Semiramis Village

For context this holiday was a lot of firsts for various members of our party: first trip on a plane, first time abroad, first trip to Crete, first all inclusive experience, first full family holiday (11 of us in total) We arrived at the airport at close to midnight, tired, lots of questions and expectations of the hotel / resort that we couldn’t really answer. The chap behind the desk was helpful, spoke decent English and explained about the all inclusive package and what we could expect. We didn’t have printed copies of the accommodation vouchers so forwarding emails from six months previously on the reception wifi was a bit of a headache. We did not know what to expect for four star accommodation in Greece: we had three rooms, all with whisper quiet air conditioning, en suite shower facilities, comfy twin beds and balconies with patio furniture. There were a few things not included: no kettle / tea or coffee making facilities but we were too tired to want to use any of it anyway. Our party included kids aged 9-19 with ranging food tastes from zero-veg carnivore, gluten and dairy-free diets, and the full range on the fussy-travel gourmet spectrum. The hotel clientele seemed predominantly European: a few Brits, lots of German, some Dutch, French, Italian, Polish etc. Yet they managed to provide three lavish buffet-style meals everyday with a variety of options to cater for everyone. Breakfast includes cereal, pastries, yoghurt, eggs, bread, hot and cold meats and cheeses, fruit, juices, with hot and cold stations. Lunch and tea included soup, pasta, rice, potatoes, pork, beef, fish, salad, olives, veg and many dessert options including a help yourself ice cream station with sauce and sprinkles on the side. there is usually a couple of named Greek specialities. The food was delicious and freshly replenished right up to the end of the service although it was not always well labelled. I had multiple helpings of something labelled ‘steamed carrots’ that was seasoned broccoli roasted with hazelnuts. I spent most mealtimes trying to work out whether each item was intended as familiar fare for particular international guests or was something local and authentic. Fish fingers and baked beans were an easy spot, the coffee and cake snack seemed aimed at the German guests. Only one faux pas so far: I took a nice dollop of what I thought to be Greek yoghurt with honey onto my watermelon only to find it was mayonnaise. Food, drinks and snacks are available at strict times and the pool bar staff are friendly. The pool is warm, there are abundant loungers and several shady spots to hide from the sun. We were not sure what to expect from the Latin dance show on Monday night, but it was brilliant, some impressive skills, cheeky comedy and they got most of the audience up on the dance-floor at the end. If I wanted to be picky, I could focus on the areas where other hotels have better facilities: mints on pillows, free hair care products in the bathroom, all inclusive does not include ice-cream as a snack out of meal times. But the location is amazing, the food is fantastic, the staff are friendly, the beds are comfy, the air con makes the rooms cool enough for a comfortable siesta or decent nights sleep. Four days in and we haven’t left the resort. A massive thank you to all the staff who made our stay so enjoyable. Before staying in Crete, be sure to look up cicada a rather noisy but completely harmless insect that spend the whole day shouting.