Ilios II: Crete's Hidden Paradise Awaits (Checkin & Book Now!)
Ilios II: Crete's Hidden Paradise Awaits (Checkin & Book Now!)
Ilios II: Crete - Paradise Found (and Slightly Flawed)
(Meta Description: Review of Ilios II in Crete, a supposed hidden paradise. We dive deep into its accessibility, amenities, dining, and everything in between, with brutally honest opinions and stories.)
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Alright, alright, settle in, because I just got back from Ilios II in Crete, that supposedly "hidden paradise." After weeks of sunshine, ouzo, and questionable decisions, I'm ready to spill the beans. Consider this your brutally honest, warts-and-all guide.
First things first: Accessibility. They claim to be good. And honestly? They mostly are. The elevator? Check. Ramps to get around? Mostly. The pool area was a bit of a gamble with its uneven surfaces, and the phrase "wheelchair friendly" needs to come with a disclaimer: "Bring your strongest arms." Some of the restaurants had tricky entrances as well so be prepared for a workout. It’s not perfect access, but it's definitely better than some of the other places I visited on that trip. Good start, Ilios II, but room for improvement in this key area.
Wheelchair Accessible: Needs a Little Fine-Tuning. The elevator and ramps get you most places with a little help, but the uneven surfaces around the pool area and some restaurant entrances are a potential challenge.
Internet Access: A must-have! Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the gods! Connection was pretty solid too. Now that's a crucial win for anyone who needs to stay connected, and let's be honest, who doesn't nowadays? They also offer Internet [LAN], but let's be real, who uses that dinosaur anymore? So Wi-Fi wins.
Let's talk Relaxation, Baby!
This is where Ilios II shines… mostly. The Spa/Sauna situation is a serious win. I'm not even a huge spa goer, I'm more of a "hike until my legs scream" kinda person, but I was converted. The Pool with a view was absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, the view alone made all the travel chaos worth it. Picture this: clear blue water, sun setting over the Aegean Sea, and a cocktail in my hand. Pure bliss. They also had a Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, and Body wrap all available. I didn't have time for those but I could only imagine!
Things to do and ways to Relax:
- Sauna: Ahh, the relaxation after a hike
- Spa/sauna: A double treat
- Swimming pool: Gorgeous, especially at sunset.
- Steamroom: I'm told it's very good but I did not get to try it.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: For some next-level chilling - and I'm not sure I went hard enough.
The Fitness center/Gym/fitness existed, but I didn't step foot inside. I was there to eat, drink, and occasionally float in a pool, not run on a treadmill and I don't regret it.
Cleanliness and safety:
This is a big one, right? Especially post-pandemic. They’re trying people, they're trying. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? I saw them doing it. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Yup. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol and they gave off the vibe that they were trying their best. I appreciated the effort, but at the end of the day, I still felt the need to sanitize my hands every 5 seconds.
Now, for a bit of a ramble. I loved the Poolside bar. That was where I spent most of my afternoons, nursing a cocktail and generally being a slug. The staff there were wonderful – smiley, friendly, and they somehow remembered my name and order after only a few visits. Seriously, those guys deserve a medal. Best cocktails ever.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Okay, here’s where things got… interesting. Restaurants: They have a few, which on paper sounds great. Restaurants: There are several to choose from. From the main buffet to the "a la carte" options, you won't be dying of boredom, but the food quality? That's like a box of chocolates: sometimes you're pleasantly surprised, sometimes you wish you'd just stuck with the buffet.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast was actually pretty good. Pancakes, eggs, fruit, the usual. I’d definitely recommend it.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Definitely. Good coffee options.
- Poolside bar: Essential for a good time.
- Restaurants: Several to choose from, with varying levels of success. Especially the buffet.
The Asian cuisine was… well, it was there. Let's just say it wasn't winning any culinary awards. The Desserts in restaurants were also very inconsistent.
The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver a few nights after a few too many cocktails. And the Snack bar kept me going between meals.
