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Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: MicK-G on June 09, 2016, 01:50:49 PM

Title: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: MicK-G on June 09, 2016, 01:50:49 PM
I was asked that very same question the other night. It was followed up with doesn't it get boring? I struggled to answer the question to be honest. The best I could come up with at the time was, It's really nice and you can more or less guarantee a good holiday. This isn't the whole truth though is it? I trying to counter with, "why do you keep going to the same pub? Is it because you see friends and you feel comfortable there?" So can you help, what is it about Arillas that is so magical that it keeps calling some of us back?
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: ger on June 09, 2016, 02:44:42 PM
my son keeps telling us there is so much more of the world we should see rather than return to the same place year after year, well i do agree with him... but still keep going back year after year!! it's something you can't explain isn't it? is it the people, the place, the food, no idea, but whatever it is, i'm not giving it up anytime soon.
ger x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: MicK-G on June 09, 2016, 03:39:55 PM
Ive not been to Arillas for a few years, instead we went to Crete, Minorca then Turkey and although they were nice holidays I'm really looking forward to returning to Arillas. I'm looking forward to being welcomed like a friend, strolling along the beach, watching the sunset go down and the food, I have my favourites but the food is good everywhere in Arillas. I won't miss the repetitive food that you get in an all inclusive, to loud rubbish music blasting out around the pool and the rubbish evening entertainment. I will enjoy having relaxing meals in the company of my wife and our (grown up) kids. It just feels right to be going.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: jackson on June 09, 2016, 03:46:16 PM
I have been to them all, all over europe the usual tourist  places, and in my humble opinion arillas knocks the spots off the lot of them it might not be for everybody thats fair enough, but i will be back later this year for my 18th visit and that i suppose says it all
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 10, 2016, 12:44:22 AM
Without being too gushy I have always felt a spiritual pull to Arillas. Can't explain it but it definitely feels like home each time we return. It has this pull that never seems to diminish as the years go by. Ok so I failed on the gushy bit  lol
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Anne on June 10, 2016, 10:37:20 AM
Hello, my name is Anne and I am an Arillas Addict!
Same as everyone else  - I can't explain it. It is like getting your feet into a comfy pair of slippers, slipping off your bra and relaxing with a cup/glass of your favourite tipple. Then settling down to read a favourite book or watch a good film.
I too have been well travelled to different countries and have had some fantastic holidays and cruises but non of them has the magic that Arillas has to keep calling me back.
After coming back for over 20 years, the last 3, for several months, you can safely say, we are hooked into our bit of paradise.
I have given up trying to explain Arillas magic to people, after all we don't want it to get over-run do we. The ones who have taken up my suggestion of 'come and try it for yourself' are now returning, time and time again.
Must dash now, off to do absolutely nothing much, on my favourite little Greek island.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Truth on June 10, 2016, 01:29:52 PM
Oh yes Anne , I know that feeling of complete freedom when I slip off my bra and relax ,,,,,,, hang on ,,,,,, what am I on about !!!!   :-)
Enjoy your day in Paradise Anne ......
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Steph ~ on June 10, 2016, 02:48:33 PM
It just feels like home!  We have been to other places too (instead of Arillas or in addition too) and it's amazing how much more relaxed I feel approaching a holiday in Arillas than other placed.  You know the routine at the airport, transfer time, that the accommodation will be good and spotless, that you won't have to endure thumping music right outside your door, there will be sunbeds on the beach, beds by a clean pool, you'll find a wide range of decent food every day, welcoming people, warm smiles, safe environment, the sun hot and, above all, the welcome very warm.  Oooh and that hug I get from Roula as I step out of the taxi.... yep, coming home!  Even thinking about it now gives me a warm fuzzy feeling and a smile on my face.  That's why I've introduced Arillas to other people - and this year my stepdaughter and niece are coming on their first visit. We feel they will be able to be safe & secure doing their own thing, not be joined at the hip to us which, at 13 & 15, will be rather nice for them!

