I recently had the incredible opportunity to fly to Crete on a fam trip to experience the Grecotel Hotels’ offerings. I started my journey by staying at the Amirandes, A Grecotel Resort to Live in Gouves. This stunning 5* resort offers a range of room and villa categories catering to all ages. It has three distinct beach areas and numerous dining options, including traditional Cretan cuisine. The highlight was the Minotaur restaurant, featuring the hotel owner’s collection of Picasso artwork—dining on a platform in the middle of the swimming pool made for a perfect special occasion.
Next, I visited the Grecotel Marine Palace and Aquapark, a fantastic 4* all-inclusive family resort complete with its own waterpark, offering unlimited access to guests. With five restaurants and seven bars, there’s something for everyone. A short walk takes you to the local village of Panormos, and a 25-minute bus ride brings you to Rethymnon. The resort also offers a complimentary self-service launderette, a convenient family addition.
My next stop was the boutique 5* Caramel, A Grecotel Resort to Live. It features just 69 rooms and suites. Situated on a 300-meter sandy beach, it boasts a relaxed, refined ambience. The Mediterranean-style rooms have unique traditional tiled floors and distinctive furniture, making them ideal for a quiet break while being close enough to Rethymnon to explore the town.
The 5* Grecotel Creta Palace’s highlight is its expansive sandy beach, with all rooms overlooking the sea. Several rooms and villas come with private pools for added privacy. The resort offers a great selection of restaurants and a “kids corner” where children can eat complimentary from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., regardless of the board basis. Additionally, there is a small pool with two waterslides for the kids. The Palace Family Bungalows, accommodating up to six people, are perfect for larger families.
Lastly, I visited the Grecotel LUXME White, a 5* all-inclusive resort with multiple dining options, including an ice cream parlour and chocolate shop. A new family area with a shaded family pool was added recently, ideal for younger children and those looking to stay out of the sun near the kids’ club. The accommodation ranges from contemporary standard rooms to presidential villas with sea views and private pools, including a great selection of swim-up rooms.
A unique highlight is the Agreco Farm, which serves traditional Cretan cuisine using locally produced food and wine grown on the farm. This can be booked from any Grecotel property and included in the all-inclusive package or as a supplement.
Grecotel Hotels & Resorts in Crete are excellent, providing something special for every age and budget and guaranteeing a memorable experience.
