Crete's BEST Sea View Apartment: Rias Luxury Awaits!
Crete's BEST Sea View Apartment: Rias Luxury Awaits! - A Review (and a Plea to Book!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Cretan beans on Rias Luxury Awaits! This isn't your average, dry-as-a-desert-crust review. This is me, spilling my guts (metaphorically, unless I overdid it on the raki – which, let's be honest, is a distinct possibility) about an apartment that's stolen a piece of my soul. And I'm gonna be honest, the soul-stealing is something I'm actually happy about.
First off, let's get the boring stuff out of the way, because honestly, who has time for it? Accessibility? Okay, so I didn't specifically test it with a wheelchair (I'm more of a "stumble-around-after-too-much-wine" kind of traveler), but the website claims facilities for disabled guests. I saw an elevator, which is a huge plus. But listen, call them. Ask them. Don't take my word for it, especially if you need the specifics. I'm here for the vibe, not the blue-prints.
Internet? YES! Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms?! HELL YES! And it actually works. I mean, I could stream cat videos (vital research, you see) without buffering. That's a win in my book. There's also Internet [LAN] if you're into that. I'm not. I'm into lounging.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where Rias REALLY shines. Let's talk about the elephant in the room – the pandemic. These guys are obsessed with hygiene. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocols, hand sanitizer everywhere… it felt safer than my own apartment, and I'm pretty sure I haven't cleaned mine since… well, let's not go there. They even have individually-wrapped food options (thank you, gods of convenience!). The room sanitization opt-out available is a thoughtful touch, for those who are very particular. Basically, if you're a germaphobe, you've found your paradise.
Let's get to the GOOD stuff!
The View: Oh. My. God. The view. I'm talking, "makes-you-want-to-weep-with-joy" kind of view. The way the turquoise water laps against the shore, the way the sun paints the sky at sunset… Honestly, I spent a solid hour on the terrace just staring. And drinking wine. Lots of wine. (See? Told you about the raki.) The pool with a view is also a must. I'm not usually a pool person, but this one… this one is different. It's like swimming in a postcard.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" section is where I could have stayed forever (and probably would have, if my bank account hadn't staged a revolt).
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Yes, yes, and YES. I spent a glorious afternoon melting into a puddle of relaxation. The body scrub was divine, the massage left me feeling like a newly-minted cloud.
- Fitness center: I looked at it. From a distance. Let's just say, the only fitness activity I engaged in was lifting wine glasses. But hey, it's there if you're feeling virtuous.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: See above. Swimming in a postcard.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Now, this is where things got interesting. The Asian breakfast wasn't really my jam (I'm more of a "pile-of-bacon-and-eggs" kind of gal), but the Western breakfast was a triumph. Fresh fruit, pastries that practically sang to you… I may or may not have smuggled a croissant back to my room. Don't judge me.
- Restaurants: Okay, I need to rave about the A la carte in restaurant. The food… oh, the food. I swear, the chef sprinkled fairy dust on everything. The salad in restaurant was ridiculously fresh and flavorful, the soup in restaurant warmed me from the inside out, and the desserts in restaurant… well, let's just say my willpower was tested. There is also Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant and even a Bottle of water readily available.
The Services & Conveniences (and the Messy Bits):
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential, especially in the Cretan heat.
- Concierge: Super helpful. They sorted out everything from car rentals to restaurant reservations.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless, even after I'd single-handedly tried to destroy it with scattered clothes and empty wine bottles.
- Doorman: Welcoming and friendly.
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Laundry service: A lifesaver after a week of sun, sand, and questionable fashion choices.
- Luggage storage: Because I packed like I was moving in.
- Safety deposit boxes: For your valuables (and maybe a secret stash of chocolate).
- Smoking area: For the smokers. (I'm not, but hey, options are good).
- Terrace: See above. Life-changing.
- Airport transfer: A smooth and stress-free start to my vacation.
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge bonus.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Shrine, Wi-Fi for special events: All available, all appreciated.
Now, the REALLY important stuff: The Rooms!