Yes, we'll visit other places from time to time, or have a year off Arillas so Andrew can sail to his hearts content (Pedro has rather set and limited criteria for sailable wind!!) but we will always come back to Arillas, come back home :)
 
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Paul D on June 10, 2016, 02:50:20 PM
First posted a long time ago - Whilst everyone has their own reasons for loving Arillas, for me the main one is the people you meet there. Most seem to think the same and like the same things. There are no pretentious `idiots`, just genuine down to earth people. After two minutes of talking, you are arranging to meet in so and so bar/taverna.  Then there`s the actual place- I can`t put my finger on it either. No other place has affected me (us) as much- or everyone else who posts on this forum, it seems. God forbid the developers and mass tourism get their hands on it. If you want lively,noisy holidays, go elsewhere on Corfu and leave the rest of us to get on with `it`. Just using this forum has proved to me there are still decent, honest people still left in this world, and I consider it a privilege to talk to you. I wonder how many people just did a late booking or took a chance and couldn`t believe their luck?
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on June 10, 2016, 07:13:28 PM
"why do I keep going to the same place
So the answer to that is I don't..... I have been to the Rainbow, Tria-Adelphia, Akti, Marvel, Christos, so I don't go to the same place. Although we do now tend to steer towards the Rainbow.

On a more serious note the allocated on arrival that we had on our first visit was the best move we ever made. Although we were yet to find out the pleasure that Arillas gives us, The booking of that holiday proved to be PRICELESS

Arillas offers us a place where we can relax and unwind within minutes
Arillas offers us Pleasure
Arillas offers us Local People, people who take time to get to know us, people who take care of us, but most of all people who Care about their village and want to make us all Care for it also.

The list goes on and at the end of the list there is no specific answer.
People aske me why I always go to the same place and I always give the same answer

Arillas ,She takes you in her arms and she wont let you go.
Long may she continue to do it.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Paul D on June 10, 2016, 10:54:18 PM
As I put at the bottom of all my posts - Arillas - the perfect antidote to life`s stresses and strains    :-)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 10, 2016, 10:57:28 PM
Like John we have stayed all over the village over our 18 years but for the past 10 or so we have always stayed with Dida. I thought that I had better book for next July just incase and this is the reply I got... Maybe this will give you an insight into why our holidays are so special

Good evening lovely lady and let me add lovely family...!
It makes me really happy when I think of my apartment costumers and the first family that pops in my head is yours.. How the kids literally grew up here and we took part in so many of your special family moments..!!
Both good and tough..
 
Anyway, for the apartment I thing we should actually carve your family name on the door so no one else has the wright to ask for it..
 
Consider it booked for you of course...
 
Many kisses to all the family from everyone here...
See you soon...
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: suzy61 on June 10, 2016, 11:44:02 PM
What a lovely message Jo...you must be all emotional again and why wouldn't you want to keep returning?

Suzy X
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 11, 2016, 12:48:00 AM
I may just have shed a tear or 3 Suzy :)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: claire43 on June 11, 2016, 10:04:36 AM
Last year we went to Athens and then to Poros (the very first Greek island we went to 30 years ago) and we spent the whole time comparing the food, lovely but not the same, the people ,not the same because they were friendly in a financial sort of way,the scenery,good and awful ( in Athens the graffiti)......so this year we will return for our 4th time to Arillas and will be booking while we there for 2017..We can't wait to return to the 'spirit' and calm of the sea,the food and of course the people.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Erja on June 11, 2016, 12:25:47 PM
My name is Erja and I am a Arillas addict too.

The answer to the question of why returning every year is simple - friendships! :)

Plus you get more out of your holidays when you don't have to spend time and find out where you like to eat etc.

When I arrive to Arillas the holiday starts immediately with no faffing about and it can be enjoyed to the max 8)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: cypress on June 11, 2016, 01:03:54 PM
There was something that happened to me the day I first walked into Arillas village. Not to be too airy fairy about it all (because I can be :-)), there was a certain pull, a sense of coming home - call it what you will. That had never happened to me before and this was before I knew a soul or had even sampled a restaurant.

Perhaps it was Fate that brought me to the place that I will always return, who knows. The good news is that I did find Arillas, can't bear to think that I would never have found it. This year is my fifth year in a row.

But, to answer the question 'why do you keep going to the same place?' ...... Because it's fab, the people are genuine, kind and friendly, they have to make a living but still insist on giving me free drinks, the food is the best I ever had anywhere, Arillas and Corfu are beautiful, glorious sunsets, it's a chilled, quiet and a restorative village, none of this all-inclusive, hard sell trips out, set meal times, fighting for sunbeds mentality (I've done it myself and appreciate that that is what some people prefer), the beach and sea are clean, safe, and delightful. Also, there are separate uses for different areas of the beach - families, textile, non-textile, little spots to hide away, the food again, the flowers, trees, the indigenous nature, ..... 

I could go on, but I'm only preaching to the converted :-). If you haven't been, do give it a try, I'll eat my hat if you don't love Arillas.         
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: ness44 on June 11, 2016, 07:32:54 PM
This year will be our 5th visit. After the first visit we thought "yeah we will go back one more time!" Each year now we try to convince ourselves that we will go somewhere else as there a many lovely greek islands but at the last minute we change our minds.
There is such a lovely feeling when we pull into the village. I feel safe there and if i had to walk at night alone I would be ok with it and at home I am such a chicken going out in the dark by myself. The people are so friendly as are all the other holiday makers.

