Ocean Elements launch their new blog series, by catching up with the Greek Operations manager Maz to find out more about the season ahead.
The first in a new blog series that aims to catch up with various members of the overseas Ocean Elements team. Who better to start with than our bubbly Greek Operations Manager, Maz!
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Maz, she heads up both of our resorts on Lefkada. Working on the island for over 5 years, Maz has a huge wealth of experience and knows the area inside out.
We dive right in to discuss the new resort, the Boat Show and what Ocean Elements is all about.
So Maz, for those who haven’t heard about Ocean Elements yet, can you give them a quick summary of what is on offer?
Ocean Elements is all about making watersports achievable to everyone! In particular we focus on sailing and windsurfing, but we also offer kayaking, stand up paddleboards and powerboating. Our aim is to create a relaxed holiday atmosphere where guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy being afloat. We really do mean all ages and abilities; in recent seasons we have enjoyed teaching both 4 year olds and 84 year olds to windsurf! We do offer tuition for all levels, but it’s by no mean compulsory, guests are free to use the equipment as and when they want to.
What is it that sets us apart from the competition?
Besides our incredible team, I’d have to say that it is our range of activities and equipment. We offer FREE use of sailing boats, windsurf kit, SUPs, kayaks, mountain bikes and also stretch & relax classes. We offer FREE children’s clubs and FREE RYA tuition for all levels of sailor and windsurfer. In addition we understand that not everyone who visits us has the same idea of the perfect holiday, so all activities are ‘pick and mix’, you can do everything or do nothing! It’s all at your fingertips and there when you want it, but there is no pressure to join in if your sunbed, book or cocktail are calling!
Everyone is really excited about the new resort in Nidri, when does it open?!
We are certainly very excited too! I know Nidri waters very well and am very excited about the day sails we can offer there. Day sails will involve taking groups of boats for ‘jollies’ to nearby islands, mooring up outside a waterfront taverna, enjoying a lovely lunch with toes in the sea and then cruising home again. We will also be running frequent dinghy races in Nidri, so we can really make the most of the conditions and the great kit we have there. Our watersports centre in Nidri opens its doors (or raises it sails should I say?) on the 30th June.
Tell us a bit more about the town of Nidri itself, how does it compare to Vass?
Nidri is a already a well know holiday destination with a great reputation for being a family resort. Nidri is a little bigger than Vassiliki, with more tavernas and bars to choose from. The quayside restaurants offer a great variety of cuisine including Chinese, Italian and of course traditional Greek. The main street boasts a huge mix of souvenir shops and mini markets, and in the evening it is pedestrianized for holiday shoppers. Although Nidri can get quite lively, if you’d rather a quite night, you can opt for dinner at one of the beach tavernas where all you can hear is the lapping of the sea just metres from your table. Our hotel is a 5-minute walk from the quayside, either along the road or the beach.
What’s is available for families in Nidri?
Our tried and tested Children’s Clubs will all be running in Nidri. Sea Urchins for 4- 7 year olds, Sea Tigers for 8-12 year olds and Youth Squad for 6-12 year olds. The big change with children’s club this year is that Youth Squad is getting bigger and better. By popular request, Youth Squad hours have been extended to run ALL day, meaning young watersports enthusiasts can be afloat getting dedicated RYA coaching for even longer!
In terms of equipment and conditions, how would you compare Nidri to Vassiliki? And which resort do you think will offer more for advanced windsurfers and dinghy sailors?
Our base equipment will be the same in both resorts, with the latest kit from Tushingham, Starboard, Laser, RS and Topper on offer for all guests. Not forgetting our excellent Specialized mountain bikes. We are lucky enough to be able to offer excellent conditions for both advanced sailing and windsurfing. Nidri conditions lend themselves perfectly to sailing enthusiasts and therefore we will be offering a large range of boats in Nidri, to include some great toys such as the RS 100, 200, 500 and 700. Whilst advanced windsurfers can enjoy the ever famous high wind conditions of Vassiliki with such toys as the Isonics, Flares and Kodes.
The London Boat Show is coming up soon, what can we expect from the OE team at Excel? I hear there’s an incredible team manning the stand!
As ever you can expect the smiley faces and an eagerness to chat! As much as we are there to meet new people and sell holidays, it is also great to have a chat with our previous guests. See how many people have dared to hit the water in the UK? Not me, it’s cold! From the overseas team we have our Activity Supervisors Jamie and Steve, and me!
We are there to explain in more detail about what we can offer and to answer any questions people may have. There will be a Boat Show Discount on offer for anyone that wants to get their summer sun booked and in the diary now!
Come and meet Maz at the London Boat Show, January 12th-20th on stand D139.
