Stayed at Xanthi Studios with my better half for a blissful two weeks of sun and relaxation and that's exactly what we got.

The apartments are typically Greek, painted in their distinct blue and white set against a lush green valley of olive trees - simply breathtaking.

The accommodation is quite basic, but don't be deceived, they are exceptionally clean and more than accommodating with everything that you could need, a small area for cooking, plenty of general space and a balcony facing fantastic rolling hills, however if you like to spend days indoors watching the idiot box...you'll be disappointed...no TV...a god send in our opinion. The only thing that may have been a bonus to our stay would have been the inclusion of a hair dryer.

The Studios are set back off of the main road up a small lane, which really does rid you of the hustle and bustle of the traffic passing by, the pool is a great size and very well maintained and a MUST in July, if that doesn't cool you down a visit to the ever welcoming pool bar may be in order, Bill and Martina welcome you with open arms from morning until night in the way that only Greek people can do, serving a massive range of drinks and great snacks and food.

If you fancy a night in or need some supplies there's a great Supermarket (Manos) 2 mins walk away with all you need at great prices, plus tavernas dotted all around serving all those beautiful Greek specialities, things really couldn't be more convenient. Or if you fancy spreading your wings you can jump on the fantastic local Skiathos bus which runs every 20 mins until 1.30am directly opposite the lane leading to Xanthi Studios and find yourself in Skiathos town which is a joy to explore - and all for just over 1€ what are you waiting for!

Overall I would recommend Xanthi to anyone, maybe not if you're a crazy bunch of 18/20yr olds as everything is very relaxed and chilled, but in general it's got all you need, you'll be greeted with open arms and looked after 24/7 by all of the staff there, more than I can say about the Olympic rep who was as much use as a chocolate teapot, very poor and unapproachable, but anyway that's another story.

Thanks Bill, Martina and Katerina we had a brilliant holiday!!!

Although I was a single traveller I certainly felt included in the evening at the pool bar.
It is a very friendly environment. I was lucky enough to be there the weeks
that 'return' couples were there and had a good chat and laugh with them when everyone
seemed to meet up after having dinner wherever they chose. The only downside to these
studios is the noise from the road although they are set quite high the road noise is
very noticeable so if you plan on having a 'quiet' day by the pool it won't be but only
because of the traffic noise as the studios are set above the only main road on the island, otherwise it is wonderful - beautiful views of the valley and the pool is good not large enough to swim 'lengths' if you are so inclined but wonderful to have a dip and enjoy a drink at the pool bar after a hot day on the beach!
Having said that Bill and Martina are wonderful hosts and go out of their way to do what
they can to make your stay more comfortable. I travelled with Olympic Holidays and these studios are exclusive to Olympic. Just a word about Kolios beach - I chose these
studios because I wanted to use Kolios beach as it is a lovely quiet beach with a couple
of tavernas BUT these tavernas have been closed down and only one guy who will do
a toasted sandwich and a can of beer or soft drink. That was very disappointing, so made the bus trip to Troulos beach quite a few days which was my favourite - no shortage of tavernas and a beautiful beach. Vromolimnos is also a good beach with a
good beach bar (just walk up the steps on Kolios beach and follow the track - it takes
about 10 minutes!) At Xanthi ask Bill to mix you a B52 cocktail - best I have tasted!!!

Having read the review from the people that stayed at Xanthi sept 2009,I would say that you cannot please everybody all the time.Simple preparation with regards to waste bins can help overcome unwelcomed odours,nappy bags are a good idea.With regard to the noise around the pool bar at night,it is always a good idea to join in if you cannot beat them,YOU ARE ON HOLIDAY!!!!!....enjoy it.
I have stayed at Xanthi many times and yes it is basic, but I ,and many more people find it the most welcoming place you could wish to stay.