Services and Conveniences:
Here’s another mixed bag.
- Concierge: Super helpful and able to navigate the complex web of Greek bureaucracy.
- Doorman: Always a friendly face to greet you.
- Laundry service: Essential. Because I needed to wash my clothes
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea, right?
For the Kids
I had no kids with me, but I did see the Kids facilities. They looked decent from a distance. Family/child friendly: Seems like it, but take that with a grain of salt, given I'm not a parent.
In the Room
Air conditioning: Absolutely essential. Balconies: A must. Coffee/tea maker: Bless. Complimentary tea: Excellent. Free bottled water: Always appreciated. In-room safe box: Also a must-have. I'd add that the bed was comfy too.
Overall Vibe
Ilios II is a good try. Is it a flawless "hidden paradise"? No. Is it worth visiting? Absolutely, with the right expectations. It's a place with potential, a place where you can relax, soak up the sun, and forget about your troubles… as long as you're okay with a few minor imperfections. I mean, even paradise has its flaws, right?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (with the caveat that I’m easily pleased by sunshine and pool bars.)
Final Thought: Would I go back? Probably. I’d definitely head back for the pool, the bar, and the overall Cretan charm. Just maybe I'd pack my own snack.
Escape to Paradise: ITSF B&B Taitung, Taiwan - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my Ilios II adventure on Crete! I’m not promising smooth sailing; more like a wobbly kayak ride down a really scenic, slightly turbulent river. Let's do this!
Ilios II: My Cretan Chaos (and Maybe a Little Bit of Bliss)
Day 1: Arrival – Sweet Suffering & Olive Oil Dreams
- Morning (aka: The Flight of the Frazzled): Touchdown Heraklion Airport. Oh god, the crowds. Seriously, it felt like a herd of sheep trying to squeeze through a tiny gate. Finding the rental car? Let's just say my attempts at Greek (mostly disastrous) and the rental agent's questionable English skills led to a whole lot of pointing and sighing. But hey, I have wheels! It's a tiny, slightly battered Fiat, which I've affectionately nicknamed "The Lemon" (because, well, it’s a lemon).
- Afternoon (Chania Arrival & Finding Ilios II): Drive to Chania, the charming city. The drive was beautiful, coastline, turquoise water, and all that. But here's the thing: navigating Cretan roads? It's a contact sport. I’m pretty sure I narrowly avoided several goat stampedes and a near-miss with a scooter carrying three dudes and a suspiciously large bag of something. The drive was an anxiety filled, but I made it to the Ilios II boutique hotel. The hotel is fantastic, everything i wanted. I wanted to get some rest.
- Evening (Olive Oil & Philosophical Ramblings): Dinner at a traditional taverna in Chania's Venetian harbor. This is where things got interesting. We're off to dinner, and there is something about the place that is all but right. The food at the taverna: OMG. Simple, fresh, utterly delicious. And the olive oil? Forget about it. It was like drinking liquid sunshine. I spent a good half hour just staring at the table, wondering if I could smuggle a whole barrel back home. This is all while I am enjoying the company of my favorite.
Day 2: Samaria Gorge - A Brutal Beauty & Blistered Feet
- Morning (The Early Bird Gets…Blistered Feet?): Woke up with a terrible blister from yesterdays hike, and thought, "Oh boy." Today: the Samaria Gorge hike. Apparently, it's a "must-do" thing on Crete. I figured I was a fairly decent hiker. Famous last words. The bus ride to the starting point (Omalos Plateau) was a bumpy, winding rollercoaster ride that left me feeling slightly nauseous and questioning all my life choices.
- Afternoon (Down, Down, Down…): The hike itself? Holy mother of mountains. It's a descent into the gorge. The scenery was breathtaking, like, genuinely jaw-droppingly beautiful. Towering cliffs, rushing streams, wildflowers bursting with color. But…my feet! The relentless downhill, the uneven terrain, the sheer length of it…by the halfway point, my knees were screaming, and my toenails were staging a revolt. I swear, I saw a goat give me the side-eye, probably thinking, "Amateur."