Got to be Arillas all the way!!!!!! Roll on
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: MicK-G on June 11, 2016, 07:45:27 PM
This year will be our 9th, I think. We're not quite sure but it's at least 9. I agree with everything that's been posted so far, our kids have grown up there, it does feel like home, the locals are lovely, we even had a message off Nikos and Angela with an emoji saying they missed us. Unfortunately we left it too late to book Mirage but we know Rainbow is perfect too. I picture the faces of people there and they do feel like friends. It's a month to go until we arrive and I'm already excited about being there.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: momo on June 12, 2016, 12:46:01 AM
Arillas is very beautiful and has wonderful tavernas, beach shops, walks,access to other villages is easy, etc. Great.  But that's not what brings us back year after year. it's the people. The local folk (Greek and from elsewhere) are so friendly with fun banter and chat. They make an effort to get to know everyone. When we return we can't wait to see everyone we know.  It's not just the locals though.  Somehow Arillas attracts friendly tourists!  We often meet the same people from previous years and have made friends we value highly. So we have to go back to see friends, make more and see good old Arillas itself. We love it. On other holidays we spent ages settling in but here we know what we want and get right into it from day one. There's still plenty we haven't done there and we might get round to some of it this year - and maybe not.
Can't wait!
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: justphil on June 12, 2016, 10:07:44 PM
I guess we've been going since 2002. We had a gap in the middle, but from 2007 we've been at least twice a year. 21 separate times, well over a whole year spent there so far. But many others make us sound like novices. Why? For us it is a combination of the wonderful honest people who own and run the businesses, and its peaceful setting along the glorious, changeable and special beach. Then the food of course.....

The question for us is simpler: "why go anywhere else?"

Phil
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: cypress on June 12, 2016, 10:38:21 PM
Perhaps this thread ought to be pasted (or whatever it is you do :-) ) to the public part of the forum? Non-members can then see why we love Arillas as we do - might even encourage a first time visit, who knows.

(3 weeks tomorrow ...eeek)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: soniaP on June 12, 2016, 11:08:41 PM
People, place and  food in that order. simples 😎
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: justphil on June 12, 2016, 11:50:16 PM
See you there cypress meluvver!! So agree that this should be in General Information and available to the whole world.

Phil
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: soniaP on June 13, 2016, 12:39:16 AM
Two weeks today. Also see you there Cypress and Phil.  😎
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Val n Bill on June 13, 2016, 02:02:04 AM

We have been back in the UK three weeks and we will back in our favourite village tomorrow. Off to bed now and then taxi to Machester for our 1.30 pm flight.
 
Why do we keep coming back, that's easy......we love being there.

  Night night Val and Bill xx
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: intentioncraft on June 13, 2016, 09:00:57 AM
Also, a good deal on travel / accommodation,on a few occasions we have looked to holiday elsewhere and the last minute decided on Corfu due to competive price
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: cypress on June 13, 2016, 09:54:18 AM
See you all in paradise!

Have a great time Val and Bill x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: justphil on June 13, 2016, 11:15:06 PM
Looking forward to seeing you again Sonia. Only 3 weeks now!!

