Cosmos – one very special corner of Greece.
Some holidays fade into the background over time - Cosmos isn't one of them.
Ask anyone who's spent a summer in Vassiliki over the last four decades and chances are they'll have a Cosmos story. It might be their first taste of windsurfing, a bike ride along Lefkada's spectacular coastline, a family holiday that became an annual tradition, or simply a sunset on the terrace overlooking the bay that they've never quite forgotten.
For thousands of guests, Cosmos has been the backdrop to some of their favourite memories. And for Neilson, it's been part of our story for almost 40 years.
It all started with a sleepy Greek fishing village.
The year is 1986, Falcon sailing arrives with their first guests to a sleepy village which is a million miles from the destination people know and love today. The Greek fishing village of Vassiliki tucked away on the southern coast of Lefkada, had no long lines of equipment on the beach, and no UK reputation for sailing and windsurfing but what it did have was warm, crystal clear waters, endless sunshine and a reliable afternoon thermal wind tailor-made for windsurfers and sailors.
The word spread fast.
Right in the heart of it all was Cosmos and it wasn’t long before adventure seeking guests discovered what the locals had always known, Vassiliki is one of the best places to get out on the water.
Through the decades and changes.
Since the first guests walked through the doors at the Cosmos, a lot has changed, but in a good way.
Falcon sailing became Sovereign sailing, Sovereign became Sunworld and then eventually evolved in 1999 to become Neilson Active Holidays. From the early days of introducing complete beginners to life on the water to today's expert sailors and windsurfers making the most of every gust, Cosmos has been there for every stage of the journey.
Vassiliki grew from a little-known sailing secret to one of the Meds most iconic windsurfing holiday destinations.
Through the changes over the last 40 years, Cosmos remains reassuringly familiar. Guests still head to the beach each morning eager to get on the water. Families, groups of friends, strangers who become lifelong friends, all swap stories and share laughs about their adventures.
A partnership built to last.
One of the reasons Cosmos feels so special is the partnership between the hotel and Neilson, which has never been about simply providing somewhere to stay. We’ve grown alongside each other, embracing change and creating what is now Cosmos Beach Club: Greek hospitality paired with world-class activity holidays. While much has evolved over the years, one constant remains, Stelios and his father Nikos (pictured below), who continue to oversee the hotel and uphold the spirit that has made Cosmos so special for generations of guests.
Whether you’re chasing the infamous Vassiliki wind, joining our expert guides on a cycle ride or introducing the kids to their first active holiday, Cosmos has been and will always be the perfect launchpad for countless Neilson adventures.
The story continues.
Forty years after those first Falcon Sailing guests arrived in Vassiliki, Cosmos remains one of the most loved Neilson Beach Clubs.
The decades may of rolled by but the spirit of Cosmos remains the same.
Everyone will have their own favourite memories, overseas staff members and challenges that became victories. From long-time team members to familiar faces like Daisy, our current guest services manager, it's the people who make Cosmos what it is. But all in all, you have to experience it to appreciate it. Don't just take our word for it.
Party like it's 1986... again!
The 40th anniversary celebrations brought together a wonderful mix of familiar faces and first-timers, all raising a glass with Stelios and his family. Fully booked months ahead, the event welcomed former guests, returning Neilson team members and UK staff, many of whom couldn't resist one more trip back to Cosmos. An evening of stories, laughter and catching up proved that some places have a remarkable habit of bringing people together, no matter how many years have passed.
Generations of Good Energy
While plenty has changed over the years, the spirit of Cosmos remains. Under the watchful eye of Stelios, the warmth, friendliness and laid-back atmosphere that guests have loved for decades are still at the heart of the hotel today. It's this genuine sense of welcome that keeps people returning to Cosmos time and time again.
Vassiliki has a habit of turning summer jobs into annual traditions. Familiar Neilson faces return season after season, drawn back by life on the bay, endless stories shared after a day on the water and a social scene that's as lively as ever. Some things may have changed over the years, but the good energy that makes Vassiliki, Vassiliki is very much still here.
Quotes from the G.O.A.T's
Pip Tyler - "In 1986 Nikos, Stelios' dad, had the vision to sign all his rooms with a new tour operator, Falcon Sailing. 40 years later, Neilson is celebrating the longest hotel partnership I can remember. Thanks to Stelios and his family, and the Neilson magic, Vass continues to delight sailors. Long may it continue."
Andrew Parry - "The hotel has evolved from its simple beginnings into a fantastic boutique style retreat. The constant, though is Stelios and his family. I’m always amazed at how he remembers all his returning guests and it is no surprise how loyal guests are to the Cosmos, some have been holidaying there for over 30 years."
Peter Hart - "The reason for this self-indulgent piece of history is that stood on the shore was a young man who was entranced by the action. That young man told me later he'd never seen anything so amazing and it was that board which inspired him to take up windsurfing. That young man was a teenage Stelios. And in the 4 decades since, he's been wowing the Cosmos faithful with his silky smooth trickery. The success of both is entirely down to its unique atmosphere which makes everyone relax and perform with a smile."