Pros

  • Family-friendly luxury set among striking architecture and beautiful grounds
  • Sandy beachfront with waiter service, free fruit, and bottled water
  • Private beach section with butler service and private gazebos for VIP guests
  • Main buffet restaurant with beautiful waterside terrace and rich breakfast buffet
  • Upscale Italian restaurant with original Picasso ceramic works
  • Additional beachfront alfresco dining, waterfront grill menu, Asian cuisine, Cretan organic cuisine
  • Beach bar, lounge bar, and pool bar serving light dishes
  • 58 private pools, Olympic-sized saltwater pool, and heated indoor pool
  • Spacious, modern rooms with ample luxury amenities and furnished outdoor spaces
  • Guests in villas get private check-in, private concierge, and free minibars
  • Kid-friendly facilities like a kids’ club, free kids’ buffet, and activities
  • Daytime and evening entertainment suited to both kids and adults
  • Spa with sauna, certified Ayurvedic treatments, state-of-the-art gym
  • Three tennis courts, soccer field, and beachfront water-sports center
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking
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Cons

  • Audible noise from planes flying to and from Heraklion Airport
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Bottom Line

Grand elegance, high end luxury, and impeccable service are the defining characteristics of Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort -- a family-friendly beachfront property that's a 15-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Both the Olympic-sized pool and sandy beachfront come with waiter service, and a VIP beach section with butler service hosts guests in Suites and Villas. The 212 rooms are spacious and modern, with ample luxury amenities and outdoor spaces -- many with sea views. Higher categories have private gyms, whirlpool tubs, and/or private pools. One main buffet and five themed restaurants provide ample dining choices, and guests on the Super Half Board plan dine free at theme restaurants. Kids’ facilities, a spa with Ayurvedic treatments, and daytime and evening entertainment round out facilities. For something closer to civilization, try Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection.

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort

Scene

Family-friendly, beachfront property with striking architecture, beautiful grounds, and a relaxed atmosphere

A combination of luxury and family-friendly facilities makes Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort equally enjoyable for couples and families. Dramatic high ceilings and a long, distinguished reception hall, accented with stone and leading to an infinity pool with serene sea views, make an excellent first impression. The hotel’s grounds are equally striking, designed by architects inspired by the palaces of the ancient Minoan civilization which once settled here. A theme of water runs throughout, adding an element of perpetual calm. Immaculate white furnishings, natural stone and wood accents, and dramatic, serial columns evoke a sense of earthy elegance. It’s an unparalleled setting that, paired with exceptionally high standards of service and an air of exclusivity, round out the hotel as one of the best in the area. 

Matching with the hotel’s tranquil vibe, check-in is an intentionally laid-back affair, albeit no less luxurious. Arriving guests are led to the serenity of the infinity pool, welcomed with cooling towelettes and a refreshing drink, and invited to have a quiet moment in the lounge. This allows time to decamp before completing the required registration process and being escorted to the room to fully relax. The hotel’s main pool -- which, incidentally, is Olympic-sized -- and its sandy beachfront are popular with guests. During our visit we saw many couples young and old frolicking in the sea and sunbathing by the pool. A variety of nationalities tend to visit, with most visitors being from Germany, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. 

See More Scene

Location

Off a local road in rural Kato Gouves, a 20-minute drive from Heraklion

Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort has a fairly isolated location off a dusty local road in a rural portion of the quiet resort area Kato Gouves, which is roughly a 15-minute walk. A few decent local tavernas can be found here, as well as a few beachside bars. Hersonissos is the closest developed town, with many local dining outlets -- it's a 10-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is a 15-minute drive, and Heraklion city center is a further six minutes by car. The exclusive area of Elounda with its beautiful bay, is roughly a one hour drive. 

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious and modern with ample luxury amenities -- all with outdoor spaces, many with private pools

The elegant rooms are divided into countless different room types, and the main categories are composed of Guest Rooms, Family Suites, Bungalows, Suites, and Villas. Guest Rooms are the lowest category type. Luxury Guest Rooms have more space, along with a prime view to the sea or infinity lagoon. Family Suites are larger, sleeping two adults and two children, and some have private pools. Bungalows are set in the hotel’s gardens, have large furnished gardens designed for private alfresco enjoyment, as well as bathrooms with two sinks and a dressing area. All rooms are spacious and decorated with modern decor, and come with large flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels, DVD players, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, extensive pillow menus, bathrobes and slippers, welcome fruits, water and wine, free Wi-Fi, and furnished outdoor spaces. Bathrooms are spacious, and come with streaming audio and organic toiletries; almost all have a separate tub and shower. All ground floor rooms have private sunbathing terraces, and many have sea views. 