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room… it was like stepping into a magazine spread. The extra-long bed was like sleeping on a cloud (I may or may not have considered taking it home with me). The private balcony with that view (I'm getting repetitive, I know, but the view!)… I could have stayed there forever. The bathrobes were fluffy, the slippers were comfy, and the complimentary tea was a delightful touch. The in-room safe box gave me peace of mind. The blackout curtains meant I could sleep in until noon (a crucial part of any vacation, in my opinion). Everything was just… perfect. Well, almost.
The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real):
Okay, so it wasn't completely perfect. There was this one tiny issue with the Wi-Fi in my room. It kept dropping out, at the worst possible moments. (I mean, come on! I needed to upload my Instagram photos of the view!) But the staff were on it immediately. Fixed within minutes. The room sanitization opt-out available is a great touch.
And one more tiny thing. The elevator was a little slow. But hey, it's a minor quibble in the face of sheer, unadulterated luxury.
For the Kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I don't have kids, so I can't speak to this personally, but the website mentions these facilities, so if you're traveling with the little ones, it's worth checking out.
The Verdict:
Rias Luxury Awaits! is not just an apartment. It's an experience. It's a place where you can truly unwind, soak up the sun, and feel utterly pampered. It's a place where the stresses of everyday life melt away, replaced by the gentle rhythm of the waves and the clinking of wine glasses.
So, here's my plea: BOOK IT! Seriously. Do it now. Don't wait. You deserve this. You need this. Your soul (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
And for the SEO nerds (because I know you're out there):
Keywords: Crete, sea
Unbelievable North Sumatra Homestay: Sampuran's Hidden Gem!
Rias Sea View Apartment, Crete: My Chaotic Adventure (aka, Surviving Paradise)
Okay, so here's the deal. I just landed in Crete, specifically at the Rias Sea View Apartment. Booked it online, photos looked AMAZING, and honestly, I needed this. Like, really needed this. Let's see if reality matches the Insta-filtered perfection. Buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't gonna be a smooth ride.
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Apartment Quest (and the ensuing existential crisis)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Woke up feeling like a crumpled napkin. Flight was a nightmare of screaming babies and questionable airplane food. Finally arrived at Heraklion airport. Customs was a breeze, thankfully. Then, the rental car saga began. Let's just say, "compact" meant "tiny sardine can." The GPS… well, it had a mind of its own. Spent a solid hour and a half circling a roundabout, convinced I was trapped in some kind of Cretan Groundhog Day.
- Anecdote: The rental car guy, a man named Dimitri with more gold teeth than teeth, kept saying "No problem!" even when I clearly had many problems. He also winked at me. I'm pretty sure I'm too old for winking.
- Mid-Day (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Finally, finally found the apartment. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously. The Aegean Sea was shimmering, the sun was blasting, and I felt… overwhelmed. The apartment itself? Pretty decent. Clean-ish. The balcony? Worth the entire trip. Unpacked, which mostly involved shoving clothes into drawers and praying I didn't forget anything.
- Quirky Observation: The "sea view" from the bedroom is slightly obstructed by a massive bougainvillea bush. It's like the apartment is trying to play hard to get. I'm not sure if I'm annoyed or strangely charmed.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch at a taverna down the street (more on that later, trust me). Tried to relax on the beach. Failed. The sun was intense. My attempts at sunbathing resulted in a sunburn that could rival a lobster's. Decided to retreat to the apartment. Napped. Woke up feeling even more confused about life.
- Emotional Reaction: Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. I'm alone. In a foreign country. With a sunburn. And the faint scent of mildew in the bathroom. Am I having a mid-life crisis? Is this all a terrible mistake? Deep breaths, self. Deep breaths.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Wandered around the town. Found a supermarket. Bought snacks. (Mostly chocolate. Don't judge.) Ate dinner on the balcony. Watched the sunset. It was beautiful. For a second. Then I remembered I had to cook, and I'm a terrible cook, and my existential dread returned. Decided to drink a bottle of wine.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so the wine was a bad idea. Now I'm staring at the sea, feeling all philosophical. What is the meaning of life? Why can't I find a good olive oil? And why are the crickets so LOUD?
Day 2: The Taverna That Broke Me (and then fixed me a little)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Slept in. Needed it. Sunburn still raging. Decided to face the taverna. The one I'd seen on my first day. Figured I’d have a proper Greek breakfast.
