Being Greece’s largest island and a tourist hotspot for decades, Crete has numerous top all-inclusive resorts, beaches and attractions. What accommodation you opt for depends on your travel style, preferences, and budget.
Are you looking for relaxation, nightlife, or family activities? Do you want to be by the beach, in the hills, or near town? Do you prefer luxury, boutique, or budget accommodations?
If you’re staying in Hersonissos, Village Heights Resort is perfect for a combination of much of the above (less the beach) and all with full service, wellness, and stunning views. They offer peaceful, self-catered suites and spas with numerous activities onsite and nightlife only a taxi ride away.
Set the scene
Village Heights Resort is an eco-friendly, mindful retreat in the peaceful Cretan countryside. It provides elegant, well-equipped accommodation, a pampering spa and reduced green fees at the nearby 18-hole Crete Golf Club.
Location
From the cool hills of Ano Hersonissos, Village Heights offers panoramic views of the Cretan countryside and the sea among landscaped gardens of aromatic herbs and olive trees.
The location’s quiet area in Hersonissos is away from the strip yet less than a 10-minute drive from the town centre and villages. A daily shuttle is available at various times throughout the day, free of charge to and from town, and a 30-minute drive takes you to the capital city of Heraklion and its airport.
What can we expect from the rooms?
Accommodation at Village Heights Resort comprises self-catered studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, and villas sleeping between two and six guests. Each suite has fully equipped kitchenettes with a cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, dishwasher, toaster, coffee machine and utensils, allowing guests to cater their stay to their requirements.
My week’s stay was in a generously sized studio decorated in warm colours with cooling tiled floors and, as well as the above, a comfortable king-size bed, satellite television, refrigerator, air conditioning, bathroom and bathtub/shower combination.
The eco-friendly resort also provides great Cretan refillable olive oil cream, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner toiletries.
Many accommodations offer calming views over the pool, sea, resort gardens, or mountains from private furnished balconies or terraces. However, mine was of the car park but had a lovely view of the pool from the kitchen window.Â
The bottle of Cretan wine was also a lovely welcome.
Facilities
The resort features a comprehensive wellness centre with a spa, fitness area, free sauna and steam rooms, hot tub, hammam, two outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, two kids’ pools and a mini market. There’s also a shuttle service running to and from the hotel to town.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the resort’s proximity to the Crete Golf Club, located just minutes away, offering an 18-hole course with special rates for Village Heights Resort guests.
The Citrus Pool Bar offers poolside refreshments. However, I did think €11 for a fresh juice was pretty pricey. The pools have plenty of sunbeds, so you don’t have to wake early to lay a towel, book or bag.
Village Heights Resort caters to families with a dedicated kids’ club and children’s play areas, keeping younger guests entertained throughout their stay. Guests can also get involved in daily fitness activities for adults, such as yoga, volleyball, aqua gym etc.
Cultural activities include Cretan cooking classes and cheese-making in Mitato, a space paying homage to the island’s traditional architectural heritage.
The resort offers multiple dining venues offering a variety of culinary experiences to suit different tastes.
Food & Drink
Breakfast wasn’t included in the price of my stay, and at €19, I decided to pass as I can’t say I was overly impressed by what I saw for the price.
I don’t usually dine at resorts as I often wonder how authentic an experience I will get. However, as I was told by two locals when I told them where I was staying that the food was good in the restaurant, I decided to give it a go and dined at Rodies with no regrets.
Rodies Restaurant impresses with its seasonal ingredients and dishes closely following Cretan recipes. I opted for the Gemista, which was delicious, as was the Cretan salad with a beautiful soft cheese and the mammoth selection of artisan bread and olives.
The inspiration for the restaurant’s name comes from the abundance of pomegranate trees that take centre stage and grace its poolside courtyard, and I was given a flavourful pomegranate raki as an aperitif.
After the sun sets, take part in a Cretan Night, exploring the local culture and traditions with professional dancers and live music.
What about the service?
Very welcoming! I’m sure Village Heights has guests returning year-on-year, and this has now become home from home. Everyone’s friendly and professional, from Kim providing help with tours, Niki at reception and Emannuelle at the bar, the friendly cleaners and affable staff in the mini market.
What type of person stays here?
Everyone. Families, couples, friends and solo travellers will all enjoy staying at Village Heights Resort.
Is it worth it?
It was for me – I got a bargain as I booked through my parents’ timeshare. However, from what I have seen, it’s generally very reasonably priced. That said, there was a daily tax of €15 per night to factor in, but overall, Village Heights Resort is the height of tranquillity.
