Insula Alba Resort & Spa (Adults Only)

“An AMAZING hotel , from check-in to check-out , perfection 👌 We want to go back already!!!”

WOW!!!! If we could give it 10 stars we would , what an amazing holiday from start to finish, we didn’t want to leave. We will definitely be returning to Analipsi and in particular this hotel , perfect balance of fun and chilled! From start to finish it was just magic! From check-in to check-out, … more

WOW!!!! If we could give it 10 stars we would , what an amazing holiday from start to finish, we didn’t want to leave. We will definitely be returning to Analipsi and in particular this hotel , perfect balance of fun and chilled! From start to finish it was just magic! From check-in to check-out, I cried leaving as the staff were just SO special – every single staff member we met were absolute diamonds, we miss them already! The holiday was for my 40th birthday & my fiancee’s 37th – Because it was a special occasion they gifted us an upgrade for 2 nights to one of the Junior rooms with a balcony pool – it was so lush – we were greeted with petals on the bed, bottle of wine, some lovely greek treats (the peanut butter brittle was THE BEST – still craving it). On the 2nd day because it was my 40th – a young staff member came in with a lovely greek cake/gateaux – which was so so kind. The following day was my fiancees birthday so we received a SECOND cake which was so kind. The room we had booked was the swim up room ground floor , which was fab – facing the sun during the day until about 3pm – then we moved down to the main pool area which was equally as nice and relaxing – some music on at the bar but not too loud/ blaring like some hotels. STAFF: – 10/10, lovely lovely people – so helpful, friendly, attentive – special shout out to Manos, Theo, Reynato, Costas , Nikos, Vicky – infact every staff member we came across (just didn’t catch all the names) bar staff, restaurant, housekeeping, reception, kitchen, TUI reps etc – all amazing, couldn’t do more for you. Thank you all for your amazing kind hospitality, you should be so proud of such a great team! FOOD: Awesome, best all inclusive we have had. Food was excellent- so much choice. Plenty veggie/vegan food – First AI hotel I have ever managed to get oat milk, soya milk etc. Lovely Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast – Hash browns were the best. They even did (what we call in Scotland) ‘Tattie Scones’ , fancy beans, bacon, eggs – fried, boiled or scrambled, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, fruits, cereal, yoghurts, pastries – pan au chocolate etc. Lunch – Great choice of salads, cold meat, cheeses, some specials, hot food, breads, soups!!Main course hot food, really decent choices – often some really tasty greek options too. Dinner- Similar to lunch – plentiful salads, pastas, rices, cold specials, meats, cheeses, vegetables, meats, fish, main eg. Lasagne, Gyros, Roast beef etc – different each day. Plenty for everyone unless you are a really fussy eater, it was brilliant! Drinks table service too! If you don’t want to get dressed and go to the main restaurant there is a snack/lunch bar down at the bottom where the Culinary restaurant is – where you can order some All inc items such as a club sandwich or veggie wrap, lovely wedges etc – there are also other things you can order (& pay – not included in AI) I ordered the Vegan hot dog a couple days which was a nice treat. Drinks were fab – a huge range of branded spirits, cocktails, prosecco, shots – sooo much on the AI list – plenty that you shouldn’t have to pay for anything, although there were other specific drink options if you wish to pay. Eg Champagne or certain whiskies – speciality drinks but the AI list was excellent, again the best All inc hotel drinks we’ve experienced and not an early cut off time like some hotels. AREA: Overlooking the sea/beach, stunning views ! Lovely walk in either direction to some shops, restaurants and bars – we were AI but went out for our birthday’s for meals – one night to the Marina and next night to Sirtaki (would highly recommend both) and Mojo’s music bar- but we were really missing the craic at our hotel bar that evening – You don’t need to stray far when you have all that in the hotel and AI up until 12:30pm , there is entertainment at the bar – quiz, silent disco etc – and piano bar – but they are not pushy with getting people involved – Same as the day time entertainment – it’s there if you want to join but they are not pushy like some hotels can be, actually didn’t even notice it was on till about half way through the holiday. There is a big space for yoga and a timetable of whats on every day but never push you to do anything. The beauty/spa staff and TUI reps are the same – they are there if you need them but don’t hassle you one bit. Things to do in the area: Boat Trip: Would recommend doing one of the boat trips , we got picked up from our hotel and driven to Hereklion harbour where we went on a lovely boat trip to Dai for the afternoon – we were with 6 other people and had a great time – met some new friends, did scooba driving (optional) and had a few wines and nice salad/meal on the boat and dropped back off to the door of our hotel. Quad biking, jet skiing, paragliding, pedal boats – a lot to do in the area- and not far from bigger places but we were happy sticking to Analipsi. Just wandering the streets was exciting, some gorgeous typical Greek streets and houses, lots of colourful street art. ROOMS: Comfortable beds, clean rooms, minibar/fridge topped up, tea/coffee, dressing gowns, slippers, iron/board, hairdryer. People will always find wee things to complain about but it was perfect and fresh. The rooms seem pretty sound proofed too, couldn’t hear neighbours/tv or music or anything. WI-FI: Worked perfectly for me throughout including outside on the loungers! SUN LOUNGERS: Always some available – comfy and each have a table. Bar staff are amazing and wait on the loungers – bring drinks over to you – they’re so attentive and helpful. There is a big world out there to see but I think we would struggle not to return to Analipsi Crete – and in particular this hotel. We couldn’t fault it… well if we had to- literally 1 or 2 TINY things - *Cons: ONLY factor I would consider is if you have a swim up room, they can end up in the shade at certain times during the day. The side we were at was perfect but the middle section was shaded most of the day, It maybe depends on the time of year too but I would be requesting a room in the sun. It wouldn’t be the end of the world being in the shade, as the main pool is lovely too and nice loungers , vibe etc – but if you pay for a swim up room you want to use it.. Note: in October the pool water does feel very cold, can imagine in the summer it probably warms up!! Overall just an amazing week in an amazing hotel , perfection 👌 Thank you- Jake and Lauren xx

