Giannoulis – Cavo Spada Luxury Resort & Spa

Cavo Spada Luxury Resort & Spa is a lovely beachfront property with fairly comprehensive all-inclusive packages on offer. Its isolated setting guarantees a serene atmosphere, and picturesque countryside surroundings at the front are paired with views over the Gulf of Chania from the pebbly beach at the back. Interiors are spacious and cozy, with lots of warm tones, high ceilings, and decorative accents, though mismatched furniture and patterned linens throughout the property feel old-fashioned. Rooms also certainly fall below the advertised five-star rating. Nonetheless, a range of features -- striking pool, extensive spa facilities, and dining options -- make it a good value. Evenings at the hotel are relaxed, and sunsets are best enjoyed on the beach or on the lobby bar’s popular outdoor terrace. Overall this is a suitable spot for families and couples more interested in hotel features than what their room looks like. 

Situated just outside the little fishing village of Kolymbari, the hotel occupies a quiet, pebbly beach. There are a handful of restaurants and a supermarket within a five- to 10-minute walk, though the area is a bit isolated. A nearby bus stop allows for regular, cheap trips to Kolymbari (a five-minute ride) and Chania (30-minute ride). Kolymbari has a some tavernas serving traditional Cretan cuisine, and Chania has a wealth of shops, restaurants, and nightlife in its historic old town and Venetian harbor area. It’s a 40-minute drive to Chania International Airport, and just over an hour drive to the lively city of Rethymnon.

Rooms at Cavo Spada are spacious and pleasant, albeit a bit bland and on the old-fashioned side with their patterned bedspreads. Furnished outdoor spaces come standard, and views are either of the ocean, pool, or garden. A highlight are the marble bathrooms, which feature shower stalls and separate tubs, plus quality toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers. All rooms come equipped with sofa beds, desks, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, closets with electronic safes, and minibars, which are free for guests on the Ultra All Inclusive plan. Free Wi-Fi is also accessible. Some units direct pool access, and a small number of rooms have shared private pools. Family Rooms have two sofas in living areas separated by sliding wooden doors.

A wide variety of facilities offering relaxation and activity are available for both adults and kids here. The immaculate pool area is a striking space with a floating bar, accessed by a curved wooden footbridge or swim-up ladder. Its surrounded by ample loungers and umbrellas, more of which are found atop the pebbly beach. Diving lessons are held for a fee. The beach is also a seasonal nesting site for sea turtles, and the hotel provides information sessions twice a week via a local environmental organization, as well as opportunities to excavate hatched nests. 

Three restaurants include buffet, a la carte Italian, and alfresco Cretan eateries, all of which serve well-regarded fare. All-inclusive guests can have lunch twice a week at the Cretan restaurant, and dinner once a week at the Italian eatery. Also covered are limited daytime snacks, branded alcohol, local beer and wine, and use of the spa facilities. The spa's heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room require a fee for non-all-inclusive guests. Ultra All Inclusive plans add 90 minutes per week of spa treatments, daily-restocked minibars, welcome fruit baskets and bottle of wines, and unlimited visits to the themed a la carte restaurants.  

Extensive sports facilities consist of a decently equipped indoor gym, outdoor gym with free weights, sprinting track, spinning room, multi-use courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball, and military obstacle course. Professional trainers are also on hand. Kid-friendly facilities include a kids’ club with plenty of activities, as well as a kiddy pool and outdoor playground. Two large conference rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking are on-site.