Get your boarding passes ready, it’s finally time for another set of travel blog posts and Reels. We’ve done a Jet2holidays package a few years ago to visit Dubrovnik which was actually the last time we went abroad (back in 2019!) and we were so impressed by it then. Everything worked like clockwork, we had no issues and there were always Jet2 reps around to help you if you have any questions. So, when Jet2holidays got in touch about a gifted stay with a review of the trip and the destination, it was a no brainer – we had to accept.
Flights & transfers
Our Jet2 flights to Zante were from East Midlands Airport as this is super close for us, only half an hour in the car and we usually park at the airport as we find this much easier. I always find it quite easy to book your space online and you can add your fast track security passes on there too. I’ve always found the flight attendants are always lovely on Jet2 and although economy the planes are pretty comfortable and always clean which is the main thing! I’d personally choose to fly Jet2 to most destinations as I’ve always had the best experience with them as an airline. Our Jet2 flights to Zante were absolutely great and was scheduled to take 4 hours but I think it was actually a little less than this.
When we landed our coach transfer was waiting and although we’d usually get a private taxi transfer that end, we had our transfer included and it was super quick once we had everyone’s luggage and were on the way. On the way home our transfer was bang on time too and again, super easy. I got an alert about it a few days before saying what time it would be at our hotel which was super useful as well.
The destination
We stayed in Tsilivi which is a tiny beach town in Zakynthos, about 15 minutes from Zante town and as I’ve mentioned, only an amazing 25-30 minute transfer to the airport.
Our hotel was part of the 4* Contessina Hotel group and was called Contessina Suites and Spa which is available to book via Jet2Holidays and it was just stunning. We couldn’t believe how beautiful the architecture was and the decor of the hotel was amazing – really neutral, lots of concrete and greys and greenery. The room was so lovely, we had an Upper Floor Junior Suite which had a balcony, hot tub bath in the room, separate shower and toilet and his and hers sinks along with the huge bed which was super comfortable, fridge, telly, Nespresso machine – you name it, it was there. The team even came in each night whilst we were out at dinner and left us local sweets, some water and a little message card letting us know what the entertainment for the next evening was.
If you’re thinking of booking a Jet2Holidays package with your significant other or one of their couples holidays this is the perfect place. It had a really nice couples holidays and baby moon vibe to the hotel as it’s adults only and there were so many other pregnant ladies there, I spotted about 4 or 5 during our stay and it isn’t a huge hotel. It’s just the perfect spot for a honeymoon, romantic break or to relax as a couple before the baby arrives.
We spent most of our three full days around the beautiful pool as it had really comfortable sunbeds in three different types plus big bean bag chairs and a sofa style seating area across the bar. All guests are able to order food and drinks to your sunbed area with their handy app and everything was either added to your room or you could pay as you go. The food and drinks were really well priced and just the same as a usual restaurant or cafe in the town which was fantastic as usually we’ve found in the past that hotel pool snack bars are extortionately priced but not at Contessina Suites & Spa.
There was relaxing music playing all day and then entertainment for a few hours at night which was either a pianist or a cellist or something relaxing to go along with your evening drinks.
We like to go ‘bed & breakfast’ when we go away as we love to explore and visit bakeries and restaurants for our lunches and evening meals. The breakfast buffet was absolutely awesome, we always love a good buffet but they really had everything you could want as well as being able to order additional dishes like avocado on toast or eggs Benedict and your daily coffee.
The team at Contessina Suites and Spa were wonderful. So friendly, helpful and polite. They really couldn’t do enough for you and we really liked them all. They even remembered our coffee order each morning! To be honest I don’t expect anything less with Jet2Holidays though as every holiday we’ve been on has been a great hotel with a fantastic team working there.
What to do
As well as all of our relaxing by the pool we wandered down into Tsilivi which is a cute little town with all your classic tourist shops and some really nice restaurants and lively bars. It’s right on the beach too so it was a 5 minute walk from our hotel to the seafront where we ate a few times and had some walks along the sand. Check out my foodie post for our best places to eat in Tsilivi.
If relaxing all day isn’t your thing and you like to get out and about there’s a fun Mini Golf course in Tsilivi which actually is a fab way to break up the day, we went twice! There are also tonnes of excursions and boat trips that are available to the shipwreck beach, turtle nesting and much more but I didn’t fancy a boat trip being pregnant at the moment. We took a land train to Zante town which only took about 20 minutes once we got going but the organisation of it was terrible, we waited around 45 minutes for it to arrive and leave and then we’re a bit disappointed by actual Zante town itself (Zante is just the Italian name for Zakynthos and they use them both intermittently). I would say that Zakynthos is definitely a place to explore further afield with organised excursions or just having a relaxing time like we did.
I’d definitely recommend package holidays to Zante, especially with Jet2 as they really are there to help all the time and you get helpful alerts on the app and to your phone when you need to know things. Let me know if you’ve been to Zakynthos and what you thought?