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“Excellent Hotel”

We have just returned from an excellent weeks holiday We had a swim up room and yes the water was cold but it did not stop us going in for a cool down The rooms were very comfortable and sleep quality was excellent. The breakfast choice was first class with lots of options There are several famil… more

We have just returned from an excellent weeks holiday We had a swim up room and yes the water was cold but it did not stop us going in for a cool down The rooms were very comfortable and sleep quality was excellent. The breakfast choice was first class with lots of options There are several family run Tavernas in the nearby village which were again superb I would fully recommend this hotel

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“Not 5 star”

The hotel looks beautiful and what you would expect from a 5 star. The room we had was lovely except as 2 friends travelling together it wasn't ideal that the bathroom only had a roller blind that was partially see through. So not much privacy in the shower or toilet. The receptionists response was… more

The hotel looks beautiful and what you would expect from a 5 star. The room we had was lovely except as 2 friends travelling together it wasn't ideal that the bathroom only had a roller blind that was partially see through. So not much privacy in the shower or toilet. The receptionists response was that they dont know the relationship of people when booking. Privacy to me is a given married, friends whatever!!!! The restaurant.... Buffet style. Im not a fussy eater but the food in my opinion was poor. Meat that you just couldn't chew and I do have my own teeth. I get that this was the end of the season but we were paying guests. The drinks prices were ridiculous. No wonder the bar was so quiet. We enquired about a late checkout as we had a very late flight. Baring in mind there were no other guests arriving after we left. The reception wanted to charge is 100 Euros. We spoke to 2 couples around the pool on our last day. They paid £300 per person less for each person got an upgrade to a swim up room on arrival and didnt have to pay to keep their rooms on for the same flight as ours. Shame on you Tui Blue. HOW IS THAT FAIR. We BORROWED a hanger from our room so that travel clothes didnt get creased for our return journey. Wow the receptionist was so angry telling us they belong to the room we stayed in. What a joke!!! The reception and guest relations look the part but if your face doesn't fit WOW. We won't be back

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“Relaxing hotel but standards have slipped.”

This was my second visit to Insula Alba after several years, and my previous review on this site was extremely positive. I had saved hard for this holiday and had high expectations based on how special my last visit had been. While I still enjoyed my holiday overall with a relaxing atmosphere, suns… more