- Evening (Agia Roumeli & Ferry Fiasco): Finally made it to the other end (Agia Roumeli). Collapsed on a beachside taverna, guzzled water like a dehydrated camel, and ordered the biggest plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce I could find. Then, the ferry. The ferry to Chora Sfakion, which required a second bus. The ferry was late, the bus was packed, and I nearly lost my sanity.
Day 3: Elafonisi Beach - Pink Sand & Melancholy Musing
- Morning (The Promise of Pink): The drive to Elafonisi. The pictures, they lied. They didn't tell me about the sheer number of tourists vying for a square inch of the famed pink sand. It was like a sea of sunburnt bodies and selfie sticks. But, despite the crowds, Elafonisi is genuinely beautiful. The water is crystal clear, the sand is subtly pink, and the whole place has this dreamy, otherworldly quality.
- Afternoon (Drowning in Good Vibes): I spent hours just floating in the shallow water, letting the waves wash over me. I sat there, and it hit me. The sheer, overwhelming beauty of the place. The contrast of the turquoise water against the pink of the sand. It triggered me. I needed it. A good cry is what I wanted. And the water was just perfect.
- Evening (Taverna Twilight & Emotional Overload): Went to a local beachside taverna. Ordered this amazing grilled octopus, and I was still in my little bubble. The day was just…wow.
Day 4: Knossos Palace - Myths, Mayhem, & Mind-Bending Architecture
- Morning (Knossos in High Noon): The drive to Knossos, I was dreading the crowds. The ancient Minoan city of Knossos, is beautiful. The place is immense, and it's mind-blowing to think about the civilization that thrived here thousands of years ago. I spent hours wandering around, trying to imagine what life must have been like then. The labyrinth, the bull-leaping frescoes, the throne room…it was all incredibly impressive. The heat was relentless, though. I felt like I was slowly turning into a raisin.
- Afternoon (More Crowds & Souvenir Shenanigans): The crowds. the souvenir shops. The pushy vendors. I needed a coffee.
- Evening (Heraklion Exploration & Sweet Relief): Back to Heraklion for a final dinner. Found a little place hidden down a side street. The food was simple, fresh, and the service was incredibly kind.
Day 5: Departure – Goodbye, Cretan Chaos!
- Morning (The Lemon's Last Stand): Return "The Lemon". The parting of ways was emotional. Actually, it was more like relief.
- Afternoon (Airport Anxiety & Final Thoughts): Final thoughts: Crete, you magnificent, messy, beautiful, frustrating, utterly captivating place. You’ve bruised my feet, warmed my soul, and filled me with a strange mix of awe and exhaustion. I will be back. But next time, I’m packing better shoes and a whole lot more patience.
Ilios II: Crete - The Island That Nearly Broke Me (But I Miss It Already!) – FAQs
Okay, Real Talk: Is Ilios II Seriously as Amazing as the Website Makes it Sound?
Look, the website? Yeah, it paints a pretty picture. And honestly? Mostly true. But, and this is a BIG but, it's *Crete*. Amazing comes with a side of "holy smokes, I need a siesta!" I’m talking, **amazing** beaches (Elafonisi, oh my GOD Elafonisi!), stunning sunsets that'll make you weep (in a good way… mostly), and food that'll make you gain five pounds just smelling it. I'm not even kidding. That feta... that olive oil... I still dream about it. But it's also… *intense*. The sun is brutal. Finding parking is a contact sport. And that "charming" little taverna on the cliffside? Prepare to be blown away by the wind (and the deliciousness) every single time! I got sunburned on day one, and tried to haggle for a watermelon, and failed miserably. Totally worth it, though. Mostly.
Booking – The Dreaded Process. Is It Easy? Are There Hidden Fees? (Don't Lie to Me!)
