Member Review - Crete
We arrived at Gatwick in plenty of time and made use of the airport lounge which was very pleasant and took advantage of the breakfast there.
We boarded the plane in good time and we took off on time too, always a bonus. The flight was just under 4 hours, we had plenty to read to keep us occupied as we were both jumping in our seats with excitement.
Having arrived at Heraklion airport, Crete, and obtained our luggage we went in search of our coach for the transfer. This was very easy and soon we were driving along the road. The coach was full and we made what seemed like a thousand stops. We suddenly pulled over and stopped and the driver indicated for myself, my Daughter and another couple to get out and in broken English that we were to travel the rest of the way by taxi. This was after a 2 hour journey already and we had to squeeze in a normal size car with 4 large suitcases as well. This was the only down part of the whole week.
Finally we arrived at Blue Palace in Elounda, our hotel for the next week. We were greeted very warmly, offered drinks, which were very welcome and soon checked in. Dinos, hotel guest liaison and perfect gentleman, gave us a tour of the facilities, pointing out the different restaurants, pools and local points of interest on our way to our room. The hotel is built into the side of the mountain so standard rooms above reception, the bungalows on the next level, a restaurant and larger bungalows next then the bottom ”floor” was the Spa and beach.
You could walk this but the best way was to ride the small glass surround lift, this enabled you to see the magnificent views as you traversed the side of the mountain.
Our room was a dream, clean, fresh well maintained, a stunning view of Spinalonga Island opposite us across the bay and everything we could ever need, extra pillows, plenty of storage space, bathroom filled with the little necessities, shampoo, body wash, hair dyer, etc. There was also a complementary half bottle of Greek Brandy for us, some fruit and a welcome card.
We soon unpacked, had a walk around to get our bearings and then went off to dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, Olea. This was a buffet style affair but the amount of food and different choices you had for 3 courses or more, was astounding!! Everything was fresh and well presented with labels as to the name and ingredients and the taste was really scrummy!!!
There are 5 restaurants to choose from, Olea, Flame, which was mainly beef steaks all flame grilled in front of you, Isola, which is Italian, Blue Door, traditional Greek fare and Asian Blue, oriental cuisine. We had plenty to choose from.
The week slipped by easily, lounging on the many sun loungers at the pool side (there were 3 pools) or down at the beach. Towels were in abundance and always freshly laundered. Waiters and Waitresses were constantly walking around to get you drinks or snacks and bring them to you. One thing stood out immediately… No one was getting up at 6 am to place a towel on a particular sunbed to reserve it!!!
Every morning our room would be tidied, cleaned and beds made, with the extra touch of putting our night wear into different patterns and styles and 2 bottles of water, complementary, placed in the fridge for us. Every night when returning to our room our beds would be turned down, a sealed packet containing a face wipe placed on the beds, foot cloths at the side of the bed to place your feet on as you get in and out of bed and a post card of some interesting thing and the weather forecast for the next day. It was these little touches that made all the difference.
We took a trip to the Island, Spinaloga, by speedboat. We walked around and saw the many little dwellings there, a church and the fort. This was a battle ground, well defended, in the 16th Century. This Island was constantly being over taken either by the Greeks, Turks or the Venetians until the 1903 where a Leper colony was established and remained there until 1957 when the last Leper was transported to a proper hospital. It now remains desolate but for the many tourists visiting it every year. The ride back on the speedboat was something else, they picked us up and then took us on a tour right around the Island and out to sea, it was very exuberating!!
Another little place we discovered, only 10 minute walk down the road, was Plaka. A small village of a few Tavernas, gift shops and a small supermarket. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, we mixed with the Greeks, sitting drinking Greek coffee… Very civilised.
One night the lift broke down so the hotel laid on their buggies (like golf buggies) to ferry all the guests to and fro to their desired destination. Magnificent service.
One other thing that was paramount all through the week was the staff never looked for a tip and if you did they were very grateful.
Our last day was a bit of a washout as we had thunder storms, torrential rain and high winds all day. All week we had had an average temperature of 32* with sunshine from morning to night so we could not complain really. Unfortunately the high winds and rain continued into Sunday so our flight home was a little bumpy!!
Our trip back to the airport was less eventful, only taking an hour and a half and by coach.
We had the time of our lives and I would recommend this hotel to any one, especially if they are looking for a restful holiday or a romantic getaway. There was not a thing the staff would not try to accommodate for you and everything was with a smile and they were all very friendly and helpful, from the Manager to housekeeping to the bell boys.
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