Amirandes, A Grecotel Resort
Water world
Cretan coast
Lagoon-toting Amirandes, A Grecotel Resort, in Crete, is a palatial child-friendly paradise, with sea-facing suites, a tempting choice of restaurants and an ayurvedic spa. Classic Grecian decor, beaches on the doorstep and an adventurous activity list make it a hotspot for stylish, fun-seeking families.
Facilities
Rooms
A total of 212, including 161 rooms, 19 bungalows, 14 suites and 18 villas.
Checkout
11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 4pm. If you arrive early, you can store your luggage and make use of the hotel’s facilities.
More Details
Rates usually include a welcome drink and an American-style buffet breakfast, and the option of an in-room Continental breakfast for villa guests.
Also
Unfortunately the resort's vast layout makes it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
Hotel Closed
Annually from the end of October until the end of March.
Free Internet Access
Laundry
Spa
At the Hotel
24-hour concierge, beach, spa, salon, gym, sauna and three swimming pools (including an Olympic-size one), seven restaurants, two bars, kids’ club, gardens with tennis courts, playground, golf club, boutique shops, free WiFi throughout, private car park with valet parking, DVD library. In rooms: flatscreen TV with built-in DVD player, CD player, minibar, fridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and Eau de Grece bath products. Villas also have a pillow menu, beach bag and a wine cooler.
Our Favourite Rooms
Families of four should book a Family Bungalow, which has a bedroom and a living area separated by a sliding door. Parents hooked on working out will love the Deluxe Bungalow Suites that come kitted out with their own fitness room – perfect for sneaking in some exercise when the kids are having a nap. For separate bedrooms and more space, go for one of the Villas, most of which have private terraces with outdoor lounges, a pool and direct access to the dedicated beach (solely for guests booking this type of room). Superior Rooms are smaller and so perfect for couples with just one tot in tow.
Poolside
The star of the swimming show is the Olympic-size saltwater pool, with columns around the edges, underneath which you can nab a spot of shade. Nearby, there’s a shallow, unheated kids’ pool for learners. There’s a heated freshwater pool inside in the spa, that's heated in April and October. Swimming aids and inflatable toys are on sale in the hotel’s shop. One-to-one swimming lessons are available (24 hours' notice is needed). Some room categories also have a private infinity plunge pool. Most of the suites and villas have private plunge pools too.
Spa
The peaceful, grown-ups-only Elixir Alchemy Spa offers Ayurvedic treatments in the six treatment rooms (five single rooms, one couples room) – if you'd rather go alfresco, there's a massage area set up beachside. There’s also a sauna, mani-pedi room and a gym decked out with Technogym equipment.
Packing Tips
Forgotten something? The resort shop sells all the essentials, from nappies and sun creams to sandals and beach balls.
Also
Babysitting requires at least 24 hours’ notice and it’s wise to request baby monitors and any other equipment you might need when booking. The spa is popular, so it’s best to secure your slot as early as possible.
Children
Welcome; under-11s stay for free and extra beds can be added to all rooms. The Grecoland Kids Club will keep little Smiths entertained, and in the summer there are camp activities.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Book in for the romantic dinner or family banquet on the beach, a candlelit sunset supper that you won’t forget in a hurry. The resident barbecue chef can also be sent to your villa to flame-grill a feast.
Dress Code
Light, flowy linens. You are in Greece, after all.
Hotel Restaurant
Amirandes has seven restuarants, offering everything from Med fine-dining to typical taverna fare. The choice will keep your palate piqued on longer stays, but we like Blue Monkey for its sublime sushi best. Head to Amirandes, set around a water feature, if you’re indecisive: extensive buffets, with healthy and vegetarian options, are on offer for breakfast and dinner. For a romantic dinner à deux, it has to be Lago di Candia, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the lagoon and international cuisine is served. Just be sure to reserve if you're planning on heading to the à la carte restaurants.
