The Royal Blue Resort

The Royal Blue Resort is a sprawling, all-inclusive 5-star resort on the north shore of Crete, about 50km west of Iraklion and its international airport. About 20km west of the resort is the historic tourist town of Rethymno.

This 2023 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2023 award winner has a lot to offer, beginning with a massive free-form swimming pool just a few steps away from the resort’s 200m-wide private beach, which is enclosed, except for a 50m opening towards the sea, with a well-designed breakwater, insuring calm waters on even the windiest days. There are over the water sun beds at one of the pools as well, which give you the impression of floating on the pool’s surface. Pools include one that is saltwater. The grounds are extensive with very good landscape design.

The entire resort projects an atmosphere of elegance and style, from the beautifully designed room décor in its 190 rooms, suites and villas, to the comfy wicker furniture for outdoor seating, to the sturdy wood beam gazebos in some sections of the patio areas, to the massive Minoan-style columns supporting the sky-blue ceiling in the indoor pool area, to name just a few.

Among the resort’s features are 4 restaurants, 4 bars, 2 tennis courts (with lessons), a library, a jewelry shop, a mini market, a boutique, a spa, and a fitness center. The resort also has a doctor on call, and a babysitting service at extra charge.

Although the resort is family-friendly it also has designated areas for adults only. This includes some room categories which exclude children under 12, designated adults-only portions of the private beach, and adults-only areas in the main restaurant. The bottom line is that are lots of things for kids to do, as well as adults, and the resort is big enough to comfortably accommodate both.

Guests mention the peaceful atmosphere, the excellent facilities, the beautiful design elements, the attentive staff, the general overall cleanliness of the resort and rooms, the freshness of the food, and the convenience of the busses to nearby Rethymno.

Rooms

Room décor features a colour scheme with lots of tans, crème, off-white, and darker wood furniture and door jambs. Some bathrooms have large indigo/dark shaded wall tiles or a grey variation of the same, free-standing rectangular his and her sinks, walk-in showers, and marble counter space. There’s a lot of plant variety around the patios of the ground level rooms, such as pines and palms, with various shrubs and flowers.

Room amenities include weight scale (perhaps to keep track of your overeating whilst on holiday) Wi-Fi, pool towels, interactive TV, full-length mirror, magnifying mirror, coffee and tea facilities, kettle, hair dryer, shoe shine sponge, welcome drink, complementary bottle of wine upon arrival, private balcony or terrace, bottle opener, closet, music, and lots more.

Superior Rooms

Superior Room Garden View has an earth tone décor, a twin or king size bed, a divan/bed, and a lovely patio complete with lush vegetation and sweetly scented rose bushes. Wheelchair enabled.

Superior Room Side Sea View offers a king size bed with a sleeping divan on the opposite end of the room for a third guest, a desk/wardrobe combination, a veined marble-clad bathroom, or, alternatively, a bathroom with indigo wall tiles, his and her sinks, and a pleasant view from the balcony of both the sea and the grounds.

Superior Room Sea View has a king size bed next to the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony with its great view of the sea, and a pebble in cement motif both above the headboard of the bed and the free-standing bathroom sinks. Wheelchair enabled.

Superior Room Sea Front Sea View provides you with an unobstructed frontal view of the main pool, the private beach and, beyond its breakwater, the open sea.

Superior Room Garden View with Shared Pool has an elegant terrace which opens up to a larger terrace with a small, shared swimming pool just steps away from your terrace door. Pool is semi-private and not available to guests staying in other categories of rooms.

Superior Guest Room Sharing Pool Sea View has the best of both worlds: a semi-private sharing pool and a very nice view of the sea and beach. You can relax on the private terrace, jump into the pool at a whim, or head down to the beach for a dip in the sea, which is closer than any other category of unit at the Royal Blue.

Luxury Room Sea Front with Private Pool

Extra-large accommodation with the added plus that its private pool is only for you- no sharing. The view is unbeatable, as well- an unobstructed panorama of the Sea of Crete. You get a semi-shaded gazebo, large umbrellas, sun beds, and a small privacy wall dividing you from your neighbors. What’s not to like? Plus, there’s room for up to 4 guests.

Family Suites

Family Suite Sea View has a nice terrace amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds of the resort. Pair that with a panorama of the sea and you have a whole basket of holiday memories in the making.

Family Suite Sea View with Private Pool is a step up from the Family Suite Sea view: it has the nice view of the sea, but in addition you get your own pool to cool off with a refreshing dip in the heat of the day or whenever the fancy strikes you. You can lounge on the terrace in a sun bed under an umbrella and sip your favourite beverage as you watch the sun sink towards the horizon. Pure bliss.

Suites and Villas

Superior Suite Water Front Sea View. There’s nothing between you and the sea in this suite, where you can lounge on the balcony and take it all in. This two-room accommodation is perfect for you and three others, offering privacy and relaxation and the opportunity for a memorable holiday experience.

