Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort

A combination of luxury and family-friendly facilities makes Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort equally enjoyable for couples and families. Dramatic high ceilings and a long, distinguished reception hall, accented with stone and leading to an infinity pool with serene sea views, make an excellent first impression. The hotel’s grounds are equally striking, designed by architects inspired by the palaces of the ancient Minoan civilization which once settled here. A theme of water runs throughout, adding an element of perpetual calm. Immaculate white furnishings, natural stone and wood accents, and dramatic, serial columns evoke a sense of earthy elegance. It’s an unparalleled setting that, paired with exceptionally high standards of service and an air of exclusivity, round out the hotel as one of the best in the area. Matching with the hotel’s tranquil vibe, check-in is an intentionally laid-back affair, albeit no less luxurious. Arriving guests are led to the serenity of the infinity pool, welcomed with cooling towelettes and a refreshing drink, and invited to have a quiet moment in the lounge. This allows time to decamp before completing the required registration process and being escorted to the room to fully relax. The hotel’s main pool -- which, incidentally, is Olympic-sized -- and its sandy beachfront are popular with guests. During our visit we saw many couples young and old frolicking in the sea and sunbathing by the pool. A variety of nationalities tend to visit, with most visitors being from Germany, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. 

Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort has a fairly isolated location off a dusty local road in a rural portion of the quiet resort area Kato Gouves, which is roughly a 15-minute walk. A few decent local tavernas can be found here, as well as a few beachside bars. Hersonissos is the closest developed town, with many local dining outlets -- it's a 10-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is a 15-minute drive, and Heraklion city center is a further six minutes by car. The exclusive area of Elounda with its beautiful bay, is roughly a one hour drive. 

The elegant rooms are divided into countless different room types, and the main categories are composed of Guest Rooms, Family Suites, Bungalows, Suites, and Villas. Guest Rooms are the lowest category type. Luxury Guest Rooms have more space, along with a prime view to the sea or infinity lagoon. Family Suites are larger, sleeping two adults and two children, and some have private pools. Bungalows are set in the hotel’s gardens, have large furnished gardens designed for private alfresco enjoyment, as well as bathrooms with two sinks and a dressing area. All rooms are spacious and decorated with modern decor, and come with large flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels, DVD players, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, extensive pillow menus, bathrobes and slippers, welcome fruits, water and wine, free Wi-Fi, and furnished outdoor spaces. Bathrooms are spacious, and come with streaming audio and organic toiletries; almost all have a separate tub and shower. All ground floor rooms have private sunbathing terraces, and many have sea views. Suites are generously sized, with separate living rooms furnished with Bang & Olufsen TV sets, and many have private pools with sea views. Additional luxury touches in higher category suites include Nespresso machines, bluetooth speakers, a private in-room gym with separate temperature control, extravagantly-sized bathrooms with TVs, and whirlpool tubs with aromatherapy and colortherapy. Villas are at the high end of the spectrum, making up the most luxurious accommodations at the hotel. All have private pools with direct sea views. Beach Villas are situated directly on the seafront, with direct access to the private beach section reserved for Suite and Villa guests. Guests staying in Suites and Villas receive special VIP treatment, such as exclusive access to the VIP beach section with private gazebos, as well as personal butler service for free drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. VIP guests also enjoy private check-in, personal concierge service, extensive welcome gifts, and special kids’ amenities such as kid-sized bathrobes and slippers. 

There’s a wonderful array of facilities at Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort. The hotel’s sandy beach includes waiter service, and in addition is attended by staff who deliver free bottles of water and fresh fruit to every guest. There’s only one outdoor pool, but its Olympic-size -- and the addition of 58 private pools means it’s rarely overcrowded. The pool likewise provides efficient waiter service, along with welcome fruit, water, and pool towels delivered straight to your sun bed. The pool bar doubles as a brasserie, serving all-day light meals. The Sunset Lounge is an elegant beachfront affair with relaxing sea views. Live jazz music in evenings at the beautiful Lagoon Bar creates a romantic vibe for couples in the main wing. With six restaurants, guests are spoiled for dining choices: the main buffet restaurant serves an international menu along with a rich breakfast buffet, complete with Champagne and live music several times a week. Decent Italian fare at the Minoan Restaurant is accompanied by original ceramic works by Picasso. The Blue Monkey serves a modern Asian a la carte meny amidst sunset sea views. A Cretan organic restaurant offers healthy dishes from fresh, locally sourced produce. Lago Di Candia has an international menu by the tranquil infinity lagoon pool. There’s also an alfresco seafood lunch option with beautiful sea views. Meal plans include bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and super half-board, which allows guests unlimited access to a selection of the themed restaurants. The spa provides Ayurvedic treatments by certified Indian specialists, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, and small handful of outdoor sports facilities including tennis courts. Kid-friendly facilities are varied and include three separate kids’ clubs divided by age, free kids’ buffet, and countless activities. Daily hosted recreation is also available for adults, along with live evening entertainment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Parking is also free.