Children are welcome in each of the restaurants at any time, and Lago di Candia, Blue Monkey, Petrino and Xasteria will serve up special meals on request. Highchairs and emergency crayons are on hand everywhere, and baby food is available to buy. Fresh vegetables from the hotel’s Agreco farm make Xasteria a healthy choice for kids, and it also offers a chance for adventurous eaters to try out Cretan cuisine. It's not adults-only, but Lago di Candia is a grown-up gastronomic affair more suited to couples than crowds.
Hotel Bar
For apperitifs with a view, head to Labyrinth Lagoon Bar for a custom cocktail set in the sunken lounge. If you'd rather stay beachside, the Sunset Lounge has you covered with an extensive array of refreshing cocktails and a DJ to amp up the ambience.
Last Orders
Lago di Candia, Blue Monkey, Minotaur, Agreco Taverna and Xasteria open for dinner (7.30pm until 11pm); Petrino is lunch only (12.30pm to 4.30pm); and Amirandes opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner (7.30am till 11pm).
Room Service
A selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks, as well as a children’s menu, specially designed to provide enough energy for their action-packed stays, can be ordered around the clock.
Planes
The island’s main air hub, Heraklion (www.heraklionairport.net), is 18 kilometres (20 minutes' drive) from the Amirandes. Olympic Air (www.olympicair.com) and Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanairlines.com) operate services from Athens and other Greek destinations, including Thessaloniki and Rhodes. In summer, charter and scheduled flights arrive from all over Europe.
Automobiles
Pick up a hire car at Heraklion if you want to spend your time exploring the island. There’s free parking when you arrive. The resort has plenty to keep you entertained, however – so it may be best to request a transfer and then use the hotel's taxi service instead. If you do drive from the airport, follow the main exit, signposted ‘Nikolaos Kazatzakis’ towards the National Road. After the bridge, take the ramp onto Route 90/E75 for Agios Nikolaos Drive and pass through Kato Gouves to get to the hotel. To get into the centre of Heraklion, allow half an hour.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Amirandes' location near Crete's capital Heraklion puts a world of wonders at your disposal: one look at Crete's landscape and it’s clear why it’s the stuff of family-holiday legend. Beyond the family-friendly waterparks, there are milk-white beaches, sun-drenched canyons, deep gorges, verdant olive groves, wild flowers, ancient towns and hilltop villages. Minoan palaces, Ottoman mosques and Byzantine monasteries vie for attention, and the ruins at Knossos, Malia, Zakros and Phaistos will fire the imaginations of your young historians.
Nearby Heraklion has plenty to make it worth a day trip. Knossos, the famed Minoan palace, was inhabited as far back as 7BC; the most famous resident of its labyrinthine walls was the Minotaur. Be sure the whole family is in sensible shoes and has sun protection: the ruins can get a little rocky.
On Heraklion's High Street, authentic Greek eatery Taverna Filoxenia (+30 28970 42350) serves up souvlaki in a no-frills setting, but you will be charmed by the warmth of the staff, and impressed by the simple, homely food. There’s a play area for kids, as well as a special menu, mocktails and some life-size teddies as dining companions.
A 10-minute drive east from Amirandes in Anissaras, the hotel restaurant at Paradise Island Villas (+30 28970 2289) turns out specialities including freshly grilled fish (whatever catch comes in that day) and locally reared lamb; there are weekly poolside barbecues in season. There’s a children’s menu, highchairs, and staff will be more than happy to heat up baby milk or food.
The island’s biggest waterpark, Water City is a crazy land of lazy rivers, slides and games, including giant chess and water polo. Bouncy-castle fans will worship the entirely inflatable playground; tots under 90cm go free. It is busy.
The hotel’s farm is worth a trip to for its romantic setting: the traditional estate overlooks acres of vineyards and olive groves, with the sea in the distance. Tuck the kids up, then head over for a six-course organic feast.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
