Neilson Greece – Buca Beachclub
I have worked in travel for many years, but it wasn’t until I joined Travel Club Elite in January that I began selling Neilson holidays. So, when I had the chance to visit one of their beachclubs, I had no idea what to expect.
Marketed as ‘Active Holidays’ and with their strapline, ‘Relax as hard as you like,’ I packed my case accordingly.
Buca Beachclub in Greece is Neilson’s flagship property and it’s easy to see why. With only 57 rooms, a minimalist design and a stylish restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s a small hotel with a boutique vibe.
Neilson Greece Accommodation
The building is in the on-trend industrial style with quirky touches, floor-to-ceiling windows which make the reception light and airy, there are different seating areas, with unusual artworks, there is a bar, a small library and doors leading out to the poolside bar and pool. The rooms flank the pool in an L shape and either overlook the pool or the pool and sea, higher rooms have the best views, and there are also mountain rooms.
I had a Club Pool/sea view room which was spacious and stylish, it had a private balcony where I could enjoy the stunning view. Along with a large rain shower in the bathroom with luxurious toiletries, there was a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar stocked with a supply of wines, beers and soft drinks, also water (the tap water is not drinkable however you can refill your water bottles at the pool bar), a safe, spa gift pack, bathrobe and slippers, beach towels, hairdryer and free premium Wi-Fi.
Dining at Neilson Greece
The restaurant was situated in a separate building of the same design behind the main building. Breakfast is a huge selection of juices, yoghurts, fruit, cold meats, cheese, breads, and pastries plus a hot counter where you can have eggs cooked to your liking including eggs Benedict. Tea and coffee (a great machine which produces barista style coffee) and various teas, and an amazing juicing machine which you feed with oranges to produce the ultimate fresh orange juice – highly recommended.
Lunch was buffet style; I would go telling myself ‘I will just have a little green salad.’ However, the food was so tempting – hot plates such as risotto, pizza, pasta, moussaka, fish, cold meats and cheese, all types of salad and dressing and then a really good choice of desserts. After all of this, I tended to just relax (or collapse), by the pool!
Dinner was either buffet or a la carte. I only used the restaurant 4 times when it was the a la carte menu. There was a choice of 4 starters, mains, and desserts, I thoroughly recommend the Greek Meze starter and the Tuna main, all served artistically. One tip; try not to overindulge in the warm bread served wrapped in a linen napkin with olives and dips (I couldn’t resist).
My waistline proved how good the food was! I was also pleasantly surprised at the extremely reasonable prices at the bar.
Neilson Greece Activities
The Beachclub faces the sandy beach at Analipsi Beach where mountains hug the bay. Next door is the family-friendly Messini Beachclub which shares some of the activities. This doesn’t cause any problems as there is so much equipment on the beach to hire.
The day after arrival we went to a meeting for the newbies, where we met the activities reps and we were able to book courses and classes, bike rides and excursions all through the new booking system accessed by a QR Code and your room number.
I decided to enrol on the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Level 1 course, which was over 4 mornings with theory and practical tuition. I thought at one point that this wasn’t for me but with a lot of encouragement, patience, and excellent trainers I actually passed! I had a great time.
I spent my afternoons by the beautiful pool (glass sided), on one of the many daybeds where each day we were treated to fresh fruit, a smoothie, an afternoon cocktail and at 5 pm, a snack – usually a small Greek salad, pitta and houmous, kebab or arancini. All delicious and all served by pool butlers.
Staying with me at Buca were lots of guests who were doing all the activities on offer, getting up at the crack of dawn, and taking part in either the daily run or bike ride. They offer mountain bikes, road bikes and electric bikes for guided rides, and all except the electric ones can be taken out on self-guided rides.
Tennis is available on one of the 7 courts, perfect for experienced players and beginners alike, with free group coaching. I watched the group coaching sessions which looked like great fun. They also offer pickle board, which is played on a smaller court with a lightweight ball and racket. Again, this looked fun, especially the booze and balls sessions!
There’s a fabulous gym where an array of classes take place. I also saw a good supply of free weights and kettlebells.
I tried the afternoon stretch class which was held outdoors (so nice) and felt very relaxed after. I didn’t try the spa; however, I overheard a couple of guests waxing lyrical over the Sports Massage. Perhaps one for me to try next time.
As well as sailing, you can try your hand at windsurfing, water-skiing, and wakeboarding (you get 2 free tows on a 7-night stay). However, I decided to try the slightly more sedate kayaking which was great fun, especially the Kayak and Coffee expedition.
The beach staff under the management of Mikey are really geared up to safety with buoyancy aids and helmets (great for newbies to windsurfing and sailing), available. The weather changed suddenly one morning, and Mikey closed the beach, and the staff quickly and efficiently helped us to shore. There are always two safety boats at sea and there is a lookout on the beach, so you really are in safe hands.
I didn’t have time to go on one of the organised excursions but spoke to some guests who had, and the Kalamata Food tour proved to be very popular and well-received. Several evenings a week a cocktail masterclass is held in the bar, and I could see the participants were really enjoying themselves – fortunately, Greek snacks were included in the cost!!
Conclusion
So now I have experienced a Neilson Beach Resort, would I go again? – in a heartbeat. If you are looking for an active relaxed but upmarket resort, then Buca Adults Only (15+) Beach Resort is definitely one to consider.
Written by Beth Ward
To learn more and to book Neilson Buca Beachclub or Neilson Messini Beachclub Greece with Extra Savings call Travel Club Elite free 0808 258 4752 or Enquire. ABTA 35+ Years | Rated 5* Trust Pilot.