Crete's BEST Executive Junior Suite: Island Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sun-soaked, turquoise-water soaked world of Crete's BEST Executive Junior Suite: Island Paradise Awaits! Forget the usual, sterile hotel review. I'm talkin' raw, real, and probably a little too honest. Consider this your pre-flight cocktail of research… or maybe a shot of raki, which, let's face it, feels appropriate right now.
The Suite Life: Island Paradise Awaits (and It Mostly Delivers!)
First off, the name? A touch grandiose. Seriously, "Island Paradise Awaits"? It sets the bar high. Did it live up? Well, let’s just say it’s closer to "Island Pretty Good, Actually". Still, the Executive Junior Suite is definitely a step up.
Accessibility: Navigating the Aegean, One Wheel at a Time (Mostly)
Okay, this is important. Accessibility is a thing, and it's a MUST for a lot of people. From the info I could ferret out online, the hotel claims to be pretty good. [Facilities for disabled guests]? Check. [Elevator]? Thank goodness, because those Cretan hills… yikes. I'd strongly suggest directly contacting the hotel BEFORE booking – get specifics! Ask about ramp access to the [swimming pool [outdoor]] (because THAT view is everything), and if the [on-site accessible restaurants / lounges] are truly accessible, or just kinda accessible. Because let's be real, "kinda" doesn't cut it. Oh, and double-check the bathroom situation! You know the drill.
The Techy Stuff (Because We’re All Glued to Our Screens, Admit It)
- [Internet, Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!]: Okay, good news for the digital nomads and Instagram addicts! Wi-Fi is EVERYWHERE. Supposedly. I say "supposedly" because I did have a minor Wi-Fi meltdown one evening while trying to video call my grandma. Classic. But generally, it was speedy enough to stream movies from [on-demand movies] in the room. And the [laptop workspace]? Surprisingly comfy.
- [Audio-visual equipment for special events], [Projector/LED display], Wi-Fi for special events: No idea, didn't attend a conference or wedding, thank god.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the (Slightly Obsessive) COVID-era Precautions
Alright, let's get real, this is what we're all thinking about. The [anti-viral cleaning products], [daily disinfection in common areas], and [rooms sanitized between stays]? They SOUND good. I saw staff diligently swabbing down everything. The little hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. BUT. Let's just say, I brought my own wipes. I’m not saying the hotel was dirty, just… let’s call it "thoroughly sanitized," with a slight side order of anxiety.
The [Safe dining setup] with [sanitized kitchen and tableware items], [individually-wrapped food options], and [staff trained in safety protocol] were all very prominent. The thing that really impressed me was the [physical distancing of at least 1 meter]. The [hand sanitizer] stations were also everywhere.
The Amenities (aka, the Good Stuff!)
- [Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view]: The pool. That glorious, shimmering pool. The view? Utterly breathtaking. If you can snag a spot, it's the kind of place you can lose hours just gazing out at the Aegean sea. Pure bliss. Highly recommend the [poolside bar] for a pre-lunch cocktail – or three!
- [Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage]: I succumbed. I confess. The spa was… well, it was amazing. I opted for a massage and, let me tell you, it was pure heaven. The [relaxation, ways to relax] factor is major here. Did I mention the [bathrobes] are like being hugged by a cloud?
- [Fitness center, Gym/fitness]: Didn't go. I was on vacation. Judgmental stares are welcome!
- [Room service [24-hour], Breakfast in room]: Score! Ordering room service in the middle of the night? That’s what a holiday is for. And the [Breakfast in room] – yes, please.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, Fueling the Fun!)
- [Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant]: Okay, so, the food. The [breakfast [buffet] was actually pretty decent. Standard stuff, but hey, you're in Crete! The local pastries were heavenly. The [coffee/tea in restaurant] was… well, it was coffee. My actual favorite was definitely the poolside bar and the [happy hour] was just… so satisfying.
- [Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant]. No experience with Asian cuisine.
The Room Itself (The Executive Junior Suite – Let’s Get Specific!)
- [Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Beds, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Ceiling fan, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens]: This is where the "Executive" part comes in. Spacious, well-appointed, with seriously comfortable beds. The view from my [high floor] room nearly brought me to tears (in a good way). The [bathtub]? Huge. [Bathrobes]? Fluffy. The [blackout curtains]? Game-changers! The only slight complaint? The [mini bar] prices were highway robbery, but hey, that's the hotel life, right?
