MY CRETE EXPECTATIONS
Resort lives up to memories of family’s previous holiday on Greek island
OUR first visit to Crete came just months before the tourism sector ground to a halt amid the pandemic. During the ensuing travel bans, the memory of the Greek island’s blue skies and clear waters was a welcome reminder of better times.
As such, the weight of expectation placed on our destination – the Vasia Resort & Spa – was so monumental it would have crushed Atlas himself.
Thankfully, our return to the idyllic island proved every bit as memorable.
Located in the quiet, picturesque fishing village of Sissi, the resort benefits from views of the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. The largest island in Greece, its stunning and rugged landscape has been the backdrop for some of the most famous stories of ancient Greek mythology.
Birthplace of the king of the gods Zeus, it was also where the palace of King Minos was located, under which the labyrinth, used to house the terrifying Minotaur, was built.
There is always a sense of anticipation and nervousness when arriving at a new resort. Will the room match the photos on the website? What will the food be like?
These questions were soon answered as we arrived to find a clean and welcoming hotel and a spotless, spacious and welldecorated family suite with a view over the main swimming pool and beyond.
In total, there are seven outdoor pools, four restaurants, seven bars and an onsite spa. Beside the main pool there is another smaller pool with a slightly shallower depth.
This proved perfect for our daughters aged three and seven, who spent almost every waking moment in the water.
We also spent a fun-packed day at the waterpark at the resort’s sister hotel Vasia Village, which is 500m away and has three adult slides and a children’s slide.
Resort guests can use the waterpark on request, at an extra charge, with all-inclusive guests able to eat at the restaurants and bars there for free.
For those looking to head to the beach, the resort runs daily complimentary transfers to the sandy Zephyros Beach and Boufos Bay – a small inlet with clear waters and a sand and pebble beach.
The popularity of the hotel meant it was busy enough to ensure there were plenty of people to chat to and provide enough atmosphere without it ever feeling overly full.
Our daughters made friends which kept them entertained while my wife and I relaxed by the poolside and chatted with the parents of their newfound playmates.
A popular choice for families, the resort provides a kids club as well as evening entertainment for all guests that winds down in time to ensure tired parents can get a good night’s rest.
During our seven-night stay we took in a performance of traditional music, a stand-up comedy routine and a circus act at the resort’s outdoor auditorium.
The resort’s main restaurant Dionysos offers a wide range of dishes at extensive buffets as well as a grill section.
The chefs prepare a menu that caters to the many nationalities of the resort’s guests with international cuisine and local dishes prepared to a high standard.
There are also three à la carte restaurants: La Trattoria, specialising in Italian cuisine, traditional Greek restaurant Pelagos and the 1996 gourmet restaurant.
The high vantage point of La Trattoria made it the perfect location to take in the stunning Cretan sunset, as did the shore-side 1996 bar and restaurant.
On the final day of our trip we had our last meal at La Trattoria as we watched the sky streaked with hues of orange and lilac.
It was the perfect end to a perfect holiday that saw us fall more in love with the island.
TRAVEL FACTS
Jet2 flies to Heraklion Airport (a 35-minute drive to the resort) from £96 one way. Prices for a seven-night, all-inclusive package holiday to the Vasia Resort & Spa start from £819 per person (www.jet2holidays.com).