New for 2024, active beach holiday specialists Mark Warner (www.markwarner.co.uk, 0845 322 5037) is offering a range of exciting introductory wingsurfing and wingfoiling courses at their newest property, Aeolian Village Beach Resort in Lesvos. Offering an easy way to get out on the water, wingsurfing and wingfoiling are the latest must-try activities for watersports-lovers of all levels.
he courses at Aeolian Village include group sessions and private lessons for guests aged 14 years and older, as well as Youth Intro to Wingsurfing for guests aged 10 – 13 years.
Opened in 2023, Mark Warner’s Aeolian Village Beach Resort offers near-perfect conditions for the sports, with great wind and flat water making it an ideal location to learn. Set against a backdrop of mountains, the resort opens directly onto a quiet corner of Eressos beach, a gorgeous sandy bay on southwest coast of Lesvos. As at all Mark Warner resorts, a friendly team of coaches and specialist instructors are on hand to smooth the way. Other watersports include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and rowing, as well as kayaks, which are ideal to explore the coastline. Guests can choose from making watersports a central focus of the holiday, trying something new, or just dipping in and out of the programmes.
Widely considered to be easier than windsurfing or kiteboarding, both wingsurfing and wingfoiling use a handheld ‘wing’ which has an inflatable leading edge and strut or boom to drive participants along. The wing is free of the board, and the fact that it is hand-held makes it easier to adjust than traditional windsurfing. Wingsurfing uses a plain board or stand-up paddle board and offers the chance to learn and get confident using the wing. No previous experience is required to give wingsurfing a go and once the basics are mastered, the next stage is wingfoiling, which uses a board with a hydrofoil attached to it, giving the impression of ‘flying’ across the water.
Courses available at the resort are as follows:
Intro to WingSurfing (3hrs) 14 years upwards, pre bookable, £60 pp.
Youth Intro to WingSurfing (3hrs) 10 to 13 years, pre bookable, £40 pp.
Intro to WingSurfing PLUS (3hrs) 10 years upwards, bookable in resort, £60 pp.
Intro to WingFoiling Course (9hrs) 14 years upwards, bookable in resort – £100 pp.
WingSurf & WingFoil Private lessons – 1hr – bookable in resort – £50 pp.
Aeolian Village Beach Resort: With the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that Mark Warner is renowned for, Aeolian Village combines outstanding sporting facilities, experienced instructors and exceptional childcare, along with expertly crafted sundowners, spa facilities and ample sun loungers, making the perfect mix for an as activity-filled or chilled-out holiday as you like.
Activities: Fitness-orientated guests will be spoilt for choice for activities on land or on the water. For those looking to explore the island on two wheels, either independently or on a guided cycle trip, the quiet roads and tracks that criss-cross Lesvos island make for memorable road cycling.
There are two freshwater pools – one of which is perfect for swimming lengths, with an adjacent family-pool. A padel court offers the chance to try this increasingly popular racquet game, along with three astro tennis courts. The team of tennis staff are available for coaching and guidance, whether in private or group lessons, or in one of the sociable tournaments. There is a varied fitness programme, with daily classes, an air-conditioned gym, sauna, whirlpool and spa area.
Families: As is the case at all Mark Warner resorts, families have a superb range of options, allowing parents to switch off knowing their children are having a fantastic time. Choose from six different aged clubs for children and young people ranging from ‘Baby Club’ (4-11 months) to ‘Mini Club’ (3-5 years), Kidz Club (10-13 years) to the Indy Club (14-17 years). The first-class childcare programme at Aeolian Beach Village is run by kind, experienced nannies, based in newly kitted-out, purpose built, air-conditioned childcare facilities.
A fantastic choice of daytime activities is on offer to suit each age group. From sailing, windsurfing and water polo for teenagers, to arts and music, beach and pool fun for younger guests, the emphasis is on fun and adventure in a warm and welcoming environment. Evening childcare and activities are also available, including movie nights and chillout time for older children.
Accommodation: Accommodation is in two distinct areas. The main hotel wraps around the pool area, with lush gardens connected by meandering pathways, whilst the pretty pastel-coloured buildings of The Village are set up into the hillside behind the hotel. With two restaurants and three bars to choose from, the resort has the feel of a mini-Greek village. There is a tempting choice on offer and half-board dining is included in all stays. Nearby Skala Eresou has a great selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from, just a short walk from the resort.
Summer prices start from £849pp for a 7-night stay at Aeolian Village Beach Resort based on two adults sharing a Twin/Double room including half board accommodation and most activities. Activity prices for the courses are based on current exchange rates.