Luxury Suite Sea Front with Private Pool is a two-room suite with a marble-clad bathroom and nothing out the sliding glass terrace doors but a gazebo-shaded terrace, a patch of green lawn, and the deep blue of the Sea of Crete. It’s comfortable dimensions insure lots or room for up to 4 guests, and the pool is there 24/7 any time you wish to use it.

Luxury Villa Sea Front with Private Pool is a bit larger than the suites and the layout is like a marionette. The pool is just outside the door, and it’s all yours. Or, if you wish, you can take an evening stroll along the beach, which is closer to your unit than others at the resort.

Royal Superior Suite Sea Front with Jacuzzi is getting up there in size, and offers all the comforts you could wish for. There’s only one of these available at the Royal Blue, so get your booking in early. Two separate living and sleeping areas ensure privacy, plus the Jacuzzi is there for a bit of hydro massage and a drink or two with that special someone.

Royal Luxury Suite Sea Front with Private Pool is the largest suite with its own pool. It’s like a small home, with tons of space for you and 3 other guests. Then there’s the private pool, which saves you the trouble of having to use one of the resort’s common pools. You get your favourite spot every day, relax in the waters, and gaze out at the deep blue Sea of Crete. What could be better?

Indigo Residence

This is the largest accommodation of offer at the Royal Blue Resort, and it’s definitely something to write home about. This detached structure will comfortably fit you and four other guests. Surrounded by a privacy wall, with its own pool, the Indigo Residence has two large king-size bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms, in addition to a lounging, dining and kitchen areas. The private pool is large enough for all, and the balconies face the beautiful Sea of Crete.

Food and Drink

The Royal Blue has 8 restaurants, and 8 bars (including a snack bar).

Alati (“Salt” in Greek) has an eclectic menu which runs the gamut from seafood to local cuisine. This poolside venue offers pool service for most of the day, or you can enjoy your meal al fresco under a netted canopy on its poolside deck. In addition to seafood, Alati offers international fare and local specialties such as their fried zucchini burger.

Asterias á la carte is another open air restaurant, this time with a view of the sea and the marina. Asterias specializes in all kinds of seafood. Pair your favorite fish, calamari, or shrimp dish with a high quality local wine for a taste of heaven.

Gea is the Royal Blue’s main restaurant. This largest venue at the resort offers the opportunity to dine at long tables with friends old and new, and family members. There is a variety of meat dishes, as well as super-fresh farm to table fruits and vegetables. You can observe food prep in their large open kitchen. Gea serves both breakfast and dinner.

Mitato á la carte restaurant is famous for its lamb, and generally offers Cretan-centric food choices. They like to serve food here on large platters which everyone can share, which is consistent with Cretan custom. Mitato is open on selected days, so don’t miss it.

Cretamos á la carte gourmet restaurant is home to the creations of the Royal Blue’s Master Chef, who has a knack of elevating traditional Cretan cuisine to the highest level.

Platia Pop Up Restaurants harkens to the concept of the platia, or central square, of a village being the hub of its social and religious commerce. Platia offers a taste of Crete is its many sub-venues where you can find mezé (appetizers) gyros, sandwiches, and drinks native to Crete. There is a small coffee shop, and pop-up shops representing local eateries and stores. Platia advertises itself as a “stroll through Crete.

Bars

The Elixir Bar offers panoramas of the sea, an informally furnished interior and exterior, and great cocktail concoctions as well as an array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The Elixir is all about the pleasant view of the sea, the sunset and the sand as you relax after a busy day in your holiday and unwind with friends old and new.

Thea Bar (“Thea” meaning “View”) is another seaside venue offering extraordinary views of the dark blue waters of the Sea of Crete. You can opt for a frappe in the afternoon, and transition to something a little more relaxing in the evening, all the while enjoying the pastel palette of a Mediterranean sunset.

Ammos (Sand) Bar is a beach bar lover’s dream. It’s a place where your toes can feel the sun-warmed sand whilst your mouth savours a refreshing mixed drink or beer. Relax and enjoy the pleasant hubbub surrounding you, and study the movement of the ever-changing sea in the distance.

The Enoteca Wine Cellar offers you a sample of some of the finest aged wines from Greece and the Mediterranean, as well as a wide selection of wines from other lands. More than eighty brands of wine are available, affording you an excellent opportunity to be your own wine taster during a pleasant afternoon.

The Zeno Lobby Bar is the Royal Blue’s premiere people watching spot, where you can watch the traffic in and out of the resort as you sip such exotic fare as raki infused with various fresh ingredients such as honey, berries, and grapes, as well as a number of snacks to go with your drinks.

Bar by Night is where you go to enjoy the resort’s lively night life scene, dance to the music, and enjoy the company of your special someone, as well as that of new and interesting friends.