- [Additional toilet]: Luxury!
- [Socket near the bed]: Thank god!
- [Wake-up service]: Didn't need it. Slept like a baby and woke up when the sun was peeking through the cracks in the [blackout curtains], but still good to have!
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty-Gritty)
- [Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center]: The concierge was super helpful. Yes, seriously helpful. The [luggage storage] was a lifesaver. The little [convenience store] had everything you might have forgotten, but at a marked-up price, naturally. I also saw a [doorman] who was always friendly.
For the Kids (If You're Into That Sort of Thing)
- [Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal]: Didn’t bring any kids.
Getting Around (The Practicalities)
- [Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking]: Airport transfer was painless. [Car park [free of charge]] – bonus!
The Imperfections (Because Paradise Doesn't Actually Exist)
Here’s the deal: No place is perfect. I did have a few minor gripes:
- The hotel wasn’t as "boutique" as the website implied. It was BIG. Sometimes, it felt a little impersonal, like it was just rolling in guests, one after another.
- The service was generally
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this "itinerary" for Crete? It's less "polished brochure" and more "confessions of a slightly-sunburnt traveler fueled by too much raki and a desperate need for a decent coffee." Prepare for some actual feeling.
Executive Junior Suite Crete Island: A Messy Love Story (Probably Involving Taxis and Terrible Decisions)
Day 1: Arrival - Land of Olives and Existential Dread (Okay, Mostly Olives)
- 12:00 PM (ish) - Arrival at Heraklion Airport (HER): Ugh. Flights. Always the worst. I'm pretty sure the pre-flight anxiety is a real medical condition they haven't named yet. Anyway, landed, finally. Found my luggage (miracle!), and then the real adventure began: navigating the car rental chaos. "Compact" car turned out to be a sardine can on wheels. I swear, I bumped into three different rental agents before I even got the keys. My blood pressure? Already skyrocketing.
- 1:30 PM - Drive to Elounda (…hopefully): The drive. Oh, the drive. Google Maps kept trying to take me down goat tracks. I'm pretty sure I saw a goat give me the side-eye at one point. Kept veering left, then right, then screaming silently at the "estimated arrival time" that kept increasing. Found some beautiful views, but the panic was real. Pulled over for a breather. Ate a bag of crisps (salt and vinegar. because, why not?).
- 4:00 PM (ish) - Check-in at the Executive Junior Suite (Finally!): Okay. The room. Thank God. It really did live up to the hype. Pool view! Huge bed! Air conditioning that actually worked! Suddenly, my sanity felt restored. A small smile crept across my face. I started unpacking and then…I dropped my phone in the toilet. Ugh!
- 5:00 PM - Poolside Relaxation & The Questionable Cocktail: I had this elaborate plan of 'sophisticated sunbathing,' but it quickly devolved into me just floating around the pool, mildly panicking that my newly purchased swimsuit was going to give me a wedgie. The waiter came over, I asked for a "classic cocktail" which led to me getting a neon blue concoction that tasted like someone had poured battery acid into a slushie. I may have poured it into a bush.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at a "Recommended" Taverna: The concierge raved about this place. Picture-perfect setting, supposedly authentic food. But I swear, half the menu was in Greek, and the other half looked like it had been translated by a drunk robot. Ordered something vaguely described as "mousaka of the day". It came out, and, for a second, I actually questioned my life choices. The taste… was just meh. The waiter was lovely, though. That counts for something, right?
- 9:30 PM - Stargazing (Attempts): After dinner, I went back to my room to look at the view. The sky was clear and perfect, but I couldn't seem to concentrate. Trying to spot constellations felt like trying to understand quantum physics. Gave up and went to bed.
Day 2: Knossos - History and Hangry-ness… A Deadly Combination!
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (Attempt): Free breakfast was included. It was a buffet. Buffets stress me out. I ended up with a plate of lukewarm scrambled eggs, some suspiciously rubbery ham, and a mini-croissant that probably originated in a freezer in 1987. I needed coffee. Badly.
- 10:00 AM - Knossos Palace: Tourist central. Seriously, elbow-to-elbow action. The Minoan ruins were amazing, even if I had to fend off selfie sticks every three seconds. The history was fascinating, but I struggled to stay focused. After 40 minutes, I gave up and went and sat under a tree. I was hot. I had forgotten to bring water. I was slightly hangry…
- 12:00 PM - Lunch in Heraklion (…and a minor meltdown): Decided to get out of there and head into Heraklion for lunch. I found a cute little place in the old town. The food was great! But I forgot my sunscreen and got massively sunburned in the process! The waiter was kind enough to fetch me ice.
