Anissaras, Agkisaras, Hersonissos, Crete 70014 Greece, Anissaras, Greece | (937) 315-4602
Village-style hotel includes pretty grounds with lots of greenery
An easy taxi ride from the shopping and nightlife of Hersonissos
Long strip of sandy beach adjacent to the property; water sports are offered nearby
Plenty of activities for children including table tennis, mini golf, and a kids' club
Several restaurants and bars on-site
Regular entertainment and events
Small spa alongside an even lesser-equipped fitness center
Numerous pools, including indoor, outdoor, and children's
On-site facilities such as tennis courts and an outdoor theater
Free parking and Wi-Fi
Some all-inclusive guests have complained about the quality of food and wine
Wi-Fi can be spotty in the rooms
Although clean with nice balcony areas, some rooms could benefit from refurbishing
Some guests have complained of the lack of activities in the immediate area of the hotel
Some guests have complained of cold water in the room showers
Size of the property can make it difficult to get around
This large, upscale property attracts both couples and families with its all-inclusive offerings and numerous on-site amenities. Although there are very few attractions within walking distance, two restaurants, a handful of pools, and a small spa cater to most, whilst all the attractions of lively Hersonissos are an easy taxi ride away from the hotel. However, numerous guests have complained of the quality of the food and wine, so guests may consider opting just for room rates instead.
Scene
Older guests and families looking for a peaceful resort with plenty of on-site activities
A peaceful resort on the Anissaras peninsula overlooking one of the region’s best sandy beaches, Bella beach is set out in a similar style to its sister hotel, Silva Beach. Popular with families and older couples --many from eastern European countries -- the hotel features a spacious reception area, which has plenty of seating areas and several shops. It opens onto a large pool hemmed in by a liberal scattering of lawns and flower beds, and surrounded by the brick facades of a variety of rooms spread over several floors.
Deserted during the hotter hours, the indoors pool and other facilities of the spa area tend to get busy later in the day. Two restaurants, the all-inclusive Pergola restaurant serving Greek and international buffet food and the slightly more exclusive a la carte Olive Tree serving Mediterranean cuisine, have views over the pool, which is lit up at night.
Location
On a pretty peninsula near Hersonissos and overlooking a beautiful strip of sandy beach.
Fringed by Anissaras’ sweeping sandy beach and half an hour’s ride from Heraklion’s international Airport, Bella Beach is a 10-minute taxi drive from the shops, bars, and restaurants of the lively resort of Hersonissos. Close to several large water parks, Bella Beach is also near Spinalonga, the eponymous island featured in Victoria Hislops bestselling novel, which can be reached by boat from the laid-back beach resort of Elounda. Other attractions within 20 minutes by car include the lively Mecca Malia and the fabled Minoan remains of Knossos.
Rooms
Sleek bathrooms and pretty views from the balconies, but decor is in dire need of any update.
Grouped around the hotel's main pool, Bella Beach's 175 rooms have warm brick facades overgrown with creeping vines. Decorated in light ochre and olive green tones, rooms are clean, but in need of refurbishment, whilst spacious balconies have pleasant sea, pool, or garden views. All rooms have flat-screen satellite TVs, DVD players, and mini-fridges. Sleek marble bathrooms have either walk-in showers or bathtubs. Safes are available for rent. Guests seeking a peaceful environment should choose rooms in blocks three and four, which are close to the seafront, but away from the hotel’s main animation areas.
Features
Two good-sized pools, plenty of activities for kids, and a long sandy beach.
Although Bella Beach’s main pool is a popular venue during the daytime, this small scale resort’s beautiful sandy beach is where most guests head to sun and swim when the sea is calm. On cooler days the indoor pool area with steam room, hot tub, and spa facilities gets crowded, as do the tennis courts and the gym which, with just a few machines, less a bit to be desired.
Children who are tired of the beach can head for the hotel’s grassy play area nearby, which has swings and slides and a small Kid’s Club offering various pen-and-paper activities.
For lunchtime and evening meals guests head for the main Pergola restaurant, where a buffet of Greek specialties is served and there is regular evening entertainment. For more exclusive dining The Olive Tree has candlelit tables, an a la carte menu and tables overlooking the pool. All-inclusive options are available, but guests have complained about the quality of the food.
There is free WI-FI available throughout the property and a business center with internet access near the reception area.