Creta Maris Beach Resort - All Inclusive, Heraklion

Pros

• Connecting rooms can accommodate up to 6 people, while couples looking for more romance and privacy can book a bungalow.
• There are 19 ADA-compatible rooms and there's a ramp on the beach to allow access to the water for those in wheelchairs.
• Food lovers can take their pick of one of the resort’s seven restaurants, some of which offer Cretan cuisine and get produce from the botanical garden on the property.
• The town of Hersonissos is just a 10-minute walk from the resort, so guests can easily explore all that it has to offer.

Cons

• With such a large resort, one can feel a bit lost in the crowd, but the staff of locals all make sure to bring Cretan hospitality to take care of the guests.

Authenticity

The Metaxas family opened the Creta Maris in 1975 back when there weren’t many hotels on Crete, let alone luxury resorts. Since then, it has remained a family-run operation. According to the staff, “Cretan culture is in their roots,” which gives this resort a character one may not expect in such a large-scale operation. Room decorations include traditional Cretan objects and pieces like hanging coat racks, woven tapestries, and vintage trunks. Two of the seven restaurants focus on Cretan cuisine and the restaurants all make use of produce grown in the botanical garden on site. 

Location

The resort is on the water of the beachside resort area of Hersonissos, which guests can reach in less than 10 minutes walking. The hotel has its own beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas for those who want to stay close. If you’re looking to see some historical sites of Crete, you can reach Heraklion or Knossos in 30 minutes by car. The charming beach town of Agios Nikolaos is 45 minutes driving while the infamous former leper colony of Spinalonga is also 45 minutes away by car.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The sprawling resort has 680 rooms, bungalows, and one villa. Connecting room options are available for up to six people, while folks in wheelchairs can book one of the 19 ADA-compatible rooms. All rooms have a balcony or veranda. The unofficial family area is towards the top of the property, closer to the waterpark. The more adult-oriented family is closer to the beach, where couples and friends can enjoy different bars and lounge areas, but of course, the whole property is open to everyone.

Couples or those looking for more privacy may enjoy one of the 300 bungalows or the one exclusive villa, which offer a more secluded VIP experience. The bungalows form a traditional looking village of cobblestone paths, while the villa has amenities like a private pool, jacuzzi, and direct beach access.

Other Highlights

The resort has a focus on sustainability, so its restaurants make use of produce grown on site and engage with a cyclical food production and waste practice.