After having spent a couple of days in Grecotel White Palace, I was eager to try yet another one of Grecotel’s pearls on Crete: Grecotel Amirandes. This modern upscale resort has everything figured out and might just be the best 5-star hotel in Crete.
The luxury resort Grecotel Amirandes is located in Gournes, not far from Heraklion. The airport is only a 20-minute taxi ride away so this means you don’t lose precious holiday time due to your transfer.
When you drive up the domain, you immediately notice spacious design is gonna be an important feature of the hotel. The driveway is created around a garden and drives you up to big open wooden doors that give access to the lobby.
First impressions
Check-in was very smooth. The staff immediately welcomes you with a refreshing towel and fresh fruit juice. What I really love about 5-star resorts like these is that check-in doesn’t happen at the desk but rather happens while sitting down in a comfortable sofa. Guests are spoiled from the beginning here at Grecotel Amirandes! From the lobby, you can overlook the central area of the hotel. It’s a great place to overlook the resort and watch other guests passing by.
One thing that I particularly liked is that they spread out the activities and people around the hotel. Around the central area you have the restaurants on the left and the shops and spa on the right. Rooms, suites and villas are spread out across the entire resort.
The Main Pool is not near the central area where the lobby is. I can’t believe how such a simple thing could be so important, but it helps keeping the noise and activities around the pool, so the central area always looks quiet. This assures you on arrival that your stay is going to be super relaxing!
Where shall I relax first?
Apart from the main pool, Grecotel Amirandes has 3 private beaches plus a large stretch of grass with beach chairs. Again, there’s room enough for everyone! One of the three beaches is dedicated for guests that are staying in villas and larger suites. There, these selected guests have their own private gazebo (cabana) and it remains the same gazebo during your entire stay! No need to look for a place, it is always reserved for you. When you arrive, the staff brings you complimentary water, ice tea and fruits!
Staff at Grecotel Amirandes is incredibly well trained, not only at the beach but also the lobby personnel and waiters. Cleaning personnel and gardeners greeting you when you pass by… These little things are really important in high-end resorts like these.
My suite
I stayed in a VIP 2-bedroom Suite with sea view. This particular suite measures a whopping 85sqm inside, plus another 50sqm personal patio with private pool! These suites are designed for the discerning guests demanding the maximum in terms of luxury and privacy.
The villa has comes with its own fitness room area, including treadmill and boxing bag! Bathroom has both bath and shower, plus there’s an additional outside shower to make your bathroom experience even more awesome!
Dining options
What more is there to say about Grecotel Amirandes? You really have to visit yourself to experience it for your own. Oh right, let’s talk food! Breakfast and dinner buffet is served in this amazing open air space. Furthermore, Amirandes has specialty restaurants for a fine dining experience. I tried the Asian restaurant called Blue Monkey and the grillhouse called Lago di Candia. Both were impeccable but because of the possibility to dine outside near the sea, Blue Monkey is my favourite.
Is it obvious that I liked it at Amirandes? I don’t say this just because. When you are visiting Crete, I really hope you consider booking a stay here just like me.