Sensatori Crete - Latest News

You’re probably counting down the days until you jet off to Sensatori Crete, and are eager to hear how things are shaping up since the opening. That’s why we’re sending you this full update. It’s been designed to give you a better idea of what you can expect so you can make the most of your holiday. 

The Sensatori concept grew around what holidaymakers, both couples and families, really wanted from a hotel. And from day one, the people who have had the most input are our customers. And now that Sensatori Crete is up and running, our customers’ views are still our main focus. In the first month we’ve had loads of feedback from guests, the majority of which we’re pleased to say has been very helpful. We’ve taken every comment on board – warts and all – and made improvements wherever we can to make your Sensatori holiday special.

They say first impressions count and lots of guests have commented on the hotel entrance. The bustling lobby is enormous. The décor is traditional Greek with a modern twist. The smart lobby bar, meanwhile, is a welcoming place to relax with its marble surrounds, shimmering chandeliers, grand piano and clusters of sofas.

Guests love the rooms, too. Again, they’re a fusion of classic and contemporary. Gilt mirrors and oversized vases add a touch of Hellenic grandeur, while design-led feature walls, wooden floors and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs give a nod to 21st-century style. Décor aside, we’ve received positive feedback about the size of the rooms, as well. Plus the beds are proving popular. Big and incredibly comfortable, they provide you with a good night’s sleep. And if there are three of you or more sharing, the rooms come with a comfy sofa bed or extra bed.

Of course, special mention has to go to the swim-up suites and the private pool rooms. Each one comes with its own sun terrace complete with comfy sunloungers, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for a little more space when you’re sunbathing.

Holidays tend to revolve around a lively pool scene – and Sensatori Crete has got just that. Swimming pools are in no short supply here. Arranged in a tier-like formation, they come in all shapes and sizes with different themes, too. There’s a quiet pool area, another that’s ideal for activities, and one that’s just for toddlers. Factor in a giant outdoor hot tub and you’ll see water plays a leading role at Sensatori Crete. On top of that, they’re all framed by sun terraces with cream-coloured parasols and cushion-plumped sunbeds. And to save you space in your suitcase, we’ll supply you with pool towels, too.

One last thing on the pool front, some of our guests have commented that the poolside tiles are a little bit slippy. All pool areas at Sensatori Crete are checked by our own Health and Safety team. Based on feedback, we’re testing additional precautionary measures which we’ll continue to monitor. However, please remember to always take care when you’re around the pool.

If the beach is more your thing, Sensatori guests can now use the sunbeds on the beach free of charge.

With six restaurants to choose from, the dining scene at Sensatori Crete is something we’re determined to get right. That’s why we’ve given it our special attention, encouraging guests to tell us exactly what they think about each of the venues. With that in mind, we’re incorporating as many suggestions as possible.

Just to remind you, your Full Board Plus package includes a choice of four restaurants for dinner – the main buffet restaurant, Red Saffron Greek Taverna, Tex-Mex Cantina and Five Flavours Thai restaurant. Lunch can be taken in either the Tex-Mex Cantina or the main restaurant and breakfast is served in the main restaurant and the Greek Taverna. What’s more wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.

As far as service goes, we’ve been taking onboard all the feedback. In the main restaurant, we’ve introduced two evening services. The first has been tailored more to families and those of you who like to eat early. It runs from 18.30 until 20.00 and has a superior children’s menu. The idea is that families can finish their meals in time for the dedicated family entertainment. The second service follows on from that at 20.30.

In the Tex-Mex cantina and the Five Flavours Thai we’ve flown out chefs to fine-tune the menus. In the Tex-Mex, tacos, fajitas and nachos sit alongside ribs, burgers and chicken wings. The focus is on fun, with lively Mexican music the soundtrack to your poolside eating experience. The Five Flavours Thai, meanwhile, serves authentic Oriental dishes like Thai green curry and shrimps with noodles.

If you really want to up the ante though, there are two more restaurants on offer which are definitely worth that little bit extra. Set away from the main complex, the Aroma Stone Grill looks out on the beach. Its thatched roof and open walls gives it an almost Caribbean-esque feel. Here, food is served on a sizzling stone slab, with rib-eye steaks, salmon fillets and jumbo prawns among the temptations. Over in Al Dente, Sensatori Crete’s a la carte restaurant, the focus is very much on haute cuisine. These two venues aren’t part of your Full Board Plus package but you do get a tasty discount of €15 per adult and €5 per child off the menu price for your special meal.

