Annabelle Beach Resort

Annabelle Beach Resort is housed in a series of whitewashed, typically Greek buildings set on lush grounds with fountains, flowers, and shrubs, and palm, olive, and juniper trees. The open and airy lobby is done all in white, and the overall atmosphere is pleasant and thoroughly Cretan. Guests gather on the beach that's lined with blue and yellow chaise lounges and white umbrellas, and a pier with a Greek flag. The two outdoor pools and decks are large and can accommodate a lot of swimming and sunning guests. One pool has a swim-up bar. The hotel hosts beach parties, theme nights, dancing, live music, and excellent entertainment programs by the staff. The atmosphere is very fun and energetic, and the resort is especially good for families with children, as there is a kids' pools, a playground, kids' club, and special kids' menus in the restaurants. Couples looking for a bit of romance may want to look elsewhere, though plenty wind up staying here as well, drawn by the all-inclusive options.

Annabelle Beach Resort is on Anissaras Beach, along the Aegean Sea. The location is fairly secluded, and the resort is not surrounded by any other buildings -- guests will want a car to explore the area. The old town of Hersonissos is located a ten-minute drive southwest, and features restaurants, bars, and shops for every budget. There are tons of family-friendly options for entertainment within a quick drive of the hotel. Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a five-minute drive south. Acqua Plus Water Park is a 10-minute drive southwest and Star Beach Village & Water Park is a 17-minute drive southeast of the resort. Those looking for Greek history are also well located here. The Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum of Cretan history is a 15-minute drive southeast, while the Koules Fortress, Historical Museum of Crete, and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are all located in Heraklion, a 25-minute drive west of the resort. The Heraklion Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

The 265 all non-smoking room, which the hotel calls bungalows, are
situated in a series of two-story buildings with typical Aegean architecture.
Rooms are fairly spacious, and simply decorated with white walls and a few
pieces of generic art. The color palette is tan, beige, brown, and white, and rooms are
clean and get good natural light. The style is modern and basic, with yellow floral bedspreads, wicker seating, and light wood veneer furniture and paneling -- the decor is not up to the luxury level that the hotel claims. Rooms come with air-conditioning, private
balconies or verandas (some with sea views), safes, mini-fridges, and
small flat-screen TVs with satellite and English channels. In-room Wi-Fi is not available. Bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well lighted. There is tan marble tile throughout, along with shower/tub combos, ample
counter space, and a large mirror over the sink. Suites feature DVD players, jetted
tubs, private pools, CD stereos, welcome fruit baskets, and living rooms
overlooking the pool and garden. 

Annabelle Beach Resort has an excellent array of on-site features, including many aquatic ones. The beach has good-quality sand and the water is generally nice, albeit a little rough for swimming at times. Guests can sip an icy drink from the beach bar, play beach volleyball, and also participate in water sports such as scuba diving, waterskiing, parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and canoeing -- fees may apply. Scuba lessons are available. The hotel's main rectangular pool has space for plenty of guests, and features a basketball hoop and other water activities, plus poolside exercises led by the staff. Next to this pool is a small circular children's pool. The second adult pool has a bridge crossing it and an elevated section with a waterfall feature. This pool has a swim-up bar. The resort also has an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and fitness center with a good selection of weight machines, cardio machines, and free weights. The two outdoor tennis courts are lighted for play at night. Guests can also play table tennis outdoors and dance in an outdoor nightclub. The resort hosts beach parties and theme nights (Mediterranean, Cretan, Italian, and Greek) with dining and entertainment under the stars and live music and dancing some nights. A multilingual animation (entertainment) team performs an excellent program of activities, live music, dancing, and entertainment by the pool. The resort is especially good for families with children, since it has special children's menus in the restaurant, a playground, and colorful kids' club with toys and games. Good for family dining, the resort's main restaurant serves Cretan cuisine with buffets and a wide variety of a la carte items. Situated beside the pool and close to the beach, the Greek tavern serves Greek and international cuisine. All-inclusive and half-board options are available. There are also more grown-up services available, including a spa with massage services (for a fee), billiards, an internet cafe, church, library, post office, car rental desk, outdoor theater, and entertainment center with 47-inch projection screen and DVD player. One-site shops include a swimwear boutique, jewelry store, gift shop, and newsstand. The resort also hosts excursions to tourist sights like the palace of Knossos. Parking is free of charge and free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby and reception areas.