- Mid-Day (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The Taverna. Oh, the Taverna. It's called "Stavros' Place," and it's run by Stavros, a man who looks like he wrestled bears in his youth. Ordered a Greek salad, some bread, and coffee. The salad was HUGE. The bread was crusty and amazing. The coffee was so strong it nearly launched me into orbit. The problem? The waiter kept trying to flirt. I'm pretty sure he thought I was 25. I am most definitely not.
- Doubling Down on Experience: This Taverna experience needs its own paragraph. The food was incredible, yes, but it was the atmosphere. The clatter of plates, the smell of grilled fish, the boisterous laughter of the other diners… it was pure, unadulterated life. I watched a group of old men playing backgammon, their faces etched with years of sunshine and secrets. I saw a young couple sharing a plate of calamari, their eyes sparkling with love. And I realized, for the first time since I'd arrived, that I wasn't alone. That even though I was traveling solo, I was surrounded by people, by stories, by living. Stavros, despite the flirting, was the most welcoming person I'd met. He kept refilling my coffee, offering me shots of Raki (which, let's be honest, I needed), and just generally making me feel… okay.
- Anecdote within an Anecdote: I accidentally spilled red wine all over my white linen shirt. Mortified, I started apologizing profusely. Stavros just laughed, grabbed a lemon, rubbed it on the stain, and declared, "No problem! It is now more… artistic!" He then winked. Again. But this time, I didn't mind.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the apartment. Sunburn still a monster. Decided to write a blog post (this one, actually). Felt a little less like a failure.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Another balcony dinner. This time, I made an effort. Pasta with pesto (from a jar. Baby steps). Watched the stars. They were incredibly bright. Listened to the waves crashing. The existential dread was back, but it was… muted.
- Opinionated Language: I'm starting to think Crete might actually be good for me. Even though the GPS is evil, the sun is a tyrant, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to gain ten pounds from all the delicious food, this place… this place is starting to feel like home.
Day 3 & Beyond (aka, The Unwritten Chapters)
- To be determined: I have no idea what's going to happen. Probably more sunburn. More questionable cooking attempts. More existential crises. But also, hopefully, more amazing food. More stunning views. More moments of feeling… connected. Maybe I'll learn to navigate a roundabout without losing my mind. Maybe I'll even learn to love the bougainvillea bush.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I'm starting to genuinely love this place. The chaos, the imperfections, the sheer realness of it all. It's not the perfect vacation I thought I wanted. It's messy, it's challenging, and it's absolutely, utterly wonderful.
- Rambles: Oh, and I almost forgot! I need to find a beach that isn’t packed with tourists. Also, I want to learn some basic Greek phrases. And I really need to figure out how to operate the washing machine. And maybe… just maybe… I'll try to talk to Stavros again. Wish me luck. This could be the beginning of a beautiful (and slightly awkward) friendship.
- Minor Categories:
- Food: Greek salad, bread, coffee, pasta, and chocolate. A lot of chocolate.
- Transportation: The tiny, evil rental car.
- Accommodation: Rias Sea View Apartment - with a view, a bougainvillea bush, and a slightly questionable bathroom.
- Activities: Sunbathing (mostly unsuccessful), beach lounging, eating, drinking, and mild existential dread.
- Overall Assessment: Crete is a chaotic, beautiful, and slightly overwhelming adventure. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a larger rental car.
Rias Luxury Awaits: Your Cretan Dream... or Nightmare (Just Kidding... Mostly!) - FAQ Edition!
Okay, spill the tea! What's REALLY the deal with those sea views? Are they Instagram-worthy or just… okay?
Alright, alright, let's get real. The sea views? They're… well, they're the reason you book this place. Seriously. I mean, the photos? They're *good*, but the actual, visceral experience? Different level entirely. Picture this: I woke up one morning, bleary-eyed, and stumbled onto the balcony. Coffee in hand, I expected a nice view. Instead, I got *slapped* in the face with breathtaking beauty. The Aegean was this shimmering, turquoise beast, and the sky? A canvas of fiery oranges and purples. I actually gasped. Like, full-on involuntary gasp. My partner? He just grumbled something about me being dramatic. He's wrong, of course. It’s Instagrammable AND soul-stirring. Don't even question it. Just book it.