The Euphoria Pool Bar offers a break from your sun bathing routine and repeated dips in the pool to allow you to cool down with a frozen daiquiri made with the finest rum, or a refreshing beer from one of many fine Greek breweries. Then it’s back into the water or your sun bed to continue working on your tan.

The Sphere Snack Bar, close to the Aqua Park, is where you go for a break from all that family fun at the park. Indulge in a wide selection of snacks and beverages, end enjoy your day out with the family.

Spa and Wellness

The Royal Blue Spa is a place of peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This over 700m² spa boasts 4 massage rooms, a Rasul (thermal mud treatment) room, a facial treatment room, a hydrotherapy room, a body therapy room, a steam bath, two saunas- one for women and one unisex, an indoor seawater swimming pool, a nail studio for manicures and pedicures, and a hair salon.

The steam bath and the unisex sauna can be used free of charge.

Spa treatments include a full range of both targeted and whole body massages using the well-known luxury brand Valmont, as well as alternative therapies which take their inspiration from Cretan natural ingredients and traditional therapeutic techniques. The spa boils 40 herbs daily down to their essences in new clay pots and use them in baths, and in warm, wet cloths for rubbing yourself down and breathe in the healing aromas.

In addition, the spa complex includes a complete state of the art gym and an outdoor fitness area. You can get a total workout in the bracing, fresh air, as well as indoors.

Activities

Over at Royal Blue’s sister resort, Royal senses, just up the hill a couple hundred meters, The Aqua Splash Park, Island of Joy provide hours of fun for both big and little people. The park is designed with different zones emphasizing sea, sky and earth. “Sea” includes waterfalls, whirlpools, and slides. “Sky” has jumping workouts and trampolines. “Earth” has large loungers.

Royal Blue also offers a range of activities including Live music presentations, dancing, both modern and traditional, using Cretan, Greek and classical music. There are themed culinary evenings, organized party nights with music and dancing, beach parties, and romantic DJ parties.

Upon request, gourmet cooking classes are on offer, cocktail classes, and wine evening with degustation.

Other activities include tennis courts, with lessons and water sports, both at extra charge.

Fun for Kids

Also over at neighboring Royal Senses Resort all kinds of organized activities are on offer. These include excursions to the garden and farm, pottery and drawing workshops, dancing, theatre, a honey making workshop and a designated kid’s area with heated pool, water fountains, and outdoor games.

The garden and farm excursions are of particular interest. They include fruit and vegetable picking, an herb garden, Cretan BBQ workshops, and a community grill.

In the Area

Panormos, just a couple km east of the Royal Blue, is a traditional Cretan seaside village which has maintained its character despite recent tourist development in the region. The village offers two beaches, a natural harbor, and the ruins of the 6^th century Basilica of St. Sophia, amongst other sites.

About 10km SE of Panormos is the Melidoni Cave, with its large, impressive, cathedral-like central chamber, and its tragic history of massacre during the Greek Revolution, when Turkish forces sealed the cave after around 300 villagers, including women and children, took refuge there, and then suffocated them with smoke and fire. An ossuary containing the victim’s bones remains on site at the cave. In Mythology, Melidoni Cave is known as the place that Zeus gave a giant bronze robot (you read that right) to King Minos of Crete to protect Minos’s kingdom. The robot lived in the cave.

About 20km west of the Royal Blue is Rethymno, Crete’s third largest city. It has a picturesque Old Town, a beautiful seaside promenade, and a nice, long, sandy beach. Rethymno is famous for its winter carnival, usually held in late winter. Other sites in Rethymno include various museums, the Saint Francesco Church, and the Rimondi Fountain.

A bit further afield, at about 60km east of the Royal Blue, is the capital city of Iraklion, or Heraklion, which can be reached by the public busses which run every hour. Iraklion has the nearby Palace of Knossos, a Venetian-era fortress, and an archeological museum stuffed with Minoan-era artifacts. Iraklion is also the birthplace of the artist El Greco, and of Zorba the Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis.

Iraklion’s fortress and the city's encircling walls, built by the occupying Venetians, endured the longest siege in world history. In 1648, the Turks, who had been in a power struggle at the time with the Venetians for mastery of the Eastern Mediterranean for more than 3 centuries, began a siege that lasted until 1669, when the city fell. That's 21 years.

How the city lasted 21 years is more easily understood with a visit to the Heraklion Historical Museum, which has a room-sized scale model of Candia, as the Venetians had renamed it, as it looked in 1645. The houses all have extensive back yards which were used to grow crops, plus a number of open fields which were also cultivated. Water came from the city's 1200 wells and 273 water catchment tanks which collected the winter rains.

There are lots of other things to see in Crete, some of them a bit further away. Be that as it may, the Royal Blue Resort has lots to offer you on your holiday: first class food and accommodation, a wide choice of activities for the whole family, and all kinds of sightseeing opportunities in the immediate and wider area.

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