We booked an all-inclusive holiday and decided to stay at the Zafiris. It was our first ever all-inclusive and we'd heard some negative comments regarding all-inclusive holidays, however, we were not to be disappointed. The food on offer was tremendous – about 12 to 15 trays of differing foodstuffs which varied between meals and daily. I'm a fussy eater so thought I wouldn't like the stuff but there's plenty for everyone – chips, pizzas, bread, soup, vegetable au gratin, chicken, beef, a barbecue one day etc. The puddings were fab and don't let people tell you that ice cream is just for kids! It's delicious!
All the hotel staff were great. The Thomson welcome talk was a little boring and overran and there's only one member of staff there taking bookings…it took forever for him to come round to us. I challenged him on his prices as they're really steep when 2 minutes walk down the road is a tourist shop selling tickets such as a BBQ boat ride for 24 euros (Thomson charge 49) and a coach trip to Aqualand (and entry to Aqualand) for 22 euros (Thomson were charging 25 just to get in!). He was honest and said they can't really compete with local prices, so avoid the Thomson tours.
You'll see the hotel staff a lot throughout the day, putting on activities in the fabulous swimming pool and outside, such as archery or darts, with a prize of a cocktail for the winner of the darts. The entertainment at night in the Saxophone Bar was generally of good quality – a different thing every night (although a game of bingo for cash prizes at 930pm every night was welcomed!).
Zafiris is in a great location, next to the beach and shops but you'll want to spend all day lounging by the pool and getting free food in the actual hotel.
The only negative was the ant problem in the hotel room. They are aware of an ant and mosquito problem (and indeed the whole of Sidari seems to be full of mosquitos and ants!) so this isn't really too much of a negative with the hotel.
There is a spa (my girlfriend had her nails done) and there is a kids club for the younger ones (although we don't have kids)
We had a wonderful time and it was the best holiday yet! We're so glad we went all-inclusive and we're so glad we picked Zafiris!
