Platania's Paradise: Crete's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Platania's Paradise: Crete's Hidden Gem? Hold My Raki! (A Real Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Platania's Paradise and let me tell you…it's a vibe. Forget those overly polished travel guides, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of Cretan sunshine and maybe a little too much raki (more on that later). We’re talking Crete's Hidden Gem – or at least, that’s what they claim. Let's see if it lives up to the hype.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof, Sometimes…)
Okay, so let's be real. Accessibility isn't perfect. The website hinted at it, but navigating the actual grounds was a bit of a mixed bag. While they do have facilities for disabled guests, it felt like they were trying, bless their hearts, but not quite nailing it. Some ramps were a bit steep, and the pathways weren't always the smoothest. This is something to consider if you have mobility issues.
Now, the check-in/out [express] was a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. And thank the gods for the elevator! Seriously, after lugging my suitcase up a million stairs in Athens, that elevator was a game-changer.
The car park [free of charge] was a definite plus. Finding parking in Crete can be a nightmare. And they have car park [on-site], which is super convenient.
Rooms: My Sanctuary… Mostly.
My room? Pretty darn good. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially when you're recovering from a sunburn acquired while exploring the ruins of Knossos (highly recommended, by the way!). The blackout curtains were a godsend for those late-night raki-fueled escapades. (Seriously, I'm pretty sure I saw the sunrise from my bed one morning.)
The free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a major win. I mean, gotta document those Instagrammable moments, right? Speaking of which, the Internet access – wireless was reliable and fast, a definite plus for remote work (or just endlessly scrolling through TikTok, no judgment). They even had Internet access – LAN for those old-school connection needs.
The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were a nice touch. Crucial for those mornings after a bit too much Cretan hospitality. The additional toilet was a bonus, especially when sharing a room with a friend who, let’s just say, enjoys their coffee. The bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries were all good quality, and the hair dryer saved my life after a particularly windy day at the beach.
The Food: Oh, the Food! (And the Raki… Again!)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Platania's Paradise really shines. The breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread, a feast of fresh fruit, pastries (omg, the pastries!), and savory delights. I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds just looking at it. They also offered a breakfast in room, which was perfect for those days when I just wanted to wallow in my own deliciousness.
The restaurants themselves were fantastic. The a la carte in restaurant option was great for a more intimate dining experience. The international cuisine in restaurant was well-executed, but honestly, stick to the Cretan food. The salad in restaurant was fresh and vibrant. The desserts in restaurant were pure indulgence. And the bottle of water was a constant companion.
The poolside bar was a MUST. Sipping a cocktail while gazing at the pool with view was pure bliss. They also had a snack bar for those mid-afternoon cravings.
Here’s where things get messy (in a good way): One night, I had the most incredible meal. I'm talking, life-altering, I-might-just-move-here-forever kind of meal. I started with the soup in restaurant, a hearty lentil soup that warmed me from the inside out. Then came the main course, a slow-cooked lamb dish that was so tender, it practically melted in my mouth. And then, oh my god, the dessert. A honey-soaked baklava that had me crying tears of joy. Seriously, the chef deserves a medal. Or at least, a lifetime supply of raki.
Speaking of which… the happy hour at the bar? Let’s just say I made some new friends. And developed a newfound appreciation for the Cretan spirit.
Ways to Relax & Unwind (and Maybe Get a Little Tipsy)
Okay, so they have a spa. That's a good start. They offer a Body scrub and Body wrap. I didn't try those, but I heard good things. They had a massage, which I definitely needed after all that exploring and eating.
The Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom were all available. I went in the sauna, it was hot and relaxing.
The swimming pool [outdoor] was stunning, and the pool with view was even better. I spent hours just floating around, staring at the mountains and the sea. Pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Things To Do (Besides Eating and Drinking)
While the hotel offered a Fitness center, I'm not sure I ever made it there. The allure of the pool and the bar was just too strong. They also had Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, and Outdoor venue for special events, in case you're planning a wedding or something.
They also offer airport transfer, which is a lifesaver. Getting around is pretty easy with taxi service and car park [on-site].
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, We're Still Living in These Times
Okay, let’s be honest, the pandemic is still a thing. Platania's Paradise took it seriously, which I appreciated. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hand sanitizer readily available. I felt safe and secure. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, which was reassuring. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. The Safe dining setup was also commendable.
The Minor Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect)
I had a minor issue with the room decorations. They were a bit… dated. But honestly, it's a small price to pay for everything else. The front desk [24-hour] was helpful, but sometimes it felt like they were a little understaffed.