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Booking *was* reasonably straightforward. I went through the website (of course). I even managed to snag a pretty good deal on a villa with a private pool. But here’s the thing: READ THE FINE PRINT. Seriously. I skimmed. BAD MOVE. There was a local tax I completely missed, and that sneaky little fee popped up at checkout. It wasn't HUGE, but it was a surprise. My advice? Take your time. Double-check everything. And, for the love of Zeus, consider travel insurance! I nearly broke an ankle on a cobblestone street (that, thankfully, didn't happen but made me feel like I had to buy some insurance just in case).
The Villas – Are They Actually as Luxurious as They Look in the Photos?
Okay, the villas… That's where Ilios II kind of blew me away. My villa? Incredible. The pictures... yep, they were accurate. The pool was genuinely as inviting as the one in the photos. The only reason I spent time in the sunbed was that I felt I had to show off its glory. The kitchen and bathrooms were modern (and clean! Huge win!). The views? Breath-taking. I was certain that I'd find something missing - maybe a dusty remote. But... nope. Everything was perfect. The only imperfection was me - trying to be the perfect holiday maker, which, as a human, is impossible. I even took, what felt like, 100 photos from the balcony.
Is There Anything to *NOT* Like About Ilios II? (Be Honest!)
Okay, deep breath. Yes. There are *some* things. Look, perfection is boring, right? First, the internet. It was spotty, or at least, in the house I was at (I can blame it on the walls being thick... I'm sure they're thick.) Also, the roads... some of them are, shall we say, 'character-building'. Meaning, you need to be a confident driver, or you'll be having a panic attack every five minutes – seriously. And lastly, the sheer number of delicious options at every taverna! It’s a delicious form of torture. I swear I gained five pounds just reading the menus. Oh! And mosquitoes. Bring bug spray! I went to a beach, and even that was worth it.
What's the Best Time to Go? (So I Don't End Up Melting)
I went in late May, and it was *perfect*. The weather was warm, the crowds weren’t insane, and the sea was just the right temperature. Early June is also a great bet. July and August? Buckle up. It's HOT. Like "can't-leave-the-pool-until-sunset" hot. September and October are supposed to be lovely too, but the sea might be a little cooler. Think carefully. Do you prefer sun or the ability to *breathe*? Make your sacrifices.
Activities, Activities, Activities – What Should I Absolutely *Not* Miss?
Okay, okay, get ready. This is where things get *really* good. First, the beaches. Elafonisi. Go. Just… go!! And Balos Lagoon... go. It's a bit of a drive (or a boat trip), but worth every single bump in the road. Seriously. I even got a tiny rock stuck in my sandal whilst there. Then, explore the Samaria Gorge (if you're up for a hike, and I mean, a *real* hike). Visit the Venetian harbor in Chania. Order all the food. Trust me. Consider a cooking class – learn to make your own spanakopita! Fail miserably at trying. And, if you are adventurous, try windsurfing!
Okay, Let's Talk Food. Is it True That Cretan Cuisine is Basically Heaven on a Plate?
Yep. Absolutely. Without a doubt. Cretan food is… something else. Fresh ingredients, simple preparations, and flavors that explode in your mouth. I ate more feta cheese than I care to admit. The olive oil? Drizzle it on *everything*. The gyros? Unreal. Don’t be afraid to try everything! And the portions are HUGE. Prepare to loosen that belt buckle (or, like me, buy a slightly bigger pair of trousers). I even attempted to cook a meal myself one night, and it was such a disaster that I had to order some takeaways (which was still delicious!).
Should I Rent a Car? Or are Taxis/Public Transport Okay?
Rent a car. Definitely. Unless you’re happy staying within walking distance of your villa (and let's face it, you're going to want to explore!), you'll need a car. Public transport exists, but it's not super efficient. Taxis can get expensive. Plus, you'll want the freedom to explore those hidden coves and tiny tavernas at your own pace. Driving is a little… 'adventurous' in some areas, but the views are worth it! Just make sure you get insurance – you’ll thank me when you have to navigate a hairpin bend with a sheer drop on one side!
Okay, Tell Me About the Staff/Service - Helpful or Haphazard?
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