first greece trip ... Amanzoe and ??
Jan 21, 2019, 3:21 pm
#46
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
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We are struggling with a similar question now - what to pair with Zoe.
right now we are thinking of doing Blue Palace on Crete for three days, then Zoe for four, and then the next Four Seasons on Astir peninsula for two days before flying back.
We have a young son (2 yo) so it’s just easier for us to stay in resort type places (eg we much preferred FS Bosphorus in Istanbul vs Sultanahmet), and we’re hoping to find a similar vibe at the new FS.
However, one hiccup on our plans is that we can’t go until Mid October (we’d be at Zoe between the 14 th and 18th of October). Is it crazy to go during this time? It coincides with the Zoe end of year discount (half board included) which seems like a great deal, but I’m wondering if it is nuts to spend the money at a time when the weather might stink. I think last year the deal started October 1, which seems better.
One of the reasons we are thinking about Crete is that it’s farther south; anyone else have recommendations for warmer weather locales at this time in the Greek isles? We just did Santorini so not interested in going back. Dimes of Elounda is another place with pretty good reviews but there are a bunch of reviews about how the pools aren’t warm enough...
Thank you!!
right now we are thinking of doing Blue Palace on Crete for three days, then Zoe for four, and then the next Four Seasons on Astir peninsula for two days before flying back.
We have a young son (2 yo) so it’s just easier for us to stay in resort type places (eg we much preferred FS Bosphorus in Istanbul vs Sultanahmet), and we’re hoping to find a similar vibe at the new FS.
However, one hiccup on our plans is that we can’t go until Mid October (we’d be at Zoe between the 14 th and 18th of October). Is it crazy to go during this time? It coincides with the Zoe end of year discount (half board included) which seems like a great deal, but I’m wondering if it is nuts to spend the money at a time when the weather might stink. I think last year the deal started October 1, which seems better.
One of the reasons we are thinking about Crete is that it’s farther south; anyone else have recommendations for warmer weather locales at this time in the Greek isles? We just did Santorini so not interested in going back. Dimes of Elounda is another place with pretty good reviews but there are a bunch of reviews about how the pools aren’t warm enough...
Thank you!!
I have no experience with this property but have heard solid reviews from those who've been to Blue Palace and here.
For Zoe, mid-Oct might be noticeably chilly in the evenings and very comfortable during the day (too cold for some to enjoy the pool, though). The promotion's value is compelling, of course. For what it's worth, they will not have shut down their beach club by Oct 18th, yet. So that's a good sign
. If this is realistically the only chance (from a timing perspective) for you to visit, then I would personally do it. If you're more flexible the following year then early June and mid-late September would be fantastic and worth skipping on the promotion.
Last edited by BESVISOR; Jan 21, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Jan 21, 2019, 7:29 pm
#48
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,958
Jan 21, 2019, 7:45 pm
#49
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We are struggling with a similar question now - what to pair with Zoe.
right now we are thinking of doing Blue Palace on Crete for three days, then Zoe for four, and then the next Four Seasons on Astir peninsula for two days before flying back.
We have a young son (2 yo) so it’s just easier for us to stay in resort type places (eg we much preferred FS Bosphorus in Istanbul vs Sultanahmet), and we’re hoping to find a similar vibe at the new FS.
However, one hiccup on our plans is that we can’t go until Mid October (we’d be at Zoe between the 14 th and 18th of October). Is it crazy to go during this time? It coincides with the Zoe end of year discount (half board included) which seems like a great deal, but I’m wondering if it is nuts to spend the money at a time when the weather might stink. I think last year the deal started October 1, which seems better.
One of the reasons we are thinking about Crete is that it’s farther south; anyone else have recommendations for warmer weather locales at this time in the Greek isles? We just did Santorini so not interested in going back. Dimes of Elounda is another place with pretty good reviews but there are a bunch of reviews about how the pools aren’t warm enough...
Thank you!!
right now we are thinking of doing Blue Palace on Crete for three days, then Zoe for four, and then the next Four Seasons on Astir peninsula for two days before flying back.
We have a young son (2 yo) so it’s just easier for us to stay in resort type places (eg we much preferred FS Bosphorus in Istanbul vs Sultanahmet), and we’re hoping to find a similar vibe at the new FS.
However, one hiccup on our plans is that we can’t go until Mid October (we’d be at Zoe between the 14 th and 18th of October). Is it crazy to go during this time? It coincides with the Zoe end of year discount (half board included) which seems like a great deal, but I’m wondering if it is nuts to spend the money at a time when the weather might stink. I think last year the deal started October 1, which seems better.