Wherever you decide to have your evening meal, remember, you need to book in advance for all the venues apart from the main restaurant. To make that process run smoothly, we’ve got a member of staff dedicated exclusively to restaurant reservations.

Finally, just a gentle reminder that Sensatori Crete operates a dress code for dinner which includes no shorts, sandals or sportswear. So gentlemen, please remember to pack those long trousers and shirts!

If there’s one place gaining plenty of attention, it’s the Spa at Sensatori. It’s proved a real hit with guests - everyone who’s stepped inside has been smitten by its designer good looks. Soothing music fills the air, essential oils shower the place in scent and the mellow lighting creates an atmosphere of calm.

Size-wise, it’s vast – there are 24 cabins in total, plus two saunas, a steam room, a relaxing indoor pool and a fully-equipped beauty salon. State-of-the-art treatments include chakra hot stone massage, caviar facials and, the ever popular, chocolate body massage.

And last but not least, it’s open to everyone, whatever their age, and has a really welcoming feel to it - there’s none of that elitism that often comes with a spa of this standard.

Sensatori Crete is not just about relaxation. You can be invigorated by an array of sports and activities, too. Whether you’re a budding sports person or just fancy giving something a go, there’s a full programme in place every day of the week, running from eight in the morning until ten at night. There are two tennis courts and a volleyball court. Volleyball is also available on the beach, along with things like rounders, quick cricket and handball. Football is also proving a hit – and will continue to do so with the arrival of the Reebok International Soccer School in July and August.

On the relaxation front, you can sign up for an early-morning tai-chi class on the sands. Plus there’s yoga, pilates and morning energisers featuring breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

Other things that have proved really popular are the free introductory sessions to scuba, which take place in the pool. Wannabe Robin Hoods have turned out in force for archery. And you can also venture out on mountain bikes to get to know the local area.

In terms of what else is on offer, the gym has been kitted out with all the latest Cybex equipment. It’s in a great location, too – overlooking the pool so you don’t have to miss out just because you’re working out.

On top of that, there’s plenty in the way of watersports including pedaloes and kayaks, which are available for hire.

To find out more about what’s on, the place to head is the Hub Sports Café. That’s where you’ll find our dedicated sports co-ordinators, not to mention a flat-screen TV showing sports from around the world. There’s even a Nintendo Wii.

When we designed Sensatori Crete, we set out to provide modern and fun children’s facilities and the feedback has been great.

First of all there’s the main children’s club known as the Play House, with four different themed areas to spice things up. Activities are far from your average kids’ club, whether it’s whipping up chocolate frogs in the Kids’ Kitchen section or making volcanoes explode in the Silly Science Lab. The other two sections are an arts and craft area and a mini stage for fun and movie shows. The Play House is open 6 days a week for 3 to 12-year-olds and supervised hour-long sessions run throughout the day.  As with all our children’s clubs you can just turn up and sign in for the activities. However, during busy periods such as school holidays we’ve introduced a booking system to help save time, and because it’s proven so popular, numbers may need to be limited for some sessions.

We’ve also introduced ‘stay and play’ sessions. These aren’t actually supervised by the Sensatori team – they’re a chance for mums and dads to spend some quality time together with their children at the Play House. On top of that, we screen a different movie here every night. Everything from Transformers to Shrek is shown on a huge projector screen with surround sound.

Outside, there’s the Tropical Tree House complete with swings, slides, climbing walls and monkey bars. There’s a fruit-themed sprayground, too. Plus, for bigger kids, a fully-equipped games room kitted out with fussball, air hockey, pool and pinball machines.

Over in the Sensatori nursery, meanwhile, you’ll find a multi-sensory space with flashing lights and tactile floor panels. There’s a dedicated area for messy play plus a quiet zone with a fairytale reading corner complete with an oversized throne. For the really little ones, there’s the Little Land of Nod where they can catch 40 winks in peace.