- 2:00 PM - Back to the Hotel, More Pool, More Reflections: I was tired and grumpy. Went back to the pool. I just lay there. I tried not to think.
- 7:00 PM - Rethymno Exploration! Another day, another town. This one was pretty, with a Venetian harbor and a historic old town. I walked, took pictures, and felt content for a bit.
- 8:30 PM - Dinner at A Restaurant Near The Water: I sat by the sea, eating seafood. The food was good. I felt happy. It was so nice!
Day 3: Samaria Gorge - Hiking and Headaches (Maybe a Slightly Delusional Hike…?)
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up: Ugh. Hiking. Said I'd do it for a 'unique experience'.
- 7:30 AM - Breakfast: Again the buffet. This time I just grabbed some toast, hoping to avoid eye contact with the rubber ham.
- 8:00 AM - Bus to Samaria Gorge: The bus journey there was a saga in itself. Winding roads, and some serious motion sickness from the person behind me.
- 9:30 AM - The Hike (The beginning!): The hike. It was beautiful, yes. But I'm not sure I was fully prepared. I'd packed 'waterproof hiking boots' which turned out to be more 'kinda-waterproof'. (Spoiler alert: the water won). The gorge was stunning, the views were incredible, but I was also sweating buckets and my knees were screaming in protest.
- 1:00 PM - Halfway Point… Tears (Almost!): Legs were starting to ache.. My water bottle was empty. Started seeing mirages of ice-cold beer. Seriously considered lying down and taking a nap right there.
- 3:30 PM - FINISH LINE! I made it. Exhaustion. Euphoria. A slight sense of accomplishment. Bought a sweaty, slightly-squashed orange from a local vendor. Best orange I've ever tasted.
- 5:00 PM - Bus Back… and a Nap of Epic Proportions: I think I slept the entire bus ride, snoring loudly.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (Post-Hike Feast): I deserved a feast. Went to a local taverna that served REAL Greek food. The portions were enormous. The wine flowed freely. I ate everything. Yes, everything.
- 9:00 PM - Bed. Didn't even bother with contemplating the stars. Passed out.
Day 4: Relaxation, Regret, and Raki (The Usual)
- 9:00 AM - Sleeping in: I have never enjoyed sleeping in more.
- 11:00 AM - Sunbathing: Enjoyed the sun, enjoying the pool.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: Ate lunch at the hotel. It was good.
- 3:00 PM - Shopping: Found a quaint shop. Bought a leather bag.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Went to a place and had lamb. It was delicious!
- 9:00 PM - Raki: The raki kicked in
- 10:00 PM - Sleep.
Day 5: Departure - Heartbreak and Home… (Maybe I'll Miss the Rubber Ham?)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (One last buffet battle.): Managed to snag a relatively edible pastry this time. (Success!).
- 9:00 AM - Pack. Seriously emotional packing: It always hits so hard when you're packing to leave, doesn't it? I felt this weird sense of sadness. I even felt a little nostalgic for the rubber ham. (Okay, maybe not, but you know…)
- 11:00 AM - Check out: A wave of melancholy hit me.
- 12:00 PM - Drive to Airport: The sardine can on wheels was somehow less annoying this time. Maybe I'd just adjusted to its cramped interior.
- 2:00 PM - Goodbye Crete: I stared out the plane window as the plane took off. I was smiling. I missed it already. I'd survived. And, despite the occasional bad cocktail, the sunburn, the dodgy driving directions, and the existential dread, I'd fallen a little bit in love with Crete.
So yeah, maybe it wasn't a glamorous, perfectly-planned trip. But it was mine. And that, my friends, is what matters. Now, where's that bottle of raki…?
**Makati's Hidden Gem: Private Room 09 Awaits!**
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "Island Paradise" hype legit for the Executive Junior Suite? I'm talking, like, REALLY legit?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the truth? It's… complicated. Yes, the *view* from my balcony? Absolutely breathtaking. Think postcard-worthy, Instagram-swoon-inducing, "I need a moment alone to fully appreciate this" kind of amazing. I'm talking turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, the whole shebang. I even saw a family of playful dolphins frolicking in the distance one morning (or maybe it was just a very enthusiastic seagull…details, details!).
