Vasia Sea Retreat

“Fabulous holiday”

What a fabulous hotel this is. After reading a few negative reviews, we were alittle apprehensive, but the hotel exceeded our expectations. We arrived late evening and were given a glass of prosecco and a light snack before being shown to our room. We booked a standard room with inland vie… more

What a fabulous hotel this is. After reading a few negative reviews, we were alittle apprehensive, but the hotel exceeded our expectations. We arrived late evening and were given a glass of prosecco and a light snack before being shown to our room. We booked a standard room with inland view which was sizeable, with a small fridge, coffee maker and kettle. We could see the sea from the small balcony which was in sunshine in the afternoon. There are three pools, all with ample sunloungers and all with views of the sea. There is plenty of other seating around the hotel, especially down the steps from the pool bar. A perfect spot to watch the sunsets. We booked Bed and Breakfast - eggs are cooked to your liking and coffee and juice served to your table. The buffet was well stocked with lots of choice and you can eat as much as you want. We found that we didnt need any lunch after filling up with breakfast. The nearest sandy beach is Potomos, approximately two miles away. There is a free shuttle bus from the hotel which we used a couple of times, but we also walked back across the rocks once or twice. It isnt an easy route but worth the views and being able to stay at the beach a bit longer. The resort itself has plenty of restaurants, all serving fabulous Greek cuisine. Portion sizes at Edem were amazing and reasonably priced. Ormos cafe does the most amazing Pornstar Martini. We would recommend having a couple of days out to Ag Nik and Heraklion - both a bus journey away. The bus leaves Sisi at 9.15 and returns from either location at 2.45. One thing to note - even though Ag Nik and Heraklion are in different directions - you get on the same bus. Passengers to Ag Nik then change to another bus once you get to the main road. We also did a boat trip to Spinalongo which was fabulous. Our only negative was the bar prices at the hotel are pricey - even higher than seafront restaurants in Heraklion and Ag Nik. During our stay we saw very few people use the bar which was a shame - we felt that if the prices were more reasonable, maybe more people would have used the facilities. We were certainly put off buying more than one drink. All in all, a kfabulous holiday. The hotel staff are so friendly and helpful and work so hard to make sure your stay is enjoyable. We will certainly consider going back for another holiday and would recommend to everyone.

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“Super relaxing, welcoming, beautiful couples getaway.”

Stunning location on the sea front (although not a sandy beach). Easy walking distance to local restaurants etc. both along the main road, and in the village of Sissi and harbour (about 10-15 minutes walk away). Staff and service were all outstanding and very friendly. Rooms were spotlessly clean. … more