Staffed by childcare experts, it goes without saying the nursery meets strict health and safety standards. Plus it’s been kitted out with a great range of toys and equipment from leading UK brands. For that added peace of mind, we’ll even lend you a mobile so we can contact you if anything crops up. It’s worth bearing in mind, the nursery has proved hugely popular so we recommend you book before you arrive. Sessions are for 0 to four-year-olds, and can be booked either as full or half days. The full day runs from 9.30am until 5pm, while the half day runs from either 9.30am and 1pm or 1.30pm and 5pm. A week of full days costs £210, while a week of half days costs £105. Everyone who pre-books nursery sessions from the UK or who books at least five days once they’re out in resort will get a free four-hour evening session. It means you can enjoy a relaxed night out at Sensatori Crete safe in the knowledge your little ones are being well looked after. You can book through your travel agent or call us on 0871 230 2555.

Daytime aside, every night there’s an evening party hour with dancing and games. What’s more, if you fancy a night to yourself, you can pay extra for your children to spend the night at our weekly sleepover.

Just one last thing to point out with regards to the children’s facilities. Hotel cots are available on request, however these are travel cots. If you prefer, you can book Mothercare equipment before you go, which includes cots, highchairs, pushchairs, sterilisers and bottle-warmers.

Because Sensatori Crete has such widespread appeal, we’ve now tailored the entertainment programme to suit different tastes.

First things first, there’s always at least two things going on after dark, so you can choose where you want to be. The first major venue is the Boardwalk, an outdoor stage dedicated to live music and dance. The second is the Show Lounge, which hosts everything from glitzy shows to our adults-only comedy show Sensahumour. We work with Jongleurs, experts in the world of stand-up comedy, flying out leading UK comedians so you can be sure of the very best acts.

Early in the evening the focus falls on child-friendly entertainment. The star turn here is Loose Chippings, a group of adventure heroes who star in shows designed exclusively for Sensatori Crete. You’ll also find pop concerts, magic shows and juggling acts on the agenda.

Later on, there’s a much more adult focus. Musicians take to the stage with a repertoire that features jazz, swing and rock. Every week, meanwhile, we up the ante with an open-air concert called the Big Gig.

And of course, if it’s just a quiet drink you fancy, there are mellow spots such as the lobby bar and the Aroma Stone Grill to sit and relax with a cool beer, refreshing cocktail or a glass of bubbly for that special occasion.

One last thing to point out, initially we received quite a few comments about the price of drinks in the bar. With that in mind, we made some comparisons with other hotels of a similar standard in Greece. You’ll be glad to hear that, as a result, prices have now been reduced but remember the Euro exchange rate isn’t what it used to be!

To make sure we offer the very best service, we’ve got a team of Thomson staff at Sensatori Crete to help. The guest relations team, the sports co-ordinators, the childcare staff and the entertainers – they were all handpicked in the UK.

We host ‘Discover Sensatori’ sessions so you can come along and find out exactly what’s what. You’ll find weekly planners, too, featuring up-to-date information about the play, sports and entertainment programmes, plus details about what’s going on outside Sensatori Crete.

You can also find out what’s going on via the TV in your room. Switch on to the Sensatori channel and you’ll find everything from the day’s activities to the dining times. There are even virtual tours showing you all the facilities Sensatori Crete has to offer and how to use things like the jet baths in your room.

Talking of the world outside the hotel, we thought you might like to know a little about what awaits. Firstly, there’s Lyttos beach just across the road. It’s a peaceful haven dotted with thatched parasols and elegant sunbeds, which don’t forget are now free of charge to Sensatori guests. What’s more, the waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Away from the beach, Sensatori Crete borders on to the village of Analipsi. On the one hand, it’s a snapshot of old Greece, with its bougainvillea-clad houses. On the other, it’s a picture of modern-day Crete with a scattering of tavernas, bars and beach shops. When you fancy something a little more lively, Hersonissos is just a short drive away.

If you want to get to know Crete, meanwhile, drop by and see our guest relations team who’ll be able to give you plenty of information about what to do on the island.

So that’s it from us. Hopefully you’ve got a much better idea of what to expect when you arrive at Sensatori Crete. Now it’s just a case of counting down those days...

Have a great time.

The Sensatori Team