This was my second visit to Insula Alba after several years, and my previous review on this site was extremely positive. I had saved hard for this holiday and had high expectations based on how special my last visit had been. While I still enjoyed my holiday overall with a relaxing atmosphere, sunshine, and lovely staff, I can no longer consider this hotel to be five star. Staff: The staff continue to be the best thing about the resort. They are warm, hardworking, and genuinely friendly. Kostas, whom we remembered from our last stay, was wonderful to see again. He is the life and soul of the pool bar and a fantastic bartender. Teo was also a pleasure to chat with, and Manos during the day was lovely. The TUI rep team were also incredibly helpful and kind whenever we needed assistance. The local Cretan staff we met were absolutely wonderful — warm, genuine, and a big part of what made our first visit so memorable. This time, however, it felt like many of the team had been brought in through TUI’s seasonal staffing, and while they were all polite and hardworking, the resort had lost some of its authentic local charm. It now feels more like a corporate operation than the Greek experience it once was. It was my birthday during the stay and the hotel kindly left a cake in our room, which was such a thoughtful touch and very much appreciated. I did not complain during my stay, as it was clear the staff were already doing their best. They seemed tired after a long season and frustrated by the lack of guests, but they remained professional and kind throughout. I could not fault them personally — if anything, I felt sorry for them working in an environment that no longer reflects the five star standard they are trying to uphold. Then vs Now: Our first visit years ago was genuinely special. We had a beautiful modern junior suite with a rain shower, daily check-ins from the housekeeping team to see if we needed anything, chocolates left on the bed, and towels folded into decorative shapes. We felt valued and cared for. This time we booked the exact same type of junior suite, but it had a bath with a shower instead of a rain shower. Although the room was clean, comfortable, and had great air conditioning, it felt older and less personal. None of the extra touches that made our last visit feel five star were there. It is clear that standards and attention to detail have slipped. Food & Drink: Prices have increased noticeably since our last stay. We upgraded to all inclusive on the first night because of the very high bar prices. The cocktails were fantastic with lots of choice, but dinner being buffet only in the main restaurant was disappointing. We had expected à la carte service for the price and rating. The food itself was very good with plenty of variety, but the setting felt more like a canteen than a luxury restaurant. The buffet staff were very polite and hardworking, and we had the opportunity to chat with several of them throughout our stay. However, the service felt a little rushed, as they seemed to have strict rules about clearing plates the moment someone finished eating. I eat quite quickly, whereas my partner eats more slowly, and every time I finished my plate it was taken away immediately while he was still eating. It made the meal feel slightly awkward and less relaxed, even though the staff themselves were lovely and clearly just following the procedures they were given. The dress code was not enforced. Most guests wore shorts and flip flops while we arrived dressed formally, which was awkward. By the end of the trip, I ended up dressing down myself — I had packed lovely clothes but felt out of place, so I just went casual to blend in. It all contributed to a less refined atmosphere than before. I found myself watching the dining experience in hotel Nema next door from the entrance to my room wishing we stayed there. Facilities: We did not use the indoor pool on our first stay, so this was our first experience of it. The first day was lovely, warm, calm, and relaxing. The spa doors were left unlocked that day and we assumed that was the correct way to enter. However, on our second visit, the back door from the changing rooms was suddenly locked. When we asked why, we were told it is considered part of a private area for guests paying extra to use the sauna and jacuzzi. This made absolutely no sense. It is not as if anyone could just walk in and use the sauna without paying, because staff have to physically turn it on for you. Instead, it forced guests like us to walk through the spa reception in swimwear, howel dried from the shower before and after the pool, right in front of other guests paying for spa treatments. It is a ridiculous and frustrating rule that serves no purpose other than inconvenience. I noticed noone bothered using the sauna etc probably the extortionate pricing. On our last day, we also noticed that the edges around the indoor pool — where you walk — were filthy. My white dressing gown accidentally brushed against it and came away black. We did not complain, as it was our final day and we had given up hope of things improving. The outdoor pool is beautiful and spotless, though the water was freezing. Service from Vicky and her team was excellent throughout. Atmosphere: Visiting at the end of October was not ideal. The resort was less than half full with a much older clientele and very little atmosphere, even at the bar. A resort can absolutely be relaxing and peaceful, but there still needs to be some form of gentle entertainment in the evenings to draw guests together, especially when the days get shorter and darker earlier. A pianist, acoustic singer, or soft background music would make a world of difference. Entertainment during our stay was hit or miss. One night featured a lovely Cretan singer, another a silent disco, but most guests did not engage, leaving the evenings feeling flat and empty. It is a real missed opportunity to create warmth and connection in an otherwise calm and beautiful setting. The hotel should consider lowering prices late in the season to maintain a bit of life and energy. Maintenance & Closing Period: During the last two days (around four days before closing for the season), maintenance staff began dismantling parts of the hotel. The small restaurant was shut, and food like chips or wedges was not available outside main restaurant hours. It felt like the resort was closing around us, which was disappointing after paying €4,000 in total, including €1,000 to upgrade to all inclusive. This is the main reason I am heavily dropping my review rating. Either close a week earlier or do the maintenance after guests leave. We also spoke to another couple staying a day later than us who had also paid the late checkout fee, just as we did. Shockingly, the hotel actually asked them to check out early, even after taking their payment. That really said it all. Guests should not be asked to leave early from what is meant to be a luxury resort. Overall: I did enjoy my holiday. The staff, the food quality, and the peaceful, truly adult only surroundings all made it relaxing. But it simply was not worth €4,000. The experience fell well short of the five star rating it advertises. I rated Insula Alba 4 out of 5 on my first visit years ago because it felt special despite the price. Sadly, this time I can only give 3 stars, as the standards, service, and value for money have dropped far too much.

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