Overlooking the Ocean

The Ocea Retreat apartments were a pleasant surprise for us. Situated on a quiet and green part of Samos island, overlooking the ocean, away from the touristy busyness of Kokari and Pythagorio, yet not remote to extent of making us feel isolated.

The apartments are •spacious, •surprisingly cool (no need for A/C, there was a 37 degree heat wave in Samos and we didn’t sense it at all) •with sea view •modestly decorated –not in the tasteless manner you so oftenly meet in room lettings in Greece- •with high speed wireless internet access for those who can’t part from their laptops.

Breakfast is plentiful, with fresh products but more on the healthy side, so those who like their greasy bacon in the morning may need to fry it in their own kitchen that comes with the room.

Ocea Retreat is generally a healthy retreat: peaceful, relaxed and also operates as a meditation centre as it has a specially formed space for events such as mediation seminars, relaxation exercises, yoga classes and one 2 one sessions (craniosacral, siatsu). Even if mediation of relaxation exercises are not your cup of tea, the view from the seminar room alone is worth the effort.

The people who run this place are friendly, honest, hospitable and more than happy to accommodate their guests’ needs. It’s not surprising that they seem to have a lot of repeaters every year.

There two available beaches to these apartments. One is 1 minute walking distance and the other about 5. If you collect peddle stones like I do, this is will be a small heaven on earth.

They are both quiet beaches (not sandy) but unfortunately exposed to the north wind so if you are unlucky and visit this place on a windy week you will need to drive 15 minutes down the road to the nearest wind-free beach which is Tsamadou.

If you like to drive around and explore, Ocea Retreat is two minutes drive from the islands’ main route. Bars and restaurants in Kokari are a 25 minute drive. There is also a fantastic fish tavern nearby you should try, appr. 10 minutes walk.

If you like quiet, this is the place or you. The only sound you hear in the evenings is the sea waves and the occasional cricket.