Club Med Mare Nostrum

Hi,

I'm a Londoner in his 30's who is off to CM Mare Nostrum soon. I wanted to visit Greece again - did a sailing trip last time - and see some of Athen, so this Club Med seemed ideal. Obviously, I can see the emphasis is on the Spa - and I've signed up for the Tai Chi course - but it would be great to hear from anyone who has been there recently who can let me know what the GM crowd is like, is there nightlife, partying or is it all pretty laid back and chilled? Hopefully not too much so! I'm single and have been on many Club Med hols, and had a brilliant time, but a few tips would be very much appreciated. Louis

I was in Mare Nostrum 3 years ago (in May and the end of August), so not recently, but... The village is beautiful (it's on the hill so a lot of climbing:) & what a view from the restaurant!), close to Athens... Majority of people were at their late 40s and 50s,but the demographics was quite spread so you can meet at least a few people at your age. The village was really chilled, not many people at the disco, the party was over latest at midnight. But you can continue it out of the club (there are some small clubs & discos 15 minutes walk from the club)...
Have great holidays!

Hi Louis

A friend of mine just came back and was not impressed. He said that the majority of the guests were in their 60's. The place shuts down at 11:00 because the guests complain that the noise keeps them up. if you are into the spa and excursions you'll be OK, if you're looking for a younger crowd, you maybe out of luck. No sailing - the only sports are ping pong, kayaking,tennis and aqua fitness.

Good luck!

Thanks to both of you for your swift responses. Looks like I might be in for a quiet time! Still, it's been my experience in the past that a group of like-minded individuals often meet up and fall in together, so all is not lost! Good to know there's other night life close by and I'm pleased to hear that the views are actually as impressive as they look in the brochure and on the website!

Well, I'm back. Thanks to your tips, I was prepared, and I honestly think that helped a great deal! And yes, I had a great time, even if the Club does tend to go dead after 11.30pm. As hoped, I fell in with a group of like-minded singles, who all seemed to gel and generally have fun. So it was late nights out on the bar veranda working our way through the cocktail list with the occasional foray outside, including a visit to a stunning beach-side club in Piraeus (shame about the service, though!). GO's were more friendly than usual, in my experience. Valerie, the CDV, does a great job in what must be a difficult village, with it's split Spa/Beach clientele. Well worthy of mention is Sylvain, the absolutely brilliant Tai Chi teacher and also the very wonderful acqua-aerobics GO, Valerie (yes, another Valerie!). Didn't get very involved with the Spa, although I definitely felt the benefit of an amazing Shiatsu session! The people I met, in my age group (30s), generally agreed that the absence of night-life was the biggest single let down, but we all had a great time nonetheless. Certainly, not enough Crazy Signs, although in fairness to the GO's they did all they could to get the party going! My room was great, with stunning views across the inlet above which the Club is situated on a hill, and eating out under the stars each night was a special treat for me, coming from London! Food was good, if a little uninspired in presentation. Took the day tour to Athens which was worthwhile, including the Parthenon and Olympic Stadium, with plenty of time for shopping. So all in all, and certainly compared to other CM trips, I had a great time and recommend Mare Nostrum, as long as you realise that it's the kind of trip where you are going to go for relaxation and easygoing fun rather than 24 hr partying.

Hi. I got back from Mare Nostrum about a week ago. It is generally quite a chilled out place. The bar is open till 1 but most people seemed to leave by about midnight. There is a good club a short taxi ride(about 10euros) away - ask the british barman about it. There was a good range of ages when I was there from late 20's up. Have fun!

Louis, good to hear that finally you had great holidays...
Your letter reminded me good time I spent in Mare Nostrum myself. Thanks

Louis, would you recomend it if visiting it with my mum? I just would like to know if there is a good "ambiance" also for older people. I'm in my 30's too, and sometimes I travel with her.

Thanks.

Hi Rosy, Yes you and your mum will be fine there - especially if your mum is likely to try out the spa and the treatments available. The atmosphere is relaxed - but not too relaxed, so you can do do all the sports stuff or simply laze by the pool - there's the usual pool events, too...but don't expect to be doing a lot of Crazy Signs (my only real disappointment!). The evening entertainment is fine for everyone and the bar is not too crowded. There is a good spread of age groups so I am sure your mum will find people to talk to and make friends - as will you! There are also plenty of excursions to take. When I was there, there were quite a few small and large family groups at the Club. I am sure you will both have a great time. Best regards,

Louis

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Originally posted by Rosy

Louis, would you recomend it if visiting it with my mum? I just would like to know if there is a good "ambiance" also for older people. I'm in my 30's too, and sometimes I travel with her.

Thanks.

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Hi Louis,

Have you met Eddy (GO Bar) during your stay ?

Yes, I did. He's a really nice chap and it was quite a change to meet an English GO!

Thank you very much Louis. I'll take all your comments in account.

Rosy