Suites are generously sized, with separate living rooms furnished with Bang & Olufsen TV sets, and many have private pools with sea views. Additional luxury touches in higher category suites include Nespresso machines, bluetooth speakers, a private in-room gym with separate temperature control, extravagantly-sized bathrooms with TVs, and whirlpool tubs with aromatherapy and colortherapy. Villas are at the high end of the spectrum, making up the most luxurious accommodations at the hotel. All have private pools with direct sea views. Beach Villas are situated directly on the seafront, with direct access to the private beach section reserved for Suite and Villa guests. Guests staying in Suites and Villas receive special VIP treatment, such as exclusive access to the VIP beach section with private gazebos, as well as personal butler service for free drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. VIP guests also enjoy private check-in, personal concierge service, extensive welcome gifts, and special kids’ amenities such as kid-sized bathrobes and slippers. 

See More Rooms

Features

Six restaurants, three bars, sandy beachfront, large saltwater pool, spa, and kids’ facilities

There’s a wonderful array of facilities at Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort. The hotel’s sandy beach includes waiter service, and in addition is attended by staff who deliver free bottles of water and fresh fruit to every guest. There’s only one outdoor pool, but its Olympic-size -- and the addition of 58 private pools means it’s rarely overcrowded. The pool likewise provides efficient waiter service, along with welcome fruit, water, and pool towels delivered straight to your sun bed. The pool bar doubles as a brasserie, serving all-day light meals. The Sunset Lounge is an elegant beachfront affair with relaxing sea views. Live jazz music in evenings at the beautiful Lagoon Bar creates a romantic vibe for couples in the main wing. 

With six restaurants, guests are spoiled for dining choices: the main buffet restaurant serves an international menu along with a rich breakfast buffet, complete with Champagne and live music several times a week. Decent Italian fare at the Minoan Restaurant is accompanied by original ceramic works by Picasso. The Blue Monkey serves a modern Asian a la carte meny amidst sunset sea views. A Cretan organic restaurant offers healthy dishes from fresh, locally sourced produce. Lago Di Candia has an international menu by the tranquil infinity lagoon pool. There’s also an alfresco seafood lunch option with beautiful sea views. Meal plans include bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and super half-board, which allows guests unlimited access to a selection of the themed restaurants. 

The spa provides Ayurvedic treatments by certified Indian specialists, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, and small handful of outdoor sports facilities including tennis courts. Kid-friendly facilities are varied and include three separate kids’ clubs divided by age, free kids’ buffet, and countless activities. Daily hosted recreation is also available for adults, along with live evening entertainment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Parking is also free.  

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort

Also Known As

  • Grecotel Amirandes

Address

PO Box 106, Kato Gouves 71202, Greece

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort

Scene

Family-friendly, beachfront property with striking architecture, beautiful grounds, and a relaxed atmosphere

A combination of luxury and family-friendly facilities makes Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort equally enjoyable for couples and families. Dramatic high ceilings and a long, distinguished reception hall, accented with stone and leading to an infinity pool with serene sea views, make an excellent first impression. The hotel’s grounds are equally striking, designed by architects inspired by the palaces of the ancient Minoan civilization which once settled here. A theme of water runs throughout, adding an element of perpetual calm. Immaculate white furnishings, natural stone and wood accents, and dramatic, serial columns evoke a sense of earthy elegance. It’s an unparalleled setting that, paired with exceptionally high standards of service and an air of exclusivity, round out the hotel as one of the best in the area. 

Matching with the hotel’s tranquil vibe, check-in is an intentionally laid-back affair, albeit no less luxurious. Arriving guests are led to the serenity of the infinity pool, welcomed with cooling towelettes and a refreshing drink, and invited to have a quiet moment in the lounge. This allows time to decamp before completing the required registration process and being escorted to the room to fully relax. The hotel’s main pool -- which, incidentally, is Olympic-sized -- and its sandy beachfront are popular with guests. During our visit we saw many couples young and old frolicking in the sea and sunbathing by the pool. A variety of nationalities tend to visit, with most visitors being from Germany, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. 