Phil
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: MicK-G on June 23, 2016, 02:44:17 PM
18 more sleeps 😎
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: wissettlewis on June 28, 2016, 01:04:15 PM
I believe this will be 18th time visiting, not bad for someone who is 21! As i grew up and entered my late teens i convinced myself that i would holiday to other destinations. I went to Italy & Turkey but in no way did it compare to Arillas. I find it amazing that a lot of you talk about the spiritual pull, i feel it too! Each year i feel like im returning home. You just cant beat that sunset, the variety of lush food and the sound of the waves. I dont see myself ever stop visiting Arillas and i look forward to in the future taking my own children there and watching them grow up there just like i did. What a place! :)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: TerryW on June 28, 2016, 02:16:56 PM
It was great reading your last post Lewis and I hope your children and grandchildren keep visiting.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: wissettlewis on June 28, 2016, 02:21:48 PM
Thanks Terry, see you in Arillas! I land on the 16th!
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: TerryW on June 28, 2016, 04:25:40 PM
We get there on the 24th and guess what, with our children and grandchildren for whom it will be a fourth visit. Will look forward to seeing you again.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: sharonF on June 28, 2016, 06:51:28 PM
That's lovely Lewis, my son came with me for the 1st time last year and loved, they're busy having babies at the moment but we're hoping they will all be coming with us again soon x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Linsey on June 28, 2016, 10:23:26 PM
We first went to Arillas as a couple 8 years ago and have returned each year. We now have a 5 year old Arillas addict as well! She first visited when she was 10 months old and I remember watching her delight crawling into the sea in her nappy! As a family we have always felt safe and well looked after when we are on holiday. We arrive next Tuesday and Faye has our first day all planned - lunch, swimming, beach and pizza! We love the welcome we get in every restaurant and can settle in easily to Arillas time. Uno on the balcony, a leisurely family dinner and a trip to the coconut before bed. Boarding passes are printed, cases looked out and we are ready to go!
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: billyd on June 29, 2016, 08:40:14 PM
This our 12th year and we both still love it. So many people you recognise from previous years! The food is great, the people so welcoming and oh yes it's usually sunny for the whole time.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: MicK-G on July 04, 2016, 10:42:58 AM
It's only one more week until we arrive in Arillas. I can't believe how excited I am about my holiday. The difficult part will be where to eat on the first night. We have already planned to get out room at rainbow, quickly unpack the backs before running down to the beach to dive off the jetty into the sea. I've cold Mythos in coconuts, cocktails at mirage, night caps at horizon, it's absolute heaven.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Jo Wissett on July 04, 2016, 11:17:37 AM
2 weeks today for this and cannot WAIT! definitely Brouklis for us first night :)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: wissettlewis on July 12, 2016, 01:55:10 PM
Hi all, it is with much regret i have to announce that over the weekend me and my partner split up after 3 and a half years. We were due to fly to Arillas this Saturday but i have now managed to change my flight to the 18th so i can come with my parents. I am so devastated to lose her, and im still coming to terms with why she betrayed me. I hope arillas helps heal my pain which im sure it will. If any of you see me please be sure to give me a hug as it is what i need at the moment! Im already looking to the future and hope that sooner rather than later i meet my 'true love' and get the chance to show her Arillas and make it our spiritual home. Trying to stay positive!! :)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: soniaP on July 12, 2016, 03:51:01 PM
Ah Lewis! How I wish I was in Arillas when you are there to give you one such big hug.  I don't want to reel off the clichés but rather just say - I am thinking of you and wish you a fantastic holiday, which I know without doubt, you will have in beautiful Arillas.
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: wissettlewis on July 12, 2016, 03:56:36 PM
Thanks Sonia, i appreciate you saying that :)
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: sharonF on July 12, 2016, 05:39:03 PM
Aw Lewis, so sorry, am really glad you are still going to Arillas, hope it does help you to get over it and your mum will no doubt help too!

My son was left heartbroken by an ex around your age, he's now 28, with 2 gorgeous children and very happy with his partner.  Sending you a virtual hug, have a great holiday.

Sharon x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: Val n Bill on July 12, 2016, 07:52:31 PM

 Very much the same story with my son, but they were married. After the heartbreak came true love though,  he is now married to a wonderful girl and has two boys born within two years. They both have white  blonde hair and the eldest is called Lewis 😊 Happiness is out there waiting for you too.

   Val x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: cypress on July 13, 2016, 10:13:59 AM
Lewis, I'm sending you the cuddliest of hugs. Be kind to yourself, go through all the emotions, and one day you'll look back on this time as a new beginning. Have a fantastic time with your family. Big love x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: wissettlewis on July 13, 2016, 10:40:39 AM
Thanks a lot for all your lovely comments, it's reassured me that things will be okay :) x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: joannebrereton on July 15, 2016, 12:06:19 AM
Bless you Lewis, I am a great believer in fate & things sometimes bad happen for a reason,  you may not think that at the moment but enjoy your time with your parents in that special place & keep your chin up 😊 . If we see you will sure say hello x

Jo
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: kriopigi girl on July 15, 2016, 05:41:20 AM
Aw Lewis Arillas will work its magic I am sure x
Title: Re: Why do you keep going to the same place?
Post by: sandraandjim on July 17, 2016, 02:03:56 AM
Oh Lewis so sorry to hear of your heartache,  Arillas has helped a lot of us during the dark times and i'm sure it will do the same for you.  It's hard that your holiday won't be what you expected it to be but at least you can spend extra special time with those who love you most and won't let you down - your mum and dad,!  You are a  sensitive and handsome lad and there is some lucky girl out there who will appreciate what she has.  Meantime chin up and just relax, you'll meet that someone really special when you are least expecting it!!


Sandra and Jim