The Verdict: Go! (But Manage Your Expectations)
Platania's Paradise isn't perfect. It has its quirks. But it's got charm, amazing food, and a location that's hard to beat. If you're looking for a luxurious, sterile experience, this might not be for you. But if you're looking for a genuine Cretan experience, with delicious food, stunning views, and a healthy dose of relaxation, then book it. Just be prepared to embrace the imperfections and, most importantly, pace yourself with the raki. You'll thank me later.
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Escape to Platania's Paradise: Your Cretan Dream Awaits!
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Escape the Saigon Hustle: Chill Studio Near Stock Exchange & Metro!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is Platania's Paradise, Crete, Greece, according to me, and let me tell you, it's been a journey. Prepare for a schedule that's less "precision-engineered Swiss watch" and more "slightly tipsy octopus wrangling a map."
Platania's Paradise: A Messy, Glorious Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Olive Oil Debacle (aka, "My Luggage is a Traitor")
- Morning: Arrive at Chania Airport (CHQ). The flight was fine. You know, airplane food, the existential dread of being crammed into a metal tube with hundreds of strangers… the usual. But the moment I stepped off the plane, the Cretan sun slapped me in the face and said, "Welcome, darling, prepare to sweat."
- Problem #1: Luggage. Specifically, my luggage. It seems my suitcase decided to stage a daring escape somewhere between Heathrow and Heraklion. Fantastic. I'm talking, t-shirts, sunscreen, my beloved snorkel… all gone. Cue the silent scream of a woman who's about to spend a week in borrowed clothes.
- Afternoon: Finally arrive at the adorable (and thankfully air-conditioned) villa in Platania. The owner, Dimitri, is a charming, gruff old man with a smile that could melt glaciers. He greets me with a shot of Raki, which I think might have been fuel for a small car. I'm already starting to feel that Cretan hospitality.
- Sunset: Head to the beach. Okay, technically it's the beach. But also, it's a collection of rocks and pebbles. But the water… the water is a turquoise dream. I try to snorkel (borrowed mask, thanks Dimitri!) and promptly swallow half the Aegean Sea. Worth it.
Day 2: Samaria Gorge - I Swear, My Knees Hate Me Now
- Morning: The hike. The legendary Samaria Gorge. I’d heard tales of its beauty. They weren't exaggerating, but damn, it’s a long walk! We started at the top, and holy moly, the views were breathtaking. The sheer cliffs, the rushing water, it was like stepping into a movie.
- Problem #2: My fitness level. Let's just say "sedentary office worker" isn't ideal prep for a 16km hike. My knees started screaming approximately two hours in. I hobbled along, fueled by stale granola bars and the sheer stubbornness of a woman who refuses to be defeated by a mountain.
- Afternoon: Reached the end! And promptly collapsed on the beach. We took a ferry to Agia Roumeli, which was a lovely little village, but all I could think about was food. And a massage.
- Evening: Dinner at a taverna in Agia Roumeli. Fresh fish, local wine, and the most satisfying feeling of exhaustion I've ever experienced. I swear, I could have slept on a bed of rocks.
Day 3: The Beach, the Taverna, and the Questionable Karaoke
- Morning: Beach day. Found a proper beach today, with actual sand! Spent hours swimming, sunbathing (with borrowed sunscreen, still!), and generally feeling like a blissful, sun-drenched lizard.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a taverna overlooking the sea. Ordered a Greek salad (duh!), and it was the best salad of my life. The tomatoes were bursting with flavor, the feta was salty and creamy, and the olive oil… oh, the olive oil. This is where the "Great Olive Oil Debacle" gets a little more interesting… Because I went back to the taverna twice that day, and bought three bottles of the stuff.
- Evening: Karaoke. This is where things get interesting. The taverna owner, a man named Manolis, decided to host a karaoke night. I'm not a karaoke person. I'm a "hide in the shadows" person. But after a few glasses of wine, I found myself on stage belting out a questionable rendition of "Dancing Queen." The locals were surprisingly supportive, and I'm pretty sure Manolis is still laughing.
Day 4: Elafonisi Beach - Pink Sand & Existential Contemplation
- Morning: The drive to Elafonisi is a journey in itself. Winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and the constant fear of falling off the edge. But, the payoff… the PINK SAND! Elafonisi is as beautiful as the postcards promise. The water is shallow and crystal clear.
- Afternoon: Spent hours wading in the shallows, feeling the pink sand between my toes. This is where I had a moment of "holy crap, I'm actually here, doing this." A moment of pure, unadulterated joy. I'm not sure what's the point, but that's why I was there.
- Evening: A quiet dinner back in Platania. Sat on my balcony, watching the stars, and feeling incredibly grateful for this messy, wonderful life.
