SENTIDO Blue Sea Beach

This modern hotel offers couples and families a quiet stay in a beautiful, well-kept environment. The lobby is an airy space with plenty of natural light pouring in from large windows high overhead and bright, white walls punctuated with rustic stone columns and accents. The space is modern and uncluttered with a few arrangements of cushy sofas in either brown leather or gray suede, and tables adorned with fresh flowers and tasteful curios. Beyond the lobby, well-tended grounds and stone buildings create a beautiful environment. Open grassy areas are dotted with trees and clusters of local plant life. Guest rooms are spread out in two-story buildings which march in rows toward the sea. The restaurants, pool, and bar make up the last row before the beach, keeping them -- and their noise -- separate from many of the guest rooms.

SENTIDO Blue Sea Beach Hotel is on the northern coast of Crete, about a 30-minute drive east of Heraklion in the tourist-friendly village of Stalida. It is on the beach in a busy area, but the space immediately surrounding the hotel is open. A five- to 10-minute walk down the beach road at the back of the hotel will bring guests to many restaurants and bars. There is a local bus stop on the main road directly in front of the hotel, plus a limited number of free parking spaces for those with a car. From the hotel, it is a four-minute drive to Finika Horses, where day tours and trips on horseback can be arranged. A five-minute drive will bring guests to Limenas Chersonisou, a busy village with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. It is a mountainous 38-minute drive up to the Lassithi Pleateau with its incredible scenery and several small villages to explore. Heraklion Airport is about 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms are appealing and comfortable, though could benefit from a more modern refresh, particularly the bed linens and seating upholstery. They're outfitted with white walls and tile flooring, boxy light-wood furnishings, and either gold, rust, or light-green fabric in the chairs and curtains. Bedspreads have bright-red and gold stripes, and pops of color come from landscape or fish artwork. Terraces and balconies are furnished with contemporary tables and wicker chairs. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a kettle with coffee and tea, and a free safe. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Bathrooms are sleek with a marble countertop, large vessel sink, and shower/tub combo with a partial glass wall. A hairdryer, soap and shampoo dispensers, and a shower cap are provided. Family Rooms offer a sitting area with one or two sofa beds, for up to four people total. Two-Bedroom Family Rooms are also available with a door separating the living area and its two sofa beds from the bedroom. Bungalows are either pool- or sea- facing and add robes and slippers to the amenities. Suites provide a wider range of free toiletries, and some have private pools with sunbeds on the terrace. 

Sentido Blue Sea Beach has a wide array of appealing facilities where guests can relax, play, or be pampered as the mood strikes. The main restaurant offers beautifully presented buffet-style meals, which guests find appealing and tasty. There are options for all-inclusive, half-board, or breakfast only. The space has a minimalist design, with mostly white walls and no artwork, but marble countertops and rustic stone accent walls dress up the space. A Mediterranean a la carte restaurant serves a late breakfast, plus lunch and dinner; all-inclusive guests have one free dinner included in their stay. The outdoor pool meanders along, through rivers and over a waterfall, with several sections to enjoy. The upper area is sunny, plus has a swim-up bar and a view to the sea. The lower side is surrounded by grass and tall trees. Both have plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and bean bag sunbeds, free for guests. Across the street, a long stretch of sandy beach tapers off into rocks. The strip is packed with sunbeds, which are free for all-inclusive guests, but others have to pay to use them.Kids have access to a mini-club with a small wading pool, a colorful playground suited for younger children, and a simple indoor activity space. Guests at the small spa report enjoying their treatments and there are also a tiny indoor pool, steam room, hot tub, and beauty center. A small fitness room has a few cardio machines and free weights. Wi-Fi is free in public areas.