The suite itself? Well, it's beautifully designed, I'll give them that. That crisp, white linen draped over the bed made me feel instantly fancy. Oh! And the bathroom? Marble! *MARBLE!* I felt like Cleopatra, minus the headdress and questionable political choices.
BUT (and there's always a "but," isn't there?), on my arrival, a very *assertive* family was already in my allocated suite. Apparently, there was a slight mix up in booking. Which resulted in me waiting about 45 minutes for my room with a very, let's just say *enthusiastic* resort manager. So, yes, Paradise is there, but sometimes you have to wrestle a boisterous family away from it first.
What's included in the "Executive" part? Besides the obvious view and fancy furniture, I mean. Do I get my own personal unicorn or something?
A unicorn? Sadly, no. (Though… if you find one, *please* share!). But the "Executive" comes with a few perks. Think: welcome bottle of local wine (which I promptly devoured, naturally), a Nespresso machine (essential for those early-morning, "did I *really* drink all that wine?" moments), and a daily fruit platter (which I mostly used as photographic props).
Oh! And there was this *ridiculously* fluffy bathrobe. I swear, I spent a whole afternoon just lounging in it, pretending to be a glamorous movie star. And the turndown service? Impeccable. Every night, my room was magically tidied, my bed prepared, and a little chocolate left on my pillow. It's the small things, you know? The chocolate was probably the highlight of my day, I'll be honest.
The food! Is the food at the resort as dreamy as the brochure makes it out to be? Because I'm a *snob* about my food.
Okay, let's be real: I’m a food snob too. And the food… it's a mixed bag, bless its heart. The buffet breakfast was incredible, you’re talking fresh-baked bread, local honey, and the most insane Greek yogurt imaginable. I felt like I was going to be the healthiest, happiest person on the planet!
But! The dinners? Sometimes hit, sometimes miss. One night, I had a lamb dish that literally melted in my mouth. Divine! The next night? A slightly dry chicken dish that I think had been abandoned on the grill for a good few hours. The desserts were generally amazing, though. Always. And the local tavernas? Outside of the resort? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I’m still dreaming of the octopus I ate there… Honestly, the tavernas are where it's at.
Okay, let's get real. Did you actually RELAX? Or were you running around taking selfies the whole time? (No judgment, just curious.)
Haha! Good question! Okay, full disclosure: I did take a *ton* of selfies. But! I also managed to relax. Eventually. The first day was a whirlwind. Excited! Overwhelmed! Trying to find the pool boy to order a cocktail! But by day three, I was officially zen. I spent hours lounging by the pool, reading a book (or pretending to – let's be honest, I mostly people-watched), and generally just… existing. It was glorious.
There was one minor speed bump: I *did* manage to spill an entire glass of red wine on my pristine white linen trousers while practicing (a *very* important) yoga pose on my balcony. But, even that became a hilarious anecdote. So, yes, I relaxed. Eventually. And the memories...priceless (except for the dry cleaning bill).
Any downsides? Be honest. I can handle it.
Alright, here's the deal. The Wi-Fi was… spotty. Intermittently cutting out during an extremely important Instagram live video that I was recording. And the resort is a little isolated - you'll need a car or a taxi to get anywhere. (Which, honestly, is part of the appeal, if you’re into escaping the masses.)
And, let’s talk about the sunbeds. The whole early-morning towel-on-the-sunbed ritual? It's a thing, folks. GET UP EARLY IF YOU WANT A DECENT SPOT. I’m talking 7 am. Madness, absolutely madness! I'm not a morning person, and this was a daily struggle. I eventually succumbed to the "towel technique" and I felt ashamed. But hey, at least I got a sunbed.
Would you go back? Flat out, yes or no? and why?
Hmm… good question! It's not a straightforward yes or no. Absolutely, maybe. The views? Yes. The food (with caveats)? Yes. The fluffy bathrobe? A resounding YES!
The Wi-Fi drama, the sunbed wars, and the brief moment of suite-squatting madness? Well, those are just part of the adventure, aren't they? And, like, who can resist a second helping of that amazing Greek yogurt?
Overall, it was a mostly positive experience. Yes, there are imperfections. Yes, there were moments of frustration. But the good stuff? The breathtaking scenery, the delicious food (mostly!), the chance to unwind? That, my friends, is worth the price of admission. So, yeah, I probably would, but next time, I’m bringing a bigger supply of that local wine. Just in case.
