In late April, we went on a study trip together with Nordic Travel Rep to explore opportunities for future clients to experience the destination of Grand Resort Lagonissi to the fullest.
During our study trip, we investigate the on-site facilities, what activities are possible to do, as well as the distance and environment in the surrounding area. This is to ensure that the customer feels confident when choosing the destination, but also that they get what they are looking for on their corporate trips.
After a 3-hour flight from Kastrup, we landed at Athens Airport after a pleasant flight with the Greek airline Aegean, and there was warmth in the air.
We were greeted by our driver who took us in a minibus from the airport through a rural landscape with lots of vegetation, before entering a small town and then further out towards the coast. When we finally saw the sea, we were only a few minutes away from our destination, the 5-star hotel Grand Resort Lagonissi.
The entire journey from the airport took about 20 minutes and was a pleasant ride after the flight.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by a team of people, friendly service, and a refreshing drink while they checked us in and then drove us to our rooms in a golf cart, something that was possible to be picked up, throughout the stay.
The rooms we were assigned were Mediterranean Suites. The first feeling experienced upon entering was one of exclusivity. First, we were greeted by a terrace with a pool overlooking the sea. Then, upon entering the room, there was a lounge area where refreshments were laid out in the form of fruit and sweets, as well as some bubbly and water. Even the large bed, positioned further into the room, with a sea view, felt overwhelming. In the room next door, there was a large bathroom with exercise facilities, a shower with a sauna, and even a jacuzzi with a sea view. The room was inviting, with both activity and relaxation options.
After settling into our rooms, we were given a tour of the hotel, where we had the opportunity to see all the room options, restaurants, and conference facilities they offer. There are truly opportunities for companies that want to go on a trip with that little extra, by choosing the luxurious rooms or villas, but also for those who want to take their company to nice bungalows with sea views and a beach outside.
Our first evening, the air was hazy, which we were explained was due to the influx of sand from the Sahara in recent days. This caused, among other things, that we couldn’t see the view, but also that in the evening, there was a red/orange glow in the sky, which was quite unusual.
On our first evening, we dined at the restaurant located in the main building, Aphrodite, where they also served our breakfast buffet every morning.
We were first served appetizers in tapas form, which included tomato, mozzarella, avocado with melon salad with capers, octopus, pizza slice, and eggplant. Then came the meat, tzatziki, and fries. There was plenty of delicious food, accompanied by wine and water.
The Greek culture is to eat a lot, for a long time, and truly enjoy the food. After this delightful start to the trip, there were comfortable beds to retire to for a good night’s sleep.
On the second day, we started with breakfast before hopping into the minibus, which drove us about 10 minutes to our first stop, Margi Farm. It’s a farm that is still under development, but where we could already see many crops and herbs growing, as well as olive trees and grapevines.
There were also animals on the farm, goats, a donkey, and chickens, all to produce and use their own ingredients for activities or meals. The possibilities here were vast, and the area was enormous.
One activity set up for a group on their way there was a cooking table and a cozy setup for enjoying the meal.
Afterward, we continued into Athens, where along the way, we caught a glimpse of Olympia, the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held. Upon arrival, a guide welcomed us and led us up the stairs to the famous Acropolis, “The city on the top,” where “polis” in Greek means the city and “akro” means the top. Once there, another guide awaited us, providing a tour with fascinating information about the Acropolis and the history of Athens.
After we finished, the guides were ready again, splitting us into two teams, where we would explore Athens by following instructions on a map on an iPad. There were various questions and challenges related to what we were approaching along the way, and we were constantly competing against the other team. It was a fun and educational team-building activity, with small breaks at selected restaurants or bars that you wouldn’t want to miss when in Athens. Our final destination on the map was marked as a restaurant serving Greek gyros, kebab, pita bread, and tzatziki.
Then it was back to the hotel, which took about 1 hour from Athens due to rush hour traffic when we were heading back.
In the evening, we went to a nearby village where we were served lamb, which meant the whole lamb was laid out on the platter, accompanied by tzatziki, bread, and tomato salad with olive oil. For dessert, we were treated to Greek yogurt with sweetened accompaniments, a homemade schnapps made from scented geranium and mastic.
It truly gave a sense of being in Greece.
The third day started with a Freddo Cappuccino, which is a cold coffee typical of Greece.
Then we embarked on an excursion by driving rented cars in a convoy. Here, we were divided into three cars, with each car forming a team that would stick together. They explained that this could be done with a focus on team building when dividing people into the cars.
We first headed to Ktima Xatzi, an exclusive mansion with the possibility of hosting events with breathtaking views.
Here, we were guided through a place where much of historical Greece was preserved, and a painting by Monet adorned the wall. We were told about various events they had hosted on-site, including weddings and Greek-themed festivities with music and food. They explained that they had the possibility to set up for dinner both on the grass and under their pavilion, making the mansion feel exclusive for every party that chose to hold an event there.
Then, we continued to the southern part of the Athens island towards Sounion National Park to enjoy a splendid view while beholding a Greek monument.
Upon returning to the hotel, we strolled along the promenade to reach the hotel’s restaurant, Mediterraneo, to savor a delicious Greek lunch by the sea. The lunch concluded with a tasteful fruit platter.
On the last evening, we dined at the hotel’s restaurant Kohylia, where we were served exquisite sushi, salad with duck, and a white fish resembling cod with a fantastic sauce made of Taro.
With this exquisite dinner as our conclusion, we were picked up at 5:00 Greek time for our journey back home, filled with a plethora of new experiences.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Nordic Travel Rep and Grand Resort Lagonissi for the unique opportunity to explore the Greek island of Athens. There are opportunities here for both exclusive incentive trips for companies looking to indulge, as well as for those who wish to treat their employees to a Greek experience with bungalows situated by the beach.
The staff at the hotel are welcoming and accommodating, eagerly anticipating the chance to enrich your company with new memories in a fantastic destination. There are options to stay at the hotel, where various events can be held, but if you wish to explore more of the island, there are knowledgeable guides available who have a deep understanding of Athens and its surroundings.
We would be delighted to share more about the destination with your company!
Best regards,
Theres & the CompanyCations Team