Enabling guests to return home savoring a sense of Greece, The Royal Blue has launched a collection of new experiences encouraging guests to discover a culture that boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world with culinary masterclasses, immersive language lessons, weekly wine tastings and eye-opening excursions.
Having recently undergone an expansive renovation, The Royal Blue is idyllically positioned between Rethymon and Heraklion along Crete’s picturesque northern coast. Truly offering a sense of place and heritage amongst the unforgettable setting, The Royal Blue will offer all guests complimentary language lessons. Whether it’s to impress with new language skills back home or a tool to get to know the locals, guests will take away the fundamental phrases used throughout the beautiful Greek islands.
Renowned worldwide for its numerous health benefits and miraculous impact on longevity, guests will also have the opportunity to cook up a treat of traditional healthy dishes that highlight local produce including olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish and lean red meats. Led by Executive Chef, George Pelekos, foodies can learn from the best, expertly infusing modern twists such as authentic snail risotto, fresh octopus salad or shrimps saganaki at any four of the resort’s restaurants.
Notably home to some of Europe’s oldest vineyards, The Royal Blue also offers the perfect destination to celebrate the art of wine, Greece’s oldest tradition. Whether savoring a glass by the ocean or expertly pairing it with the resort’s traditional culinary creation, guests can enjoy weekly wine tastings held by the hotel’s sommelier. Shaking things up for those with a taste for cocktails, guests can also take home unique tips and tricks from the hotel's resident barman at the weekly cocktail masterclasses.
The ideal base to unearth a time capsule of temples, churches, cemeteries, villas and baths - The Museum of Ancient Eleutherna (MaE) is Crete's first-ever archaeological site museum. Beautifully nestled on the slopes of Mount Idea, the MaE sheds a unique light on Cretan history transporting guests back to the dawn of Greek culture. Visitors with an artistic flair can also discover one of Crete's most important and exciting findings, the 'Eleutherna Kore' – supposed sister to The Louvre's 'The Lady of Auxerre'.
With influence taken from its destination, the hotel’s Pure Senses Spa offers a relaxing selection of Cretan infused treatments. The Signature treatment, the 'Cretan Welcome Treatment' uses locally sourced produce such as Crete’s renowned olive oil and red grapes. Sink into a revitalizing red grape bath, soothe skin with a Mediterranean peeling body scrub and unwind whilst receiving a unique massage based on traditional Cretan olive oil.
With mesmerising views that naturally echo a pure sense of serenity, guests can truly appreciate the striking landscapes and culturally rich destination that Crete is. With 190 elegant rooms, luxurious waterfront suites and exclusive villas offering unforgettable views of the stunning coastline - The Royal Blue offers a perfect blend of relaxation and enriching experiences.
Prices at The Royal Blue start from 160EUR (approx. £141) a night. For more information or to book www.royalblueresort.com