Stunning location on the sea front (although not a sandy beach). Easy walking distance to local restaurants etc. both along the main road, and in the village of Sissi and harbour (about 10-15 minutes walk away). Staff and service were all outstanding and very friendly. Rooms were spotlessly clean. We stayed in a standard double with inland view. We knew from reading reviews that the view would be across some undeveloped land with a hut and some caravans, but we didn't really use the balcony apart from drying our swimming gear and towels - there is a small pull our airer on the balcony. There are lots of lovely places around the resort to sit and chill, not just the comfortable sun loungers and beds by the three pools. We stayed on a bed and breakfast basis, and the breakfast was good. Eggs in various forms cooked to order and served to you, as were hot drinks and juices. There was a buffet with hot breakfast items, breads/pastries, cereals with nuts etc. to add to them, fresh fruit, cheese, meats, greek yoghurt and honey from a large honeycomb. The staff would clear away your used plates promptly, and no issues with going back to get different items a few times. We were able to have a good sized breakfast each day, snacks in the daytime, then eat out at various local restaurants in the evening. There are a good number of sun loungers (some at each pool area), and some "bali bed" type doubles around the main pool, 4 covered with thicker curtains by the side of the pool bar, and two with more voile type curtains and open at the top, more by the poolside. There was no issue with loungers being reserved early while we were there, and in fact, the days we decided to spend by the pool, we were able to get a bali bed each time, which was useful to use the curtains for shade. Room: cleaned daily, bed linen and towels changed every other day, pool towels changed once in the week. Small fridge with bottled water replenished daily - plenty of it. Kettle, small Nespresso machine, 2 pods and teabags initially provided. We found these weren't replaced automatically, but you could just ask for more at reception and they hand them over to you. Safe provided, but just sits on a shelf, and not secured to anything. We were glad we read a comment about not many hangers being provided, and brought a few of our own. Plenty of space to hang clothes on a rail (not in an enclosed wardrobe) with two drawers beneath. Lovely olive oil hand wash in a pump bottle by the sink (in the bedroom), and large shower gel/shampoo in a pump bottle in the shower. Also two small olive oil body lotion bottles and two small olive oil conditioners provided. Bed was very comfortable, as were the pillows. The resort is well geared up for the late flight times most have to/from the UK. We arrived about 1am, and were welcomed warmly, and given water, prosecco and a snack, before being taken to our room. Normal check out time is 11am, and there are various late check out times available for a fee (assuming that your room is not being re-occupied immediately). There are showers and toilets at the lower level you can use to freshen up before a late flight, if you are already checked out. They let you keep the pool towels until you leave. Luggage can be stored behind reception. Also lots of lovely comfy sofas to relax on in reception while you wait for your airport transfer. The only slight negatives: 1) not a lot of natural shade around the resort, although lots of parasols etc. If you want somewhere cooler and more shaded to sit, there is a lovely area at the bottom of the resort with sofas, chairs and tables, which is partly covered, and benefits from the sea breeze. 2) the second set of pool towels were somewhat threadbare, after lovely thick fluffy grey ones to start, the replacements were thin beige ones (looked to be the original ones from the resort photos, so have been well used and washed over a couple of years). Anyway, we loved our stay and didn't want to leave last night! Definitely plan to return.

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“Lovely stay”

Lovely relaxing stay here We had a two floor room which was clean - some areas of the bathroom needed attention and the bed was two put together but not fixed. The private tub was nice but got little sun in the patio area. Definitely a great place for a chill holiday and staff are fab! Great locat… more

Lovely relaxing stay here We had a two floor room which was clean - some areas of the bathroom needed attention and the bed was two put together but not fixed. The private tub was nice but got little sun in the patio area. Definitely a great place for a chill holiday and staff are fab! Great location to be away from the resort but near enough to all amenities. Only downside is flights home are often late in the day/night and the price to keep room in my opinion is steep. Great restaurants in the area

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“Not the best and definitely not 5*”

Honest review of this hotel. Definitely not 5* i have stayed many places in Greece 3* which were much better. October half term,weather was good bonus.The hotel winding down for end of season and it showed,majority of staff were lovely but plenty that were quite miserable.Entertainment wasn't great… more

Honest review of this hotel. Definitely not 5* i have stayed many places in Greece 3* which were much better. October half term,weather was good bonus.The hotel winding down for end of season and it showed,majority of staff were lovely but plenty that were quite miserable.Entertainment wasn't great ,if you go with kids at this time of year,a kids club 3 times in a week is shocking.People will say it's because end of season,fine if that was reflected in price they were charging to stay there.May be better in Summer,but again reflect in price. Plenty of sunbeds but they were seriously not the best. The Drinks were ok definitely not premium although came out of premium bottles,mixers were shocking and very sweet. Food repetitive,also hit and miss and a lot was extremely salty and inedible. Our last day felt in the way as organising a hotel end of season party,and a lot of staff more interested in that rather than guests that were still there.We hadn't even left and our block and was virtually been emptied,tvs off walls in rooms,and all dumped in corridors. If you have a late flight as is often the case,the price they charge to keep room on is scandalous,on the plus side they do have shower rooms which were pretty decent. If you have a late flight in the food they provide is shocking stale burger roll with a bit of cheese and ham and an apple. Rooms ok but very dated, kept clean beds made and towels changed regularly,although balcony only cleaned every other day which was bizarre as they were cleaning the room.Fridge with 2 small bottles of water replenished each day. Would I stay here again absolutely not.

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