub that could accommodate several people. Each room includes a desk, kettle, safe, minibar, and flat-screen TV. The room was luxuriously furnished, with stone-clad walls. However, the decor could be considered controversial and certainly not to everyone's taste. The downside to my room was the rather unattractive view from the window, but in many other suites, the views are captivating.
Delights of the palate
The next day, it was time for meals. They were excellent. I especially enjoy the breakfasts, which offered a wide selection of European and local dishes. If you'd like to dine outside of the regular meals and enjoy the unique atmosphere, the hotel restaurant awaits guests. It serves a variety of dishes and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.
The latter can also be enjoyed at the hotel bar, which is popular with hotel guests. It boasts a very atmospheric setting, and guests head there to sample the cocktails prepared by the bartender.
Rays of sunshine and wonderful service
People go on vacation to Greece primarily to enjoy the sunny climate and bask in the sun's warming rays. All of this was possible thanks to the private sandy beach, located in a quiet spot near the hotel, and like the hotel, far from the city bustle. In this tranquil setting, I could breathe deeply, as the air was crystal clear. Waiter service was readily available whenever I needed anything. It's worth noting that the beach is equipped with cabanas and loungers.
Sometimes, the joy of experiencing the wonders of nature and enjoying luxury can be spoiled by people. The staff here are beyond reproach, though sometimes I'd like to walk down the hall without being constantly asked if I need anything. I've already mentioned the concierge. The rest of the staff was also very kind, courteous, and always willing to help.
It's also worth noting that for those who don't find all this enough, the hotel also offers some special services—for an additional fee. One of these is a helicopter transfer. This can take guests to the hotel from the airports in Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini, or other destinations within reach. Another special attraction is a boat trip. This can take you to Santorini, Amorgos, where the monastery is located, and Milos, with its stunning beaches and landscapes.
In summary, the hotel's highlight is the hotel itself. Its design is very distinctive and certainly unique. Regardless of whether you like the design, you definitely need to visit the hotel to form your own opinion. I particularly enjoy the service and the unique atmosphere of luxury. This is all thanks to the exceptional Greek hospitality, nature, and relaxing surroundings. A stay at the Calilo Hotel in Greece on the island of Ios is an experience I won't soon forget.
Adrian Kołodziej
Editor in Chief; Luxury Boutique
