Grecotel Amirandes, Boutique Resort  

An elegant, family-friendly resort with a superb culinary scene

This decadent Minoan Palace-style resort is edged by a beautiful beach and show-stopping pool.

You’re never far from water at the stylish Amirandes – whether it’s sea-gazing over haute cuisine, swimming in the Olympic-sized pool, sipping sundowners by a glittering lagoon or sunbathing on the deck of your luxury suite, complete with its own private pool. The hotel is fringed by a creamy stretch of coast that extends into two picturesque coves, where you can try your hand at watersports, indulge in a fresh catch of the day or sink into an oversized sofa at the al fresco Sunset Lounge. There’s plenty to entertain families as well as couples, including a great kids’ club, while the Elixir Alchemy Spa offers a peaceful retreat for adults after some quiet time. The culinary offering is also superb, with a focus on local, seasonal produce picked from Grecotel’s nearby Agreco Farm.

Why we love Grecotel Amirandes, Boutique Resort 

  • Grecotel Amirandes is set on a beach for private use of the watersports, beach volleyball and other activities on hand, and villa guests get special access to their own section of it.

  • It’s great for families as well as couples; the Grecoland kids’ club is open six days a week, while the chic spa features a gym area, relaxation rooms and an indoor pool.

  • Heraklion is a 20-minute drive away, making the resort a great base for cultural exploration.

  • It’s a great option for foodies, with nine restaurants and bars – including the award-winning Xasteria – and an included dinner at Agreco Farm’s organic Taverna (for stays of 7 or more days)..

5 stars
May - Oct
Crete
4 hours
Beachfront in Gouves, on the northern shores of Crete. The hotel is on a flight path so there may be some noise
Approx. 15 minutes' transfer from Heraklion airport
Suitable for children, Wellness, Beach, All Inclusive Option, Spa

This resort has earned internationally recognised certification that conform to standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Diving & Watersports
  • Sustainability
  • Families

The culinary scene is superb here, with nine restaurants and bars offering plenty of choice – from award-winning Greek mezze to avant-garde Asian and steak. We love that part of the produce used to create the dishes is from Grecotel's own farm, located in the hills one and a half hours away; you can visit Agreco and dine at the authentic Greek taverna for a true farm-to-table experience (transfers not included).

Amirandes
Sumptuous breakfast buffets – think Cretan-style scrambled eggs, poached eggs drizzled with truffle oil and just-baked bread – are the order of the day here, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s also open for lunch and dinner, with live music performances on selected days.

Lago di Candia Grill
Indulge in fresh fish and steak alongside specialty coffees served in Bordeaux wine glasses at this avant-garde restaurant with floating deck, where food is served against the shimmering horizon.

Minotaur
Decked out with an impressive collection of Picasso ceramics, this is set by the candlelit lagoon and serves hand-made ravioli and other Italian dishes with an extensive wine list.

Blue Monkey
Indulge in avant-garde Asian dishes at this chic, design-led restaurant, with an outdoor courtyard offering picturesque sea views.

Petrino
Tuck into fresh seafood and mezze at this al fresco Greek restaurant, served with idyllic ocean views.

Xasteria
Head to this award-winning spot for authentic Cretan food made with organic produce from the Agreco Farm, and wash it down with a local wine.

Labyrinth
This elegant lounge bar serves cocktails and other drinks into the early hours, with romantic views over the candlelit lagoon and regular live music for added atmosphere.

Sunset Lounge
Set right on the beach, this cool lounge bar offers tiki cocktails and sushi to accompany dazzling sunsets. There’s also a casual beach bar open throughout the day.

Pool Bar
Cool down with an ice-cold drink by the pool at this laid-back spot, serving light lunches and snacks with endless sea views.

Blue Monkey is a standout, serving Asian cuisine with a modern twist in hip surroundings.

Whats Included

2023 stays:
Breakfast at Amirandes.

2024 stays:
Half Board The Dine Club (ALC) • Breakfast and dinner at Amirandes Mediterraneo • Lunch (in exchange for dinner) at Amirandes Medierraneo or 20 € per adult/10 € per child credit to use against lunch at Petrino Sea Food Al Fresco • 20 € per adult /10 € per child credit to use for dinner at a choice of à la carte restaurants (reservations required) • 2 x à la carte dinners at a choice of restaurants at Amirandes and the resort's three sister hotels OR 1 x à la carte dinner per stay as above and 1 x traditional culinary experience at Agreco Farm Taverna (minumum 7 night stay and applicable to every consecutive 7 nights; reservations required; participating restaurants may vary due to weather conditions, seasonality and availability) • ALL IN-Dining experience for guests eleven and under which includes a tasty corner during lunch at the main restaurant (12.30pm-2pm, all-day snacks at Grecoland and à la carte kids dining in designated restaruants with a special kids' menu (juices included)

Upgrade Options

2023 stays:
Half Board The Dine Club (ALC) • Breakfast and dinner at Amirandes Mediterraneo • Lunch (in exchange for dinner) at Amirandes Medierraneo or 20 € per adult/10 € per child credit to use against lunch at Petrino Sea Food Al Fresco • 20 € per adult /10 € per child credit to use for dinner at a choice of à la carte restaurants (reservations required) • 2 x à la carte dinners at a choice of restaurants at Amirandes and the resort's two sister hotels OR 1 x à la carte dinner per stay as above and 1 x traditional culinary experience at Agreco Farm Taverna (minumum 7 night stay and applicable to every consecutive 7 nights; reservations required; participating restaurants may vary due to weather conditions, seasonality and availability) • ALL IN-Dining experience for guests eleven and under which includes a tasty corner during lunch at the main restaurant (12.30pm-2pm, all-day snacks at Grecoland and à la carte kids dining in designated restaruants with a special kids' menu (juices included)
Comfort All-In Package (all inclusive) • As per Half Board The Dine Club plus: • Lunch • Selected drinks • Snacks served throughout the day.

2024 stays: Comfort All-In Package (all inclusive) • As per Half Board The Dine Club plus: • Lunch • Selected drinks • Snacks served at specific times and venues.

You’ll find a sauna, beauty salon, indoor pool and six massage rooms here, with treatments using organic plants from Crete. Opt for the signature Amirandes Massage for a muscle-melting, top-to-toe treat using reflexology, Shiatsu and aromatherapy, or try the Love Potion for a romantic therapy for two. There’s also a fitness room with Technogym equipment.

You’ll find plenty to do on dry land too, from mountain bike tours exploring the local area to horse riding with the nearby Heraklion club. The resort also offers beach volleyball, boccia, tennis, padel, football, basketball and an aerobics area, with classes such as morning gymnastics, sunrise yoga and pilates . Unmissable is a visit to Agreco Farm, a 40-hectare estate that showcases centuries-old farming methods and serves organic produce at the taverna. 

There’s a PADI dive centre close by if you’re wanting to get certified and explore the wrecks, reefs, drop-off walls and caves that surround the area. Courses cater to everyone from novice to seasoned diver. Try your hand at windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding and water skiing, or take to the sky on a parasail; the watersports school here is excellent, with lessons available for all levels as well as pedalos, canoes, Jet Skis and boats on hand for hire.

Grecotel contributes to the protection of the environment throughout a range of its activities. Noise, energy, water and waste measurements are measured and staff are encouraged to participate in environmental practices. Local and recycled products are preferred and many national and international environmental NGOs are supported by Grecotel.

Kids are well catered for with all day buffet ‘Tasty Corner’, a kid’s paddling pool and a six-days-a-week Grecoland kids’ club (4-12 years) and 13+ years activities including Greek dancing and golf (mid-June to mid-September)

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