Is the apartment actually *luxurious*? Or just… nicely decorated? (Because let's be honest, "luxury" can be a slippery slope.)
Okay, "luxury" is subjective, right? For me, it means not having to wrestle with a wonky shower head or sleep on a lumpy mattress. (Been there, done that, in *so* many "luxury" places, ugh.) This place? It delivers. Think plush towels, ridiculously comfortable beds, and a kitchen that's actually *fun* to cook in. (I know, I know, you're on vacation, who wants to cook? But trust me, the urge will strike. Maybe it's the view, maybe it's the delicious Cretan produce you can find at the local market... either way, you *will* cook.) My only minor gripe? The coffee machine. It's *fancy*. And I, a simple instant coffee gal, almost broke it trying to figure it out. (My partner, the coffee snob, was in heaven, though.) So, yes, luxurious. But prepare for a learning curve on the coffee front. Or, you know, just stick to the *delicious* Greek coffee at the tavernas.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around? Or am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
The location is… a sweet spot. Not *too* isolated, not *too* crowded. You're close enough to the local tavernas (and trust me, you want to be close to the tavernas!), a decent-sized supermarket, and some seriously stunning beaches. Renting a car is *highly* recommended. Because, honestly, Crete is made for exploring. I did a day trip to Elafonisi beach (pink sand! Seriously!) and another to the Samaria Gorge (that was… a hike. A beautiful, exhausting hike. Pack good shoes!). Without a car, you'd be missing out on a HUGE chunk of the Cretan experience. Public transport? Ehhh, it exists, but it's not exactly zippy. So, yeah, rent a car. You won't regret it. Just… maybe brush up on your Greek driving skills. They’re… enthusiastic. (My partner nearly had a heart attack on the first day. Good times.)
Any hidden costs I should be aware of? Because nobody likes a surprise bill at the end of their holiday!
Honestly? Not really. The price is pretty upfront. But, you know, always check the fine print. Some places sneak in a "cleaning fee" or charge extra for things like beach towels. From what I remember, Rias Luxury Awaits was pretty transparent. (Though, I’m a terrible planner, so double-check! Don’t be like me!) The only thing I can think of is the cost of the… well, the *stuff*. The delicious food, the local wine, the souvenirs… Crete is *tempting*. My credit card took a beating. Worth it, though. Absolutely worth it.
What about the owner/management? Are they helpful? Or are you left to fend for yourself?
Okay, this is important. The owners? They were *amazing*. Like, genuinely lovely people. They greeted us with a basket of local treats (including the most delicious olive oil I’ve ever tasted), and they were always available to answer questions or offer recommendations. We had a minor issue with the Wi-Fi (first world problems, I know!), and they sorted it out immediately. They clearly care about their guests and the property. It makes a huge difference. I've stayed in places where the management was… shall we say, less than enthusiastic. This was the opposite. They were welcoming, helpful, and genuinely made us feel like we were welcome guests, not just another booking. They even gave us some tips on where to find the *best* gyros. (Essential information.)
Is there a pool? Because… pool.
Yes! There is a pool! And it's… perfect. Okay, maybe not *perfect*, but it’s pretty darn close. Clean, well-maintained, and with, you guessed it, a view! I spent a significant portion of my holiday floating in that pool, margarita in hand, staring at the sea. Pure bliss. The only downside? I'm not sure I'll ever be able to enjoy a regular pool again. This place has ruined me. Forever.
Anything you *didn't* like? Be honest!
Okay, okay, time for a little honesty. (Though, seriously, I loved this place.) The only thing I can truly complain about is… the lack of a dedicated laundry room. There's a washing machine in the apartment, which is great, but no dryer. So, you're hanging your clothes on the balcony. Which, in the Cretan sun, is a *good* thing. But, it also means you have to deal with the occasional rogue gust of wind and a slightly sun-faded t-shirt. Minor, I know. But, hey, I promised honesty! Also, and I'm being *super* picky here, the Wi-Fi could be a *tiny* bit stronger in the bedroom. But honestly, who needs Wi-Fi when you have that view? (Me, apparently. I needed to update my Instagram with glorious sunset pics.)
Would you go back? And if so, when can I book my flight?
Absolutely.Book Hotels Now