Day 5: Knossos & the Minoan Labyrinth (and the Annoying Tourist)
- Morning: Decided to explore Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace. It was fascinating, but crowded. And the tourists! Oh, the tourists. There was this one guy, who kept yelling "Look at the columns! They're columns!" as if we hadn't noticed. I seriously considered pushing him into a ditch.
- Afternoon: Found a hidden taverna near Knossos and had a delicious lunch of moussaka, and a much-needed rest.
- Evening: Back in Platania, went to a local shop and bought a souvenir. I needed something to show I was there.
Day 6: The Olive Oil Epiphany & Farewell Raki
- Morning: Went to an olive oil tasting. This is where I truly understood the magic of Cretan olive oil. The different varieties, the subtle nuances of flavor, the way it just makes everything taste better. I bought another bottle.
- Afternoon: Spent the afternoon wandering around Platania, saying goodbye to the friendly faces and the beautiful scenery.
- Evening: Dimitri invites me over for a final Raki. We sit on his porch, watching the sunset, and he tells me stories about his life. It's a perfect, quiet moment.
Day 7: Departure & The Promise of Return
- Morning: Pack, return the borrowed gear, and head to the airport.
- Problem #3: My luggage still hasn't turned up. But, I'm leaving Crete with more than just a suitcase. I'm leaving with memories, a newfound appreciation for olive oil, and a burning desire to return.
- Afternoon: On the plane. Saying goodbye to Crete.
Postscript:
This trip wasn't perfect. My knees hurt, my luggage is still MIA, and I'm pretty sure I embarrassed myself on karaoke night. But it was real. It was messy. And it was absolutely, gloriously Cretan. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a bigger suitcase. And maybe a knee brace. And possibly earplugs for the karaoke.
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Banya BnB Awaits in Prachuap Khiri Khan!
Platania's Paradise: Crete's Hidden Gem - Seriously, You NEED to Know! (Or Maybe Not...)
Okay, So What *IS* Platania Anyway? Spill the Tea!
Alright, alright, settle down! Platania is a *tiny* village on Crete's north coast. Think…blink-and-you-miss-it. It's got a beach, obviously (because Crete), some tavernas, and a whole lot of…well, peace and quiet. It's not the party scene of Malia, thank god. It's more like…a breath of fresh, salty air. It's a place where the rooster's your alarm clock, not some obnoxious nightclub. But it's not perfect, mind you. More on that later…
Is the Beach Actually Good? Like, Instagram-Worthy Good?
The beach? Yeah, it's good. Really good. Think turquoise water, soft sand…the kind you can *actually* relax on. It's not HUGE, mind you. You won't be battling crowds. But it's beautiful. And there's this one little cove…oh, it's pure magic. I spent an entire afternoon there, just…floating. Okay, fine, I was probably napping. But still! I remember, one time, I was there, and this old Greek guy, super tanned, just waltzed right in with his fishing rod, and started casting. It was so…Crete. But the wind can pick up, so pack a jacket, and maybe some earplugs for the kids, if you have them.
What's the Vibe? Is It Touristy?
Thank. God. No. It's not overrun with package tourists. You'll find a few, sure, but mostly it's locals, some independent travelers, and people who *actually* want to experience Crete, not just a watered-down version. I went to a taverna one night, and the owner, this huge, friendly guy, started singing traditional songs. I didn't understand a word, but it was…amazing. It felt real. And that's Platania in a nutshell. Authentic, yes. Perfect, no. The WiFi can be dodgy, be warned! And sometimes, the tavernas run out of things. Get over it. You're on holiday!
Food! Tell Me About the Food!
Oh. My. God. The food. Seriously, I'm drooling just thinking about it. Fresh seafood, grilled to perfection. Amazing Greek salads. The bread? Forget about it. You'll gain five pounds just looking at it. I had this octopus, cooked over charcoal…I still dream about it. And the local wine? Cheap and cheerful, and goes down *way* too easily. Just be prepared for the portions. They're *huge*. And the service? Sometimes slow. But who cares? You're not in a rush, are you? Embrace the laid-back life. And tip generously! They work hard.
Okay, Okay, What About Accommodation? Is It All Luxury Villas?
Nope! Thank goodness. You'll find a range of options, from small, family-run hotels to apartments. Don't expect five-star anything. It's more about charm and character. I stayed in this little place, run by a sweet old woman named Maria. The room was basic, but spotless, and the view…oh, the view! Absolutely stunning. And the breakfast? Homemade jams, fresh fruit…it was paradise. Just be warned: air conditioning isn't always a given. And sometimes,Coastal Inns
