The inside word on...Vounaki Beachclub

I have been a Watersports instructor for over 10 years now, starting out teaching in the UK at my local sailing club. Whilst at university I would spend the summer break teaching every day and over the years it became a real passion of mine, upon finishing university I went on my first season for Sunsail where I worked in Vounaki. 

While on my first season I was approached by Neilson and returned to Vounaki Beachclub as the beach supervisor for its opening year under the Neilson flag. Following on from Vounaki I ventured onto Croatia to open Alana Beachclub and then last summer I headed to Spain to open the new Mar Menor Beachclub.
 
My current job is now UK based, helping to run our activities program, and although I love my new role looking after the activity programme, I do still miss my time overseas, so I try to enjoy the activities when I can. My passion for the sports we offer has grown and grown and now I am windsurfing as often as I can in the UK waves.

Vounaki really stands out to me as it was my first experience working overseas, it will always have a place close to my heart, so much so that it is my home away from home. Vounaki was the first place I really started to get into windsurfing and some of my fondest memories are of me windsurfing in the height of summer as the sun is setting over the resort; Vounaki has some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. I’ve even been lucky enough to see dolphins on a few occasions whilst out teaching.

The in-resort marina offers yacht tuition, day cruises to nearby islands and evening cruises, so it's really easy to get out to explore. Exploring from the deck of a yacht is a different level and is a must if you visit here. The hotel is located at the foot of a massive mountain, towering over the resort giving breathtaking views of the hotel from the water.

One of the most unique features of the resort is that it is located just 500 metres from the local village which is full of fantastic restaurants and friendly bars. It's an easy walk but being so close means that you can even paddleboard or kayak into town for a coffee.

The local town has some fantastic local restaurants with fresh fish caught that day and some local delicacies. A few recommendations from me would be to try the honey feta cheese wrapped in filo pastry from the yacht club. Steak at Dionysos was a regular treat and a few cocktails at the hidden bar of Sensomere with fantastic views of the bay is a must. 
 
If you are feeling adventurous rent a car and go exploring, the island of Lefkada is only a 30-minute drive away, a lovely town to explore and the place to see some local culture. Venture a little further and you will find the hidden secrets of Rachi restaurant on the west side of the island, it has some fantastic food and spectacular views over the Ionian sea.

A few top tips from me would be:
• Book your water ski tow early in the morning as it is normally super flat first thing,
• In the summer the wind gets the strongest bang on 16:30 perfect for an end of the day free sail.
• Deck bar for a sunset cocktail is a must.
• Book onto the sail and bike where you can sail to the island of Meganisi enjoy a 35km mountain bike ride, some lunch and a quick downwind sail back.

Vounaki will always be one of my favourite resorts and it's crazy to think it’s now been operating for over five years as a Neilson Beachclub!  The resort has such a small footprint that there is always something going on with a short walk between each activity. It has great facilities for each activity and the addition of a beautiful town just a short walk away.