See More Scene

Location

Off a local road in rural Kato Gouves, a 20-minute drive from Heraklion

Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort has a fairly isolated location off a dusty local road in a rural portion of the quiet resort area Kato Gouves, which is roughly a 15-minute walk. A few decent local tavernas can be found here, as well as a few beachside bars. Hersonissos is the closest developed town, with many local dining outlets -- it's a 10-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is a 15-minute drive, and Heraklion city center is a further six minutes by car. The exclusive area of Elounda with its beautiful bay, is roughly a one hour drive. 

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious and modern with ample luxury amenities -- all with outdoor spaces, many with private pools

The elegant rooms are divided into countless different room types, and the main categories are composed of Guest Rooms, Family Suites, Bungalows, Suites, and Villas. Guest Rooms are the lowest category type. Luxury Guest Rooms have more space, along with a prime view to the sea or infinity lagoon. Family Suites are larger, sleeping two adults and two children, and some have private pools. Bungalows are set in the hotel’s gardens, have large furnished gardens designed for private alfresco enjoyment, as well as bathrooms with two sinks and a dressing area. All rooms are spacious and decorated with modern decor, and come with large flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels, DVD players, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, extensive pillow menus, bathrobes and slippers, welcome fruits, water and wine, free Wi-Fi, and furnished outdoor spaces. Bathrooms are spacious, and come with streaming audio and organic toiletries; almost all have a separate tub and shower. All ground floor rooms have private sunbathing terraces, and many have sea views. 

Suites are generously sized, with separate living rooms furnished with Bang & Olufsen TV sets, and many have private pools with sea views. Additional luxury touches in higher category suites include Nespresso machines, bluetooth speakers, a private in-room gym with separate temperature control, extravagantly-sized bathrooms with TVs, and whirlpool tubs with aromatherapy and colortherapy. Villas are at the high end of the spectrum, making up the most luxurious accommodations at the hotel. All have private pools with direct sea views. Beach Villas are situated directly on the seafront, with direct access to the private beach section reserved for Suite and Villa guests. Guests staying in Suites and Villas receive special VIP treatment, such as exclusive access to the VIP beach section with private gazebos, as well as personal butler service for free drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. VIP guests also enjoy private check-in, personal concierge service, extensive welcome gifts, and special kids’ amenities such as kid-sized bathrobes and slippers. 

See More Rooms

Features

Six restaurants, three bars, sandy beachfront, large saltwater pool, spa, and kids’ facilities

There’s a wonderful array of facilities at Amirandes, Grechotel Exclusive Resort. The hotel’s sandy beach includes waiter service, and in addition is attended by staff who deliver free bottles of water and fresh fruit to every guest. There’s only one outdoor pool, but its Olympic-size -- and the addition of 58 private pools means it’s rarely overcrowded. The pool likewise provides efficient waiter service, along with welcome fruit, water, and pool towels delivered straight to your sun bed. The pool bar doubles as a brasserie, serving all-day light meals. The Sunset Lounge is an elegant beachfront affair with relaxing sea views. Live jazz music in evenings at the beautiful Lagoon Bar creates a romantic vibe for couples in the main wing. 

With six restaurants, guests are spoiled for dining choices: the main buffet restaurant serves an international menu along with a rich breakfast buffet, complete with Champagne and live music several times a week. Decent Italian fare at the Minoan Restaurant is accompanied by original ceramic works by Picasso. The Blue Monkey serves a modern Asian a la carte meny amidst sunset sea views. A Cretan organic restaurant offers healthy dishes from fresh, locally sourced produce. Lago Di Candia has an international menu by the tranquil infinity lagoon pool. There’s also an alfresco seafood lunch option with beautiful sea views. Meal plans include bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and super half-board, which allows guests unlimited access to a selection of the themed restaurants. 

The spa provides Ayurvedic treatments by certified Indian specialists, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, and small handful of outdoor sports facilities including tennis courts. Kid-friendly facilities are varied and include three separate kids’ clubs divided by age, free kids’ buffet, and countless activities. Daily hosted recreation is also available for adults, along with live evening entertainment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Parking is also free.  

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.