In February, we were finally able to embark on a long-planned trip to Crete. The five-star rated, Cretan Malia Park Hotel, on the beautiful Greek island of Crete, is only 30 minutes from Herakilon airport. If you want to explore the largest Greek island, you should definitely book a rental car. However, whether it is necessary at the Cretan Malia Park Hotel is another question!
On site, you will find a spacious complex with beautiful gardens, a hotel beach, several restaurants and bars and much more. We chose the hotel not only because of its special design, but also because of its sustainability concept. This is not an empty word here, but a holistic approach that contributes to the well-being of the guest.
The Cretan Malia Park – Architecture in harmony with nature
The hotel was built back in 1989 on the site of a campsite. In 2019, it was completely redesigned. The renowned Vana Pernari Architecture Studios was in charge of the revitalisation work. The brief was that the work should integrate a symbiosis of tradition and contemporary aesthetics into the existing hotel concept. This was implemented perfectly.
The predominant design element – Bohemian Chic
Especially with the architecture of the outdoor area, we immediately thought of the term “Bohemian Chic” This trend in fashion and design is derived from the French term “Bohème”. It describes an unbound and unconstrained design in which individualism rather than conformism sets the priorities. The individual elements, with their plain and simple shapes, blend harmoniously into the larger whole. The eucalyptus trees, cypresses, palms, cacti, olive trees, pine and many more southern plants in the outdoor area harmonise perfectly with the clean and stylish ambience of the hotel.
The rooms – spacious and elegant
There are 13 blocks in Cretan Malia Park with a total of 204 guest rooms. The buildings of the hotel complex integrate into the landscape. It is not one of the classic hotel bunkers. No building is higher than two storeys. We chose a junior suite with a sea view. The suite was very spacious with about 35 m2. The size and category offers such amenities as the daily Cretan breakfast at Mouries and the minibar filled with local products.
Our suite at Cretan Malia Park combined tranquillity and seclusion with bohemian chic. The retro look décor with high quality textiles, designer furniture and regional artwork is luxurious. It is a successful attempt to bring the colours and cheerful feeling of the beautiful nature inside. The sleeping and resting area is comfortable, and we always started the next day well rested.
Family Friendly
We were able to spend a really relaxing and eventful holiday with our 12-month-old daughter. There are many activities for the little ones. This way, the parents also have plenty of time to enjoy the holiday and get to know other parents. Not without reason, this hotel is considered one of the most family-friendly hotels in all of Crete and Europe. I was particularly impressed by the design of the Little Explorers Kids’ Club. The organic garden for children also conveys the hotel’s green programme to the youngsters. In the afternoon, “The Crush” offered a scoop of ice cream for the children and delicious pastries with coffee for the adults. For older children or adults, there is an outdoor cinema evening in “The Place” area several times a week or you can simply relax in the hammock during the day. We discovered our new common hobby there: table tennis!
The culinary offer
The Mouries
The cosy restaurant in Cretan style with its open kitchen is a highlight both in the morning and in the evening. The breakfast in particular was very appealing to me personally, as you are surprised with delicious delicacies from their own garden in a quiet atmosphere!
Almyra by the sea
If you love Italian cuisine, the “Almyra” restaurant right by the sea is the place to be! Italian delicacies accompanied by the sound of the sea and chic Mediterranean interior design – what more could you want?! My personal recommendation is the octopus!
The Beach Shack
If you want to enjoy some casual snacks or drinks right by the sea, you should settle down in the cosy lounge chairs at the beach bar. From late morning to late evening, you can indulge yourself here!
