Sensatori Crete

Sensatori is Thomson's luxury brand, offering something for everyone, the brochure claims that... Enjoyment is based around touch, taste smell, sight and sound. And that's why we designed Sensatori - to fuel the senses. This collection of luxury holidays offers you a huge spectrum of experiences in a 5 star setting. Join a yoga class in the morning, play tennis after lunch, spend an evening over an al fresco meal - you can pick n' mix the bits you like best to create your ideal holiday.

We have been to the Crete Sensatori resort 3 times now so I can tell you straight off we are fans, Crete is one of our favourite places its friendly, laid back, steeped in history and has something for everyone.

We arrived mid afternoon to Heraklion airport. The airport is small but I've been through it 8 times and never been to a more efficient place, never once delayed unlike some UK airports,  the bags were out quickly and we headed for the Sensatori on airport check in, you are given room number stickers for each of your bags, an info pack and a registration form to fill in, top tip-take a pen so you can do this on the bus. 

The hotel is situated in a small village called Analipsi, right on the coast with some lovely shops and tavernas and it's about 10 minutes drive to the bustling town of Hersonissos.

The journey from the airport is swift and upon arrival we were greeted with juice or bubbly and snacks served on the terrace, as we had missed lunch. You needn't worry about luggage as the porters bring it straight to your room. Check in was friendly and after getting our key cards, map, towel vouchers and information we set off to our room. 

We booked a family swim up room which is an entrance hall with triple fitted wardrobe, a large bathroom with jacuzzi bath and shower, a double room with a huge bed, sliding partition doors leading to two single sofa beds, then a small terrace (big enough for two luxury sun loungers and a table and chairs) Rooms are comfortable spacious and well decorated with a few watchable satellite channels. Hairdryer, toiletries  and tea/coffee facilities are all provided.Plus the kids loved the swim up facility

 

The thing that really makes this hotel special is its staff, always happy to help, friendly and efficient we have been remembered visit after visit and greeted like old friends. Chryssa at breakfast was so lovely I don't think I ever saw the smile leave her face, all of the managers can be seen around the hotel, helping out, chatting to guests and even clearing tables! Isabella in guest relations is a font of knowledge and always happy to help out with your queries and the bar staff are all enthusiastic and helpful.

There are plenty of places to eat, this is the info from Thomson website

MAIN RESTAURANT – comes complete with buffet stations, show cooking and children’s buffets, and has an adults-only section during dinner

RED SAFFRON – a contemporary Greek taverna that also offers buffet-style meals. When the weather’s nice, food is prepared outdoors on a stone barbecue, and breakfast is adults-only in the summer months

TEX-MEX – serves tacos, fajitas and ribs on the restaurant terrace by the pool

FIVE FLAVOURS THAI – specialises in Oriental dishes like Thai green curry

You can also pay extra to eat in these 3 restaurants…

AROMA STONE GRILL – at this beachfront restaurant, food is served on a sizzling stone slab, with rib-eye steaks and salmon fillets among the temptations

AL DENTE – offers a menu designed by a Michelin-starred chef

THE JAPANESE – this Oriental restaurant excels in Japanese cuisine and sushi
We really enjoyed the Tex Mex and Red Saffron, our only issue is that in order to reserve these you have to queue at 10am to use the computer system which is open for the next two days of reservations, sometimes it can be difficult to get a reservation especially in high season. The main restraunt is lovely though with plenty of choice and lots of fresh salad and the desserts are amazing.


There is something to entertain all day everyday from, football and tennis to yoga, pilates and relaxation classes, Playhouse kids club runs almost every day with crazy science, outdoor activities and lots of things to play with, theres also stay and play for younger kids and their adults to play together. Peanut loved going to the sessions although we never put her in for a sleep over I think she would have enjoyed 'camping out'. Which is actually indoors under a starlit effect ceiling. All the childcare staff are fully qualified and they stick to strict ratios.

 

Enjoying Knights Day

Evening entertainment consists of Playhouse live, a mix of games, dancing, and mini musicals, Bugs especially was one of our favourites. This is followed by  the grown up show, either a musical medley performed by the house cast or a tribute act. We didn't watch very much of the evening entertainment because I will admit to being rather a snob in my choice of theatre, It comes from my previous life working in the theatre industry, Im not a fan of tribute acts and I'm over critical of production value on anything else, The cast work hard though and there are some great voices amongst them.

 Play House Live's Nat and Rob

Another great option is off airport check in. So you pack your bags on departure day keeping what you need to one side, a porter collects them and drops at reception, then at an allocated time you pop along with your passports, tickets and bags to a temporary airport deal at the hotel front, they check you in, give you boarding cards and take your bags. Then when you get to the airport you just sail straight through security to departures and very quickly into the plane! Pure genius in my humble opinion, queuing at an airport for an hour with two toddlers is hard work and anyway to avoid it is fine with me. 

We love this place and if it weren't for the fact that we no longer fit into a swim up room we would happily go back every year.