One of the reasons we are thinking about Crete is that it’s farther south; anyone else have recommendations for warmer weather locales at this time in the Greek isles? We just did Santorini so not interested in going back. Dimes of Elounda is another place with pretty good reviews but there are a bunch of reviews about how the pools aren’t warm enough...
Thank you!!
I've been in Greece in midOctober, both Athens and the islands, and I found the weather to be wonderful both times, although unheated outdoor pools might not be very pleasant especially in the early morning. However, on some islands, things will be starting to close down for the season, so verify that stuff you want to do is open. OTOH, rates are lower, it's easier to get restaurant tables, amd parking becomes easy if you have a rental car. To me, mid to late October is ideal shoulder season, but others might prefer spring.
Jan 22, 2019, 12:17 am
#50
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
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We loved our mid October trip to Greece last year- the weather was excellent. (Though we were told we were very lucky and had just missed a cold spell ) Mystique, Blue Palace and Domes of Elounda all agreed to heat our private pool for us at no additional surcharge. At Mystique our small pool was so warm we were comfortable even late at night. We had debated between Blue Palace and Domes and finally settled on Domes, mostly because of Flyertalk recommendations. Our very large pool at Domes (2 BR Villa) was warm enough to swim in during the day but too cool after sunset.
Our pool at Mystique
Our pool at Mystique
Last edited by damon88; Jan 22, 2019 at 12:29 am
Jan 22, 2019, 9:56 am
#51
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Aside from Blue Palace, another option in Crete you could look into is: Elounda Peninsula ALL SUITE HOTEL
I have no experience with this property but have heard solid reviews from those who've been to Blue Palace and here.
For Zoe, mid-Oct might be noticeably chilly in the evenings and very comfortable during the day (too cold for some to enjoy the pool, though). The promotion's value is compelling, of course. For what it's worth, they will not have shut down their beach club by Oct 18th, yet. So that's a good sign . If this is realistically the only chance (from a timing perspective) for you to visit, then I would personally do it. If you're more flexible the following year then early June and mid-late September would be fantastic and worth skipping on the promotion.
I have no experience with this property but have heard solid reviews from those who've been to Blue Palace and here.
For Zoe, mid-Oct might be noticeably chilly in the evenings and very comfortable during the day (too cold for some to enjoy the pool, though). The promotion's value is compelling, of course. For what it's worth, they will not have shut down their beach club by Oct 18th, yet. So that's a good sign
. If this is realistically the only chance (from a timing perspective) for you to visit, then I would personally do it. If you're more flexible the following year then early June and mid-late September would be fantastic and worth skipping on the promotion.
Jan 22, 2019, 10:04 am
#52
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
I have stayed at Elounda Peninsula all-suite hotel and was totally underwhelmed. Like much on Crete, it is package-tour in flavour, but just charges more for the privilege. I much prefer the smaller Elounda Gulf Villas, which is family-owned and has some really spacious pool villas overlooking the bay, and genuinely caring service. Food is good, too.
Do you think it's even worth visiting as a pairing to Zoe or Katikies Santorini.
Jan 22, 2019, 10:11 am
#53
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
No, not really. Crete is incredibly touristy these days. Yes, I know that Santorini is, too, but it has retained a certain charm, especially if you stay at Katikies.
Jan 22, 2019, 1:04 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Depends what you are looking for. If you are after antique (or even older) sites Crete has a lot to offer. While Knossos is overrun many of the beautiful sites are relative empty.
Jan 23, 2019, 1:57 pm
#56
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,958
I disagree. Yes parts of Crete are touristy and have fallen victim of the AI craze but get off the central north coast and it is wild and beautiful and historic and full of Cretan charm. Lovely hotels and restaurants abound in small villages and towns..... it is shame to not visit because of one poster's opinion.
Jan 23, 2019, 2:26 pm
#57
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Jan 23, 2019, 2:50 pm
#58
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,598
Too early to tell. I would have preferred a more intimate new build, too — with less rooms. But I think the development is promising and FS’ culture might work very well in Greece. I am certainly looking forward to it, might be a great starting point for Athens with a great leisure factor / urban resort.
Jan 23, 2019, 7:28 pm
#59
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,958
But if one is serious about seeing the city of Athens and experiencing its amazing history and energy, the FS is not the place to stay. Despite their " 30 minute shuttle from Athens" offer.....traffic is notorious and I am dubious about that time frame. Athens is meant to be walked and explored from the center out.
Jan 24, 2019, 4:45 am
#60
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I disagree. Yes parts of Crete are touristy and have fallen victim of the AI craze but get off the central north coast and it is wild and beautiful and historic and full of Cretan charm. Lovely hotels and restaurants abound in small villages and towns..... it is shame to not visit because of one poster's opinion.
