Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live

Amirandes_A_Grecotel_Resort_To_Live
Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live

Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live

À la carte dine-around concept with access to Grecotel restaurants across the region Elegant beachfront setting close to the Gouves promenade Olympic-size outdoor seawater pool plus indoor heated pool Six restaurants and three bars, from sushi on the beach to Italian by the lagoon Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC-recognised standard Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms 212 | Blocks: 5 | Floors: 3 | Lifts: 5
Board options All Inclusive, Half Board, Bed and Breakfast
Child policy Family-friendly resort (children up to 11 years in designated room types)

Overview

 
Luxurious yet authentically Cretan, Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live is inspired by the grand water palaces of Minoan kings and Venetian nobles. Think reflecting pools, colonnaded walkways and a showpiece Olympic-size seawater pool spilling towards the Aegean. Families are spoilt with Grecoland kids club and water’s-edge villas, while couples hide away in private-pool suites, dine in six atmospheric restaurants and retreat to the Elixir Spa for signature rituals using local botanicals.

Arrive along candlelit pools and mirrored lagoons and Amirandes immediately feels cinematic. The resort unfolds around a vast Olympic-size seawater pool and manicured lawns sweeping down to a soft-sand bay. By day, it’s all easygoing luxury – private cabanas, attentive beach service, kids laughing at Grecoland. By night, torches are lit, columns glow gold, and diners drift between sushi on the sand, creative Greek cuisine and the art-filled Minotaur restaurant. This is the Grecotel flagship for design lovers and families who like their luxury with a genuine sense of place. For couples and families seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s coastal charm with a serious dose of style, Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live delivers the perfect balance. It’s approximately 30 minutes from Heraklion (HER) airport. See more Greece holidays.

Map & location


Gouves, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Amirandes occupies a privileged seafront spot in Kato Gouves on Crete’s popular north coast, midway between Heraklion and Hersonissos. The resort opens directly onto a sandy beach backed by a 3km promenade dotted with tavernas and cafés – ideal for evening strolls and sea views.

Head a few minutes inland and the whitewashed village of Pano Gouves offers a more traditional feel: narrow lanes, bougainvillea-draped houses and small churches framed by Mount Ederi. For families, Cretaquarium and neighbouring Gournes are close by, while culture-lovers can make a day trip to Knossos and Heraklion’s museums.

  • Beach 200m (direct beachfront setting)
  • shops, bars & restaurants 450m
  • Gouves resort centre 2.9km
  • Heraklion city around 20km
  • Cretaquarium (Gournes) 5-minute drive
  • Approx. transfer time from airport 30 minutes

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


Water is the star of the show at Amirandes. At the heart of the resort you’ll find a spectacular Olympic-size outdoor saltwater pool framed by columns and loungers, with a generous sunbathing terrace and parasols. A separate freshwater children’s pool sits close by so younger guests can splash safely.

Inside the Elixir Spa, an adults-only heated indoor freshwater pool (typically heated April) provides a calm retreat in cooler months.

Down at the beach, gentle waves and soft sand make this stretch of coast ideal for families and confident swimmers alike. Sunbeds, umbrellas and towels are provided, while a local water-sports centre (external operator, seasonal and chargeable) offers canoeing, pedalos, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, motorised activities and more.

• 2 main outdoor pools including an Olympic-size saltwater pool and a freshwater children’s pool
• Adults-only indoor heated pool in the spa (seasonal heating)
• Complimentary pool and beach towels
• Sunbeds and parasols on pool terraces and beach
• Water toys and inflatables generally permitted in designated pool areas

Spa, sports & wellness


The Elixir Spa combines Cretan wellness traditions with contemporary facilities. Expect treatment rooms for massages and rituals (charges apply), a sauna and relaxation spaces, plus that indoor pool for a soothing dip. Spa access and services are usually for guests 16 years and over.

Active travellers are well catered for with a fully equipped, air-conditioned gym offering cardio machines, free weights, strength equipment and a stretching zone, open long hours. Daily activities and classes range from basketball and football to yoga, pilates, aerobics, aqua aerobics, table tennis and volleyball.

On land or sea, there’s always something to do: hire a bike to explore the coastline, join a guided cycling tour, book a tennis or paddle court, or settle into the cinema room for a relaxed evening.

Key facilities include:
• Elixir Spa with sauna, massage and beauty treatments (16+, chargeable)
• Indoor heated pool in the spa (seasonal)
• Air-conditioned gym (approx. 07:00–21:00)
• Tennis and paddle courts*
• Team sports: basketball, football, volleyball
• Fitness: aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga
• Table tennis and trampolining
• Cinema room
• Cycling facilities and bike hire* with guided tours*
• On-site mini-market
• Concierge, luggage storage and equipment hire including bottle warmers, kettles, mobility scooters and wheelchairs*

*Local charges may apply; some facilities are seasonal and subject to occupancy.

Activities


? On-site cinema screenings
? Air-conditioned gym with cardio, weights and stretching zones
? Team sports including basketball, football and volleyball
? Table tennis and trampolining
? Yoga, pilates, aerobics and aqua aerobics sessions
? Tennis and paddle courts*
? Cycling facilities with bike hire and guided rides*
? Water sports from an external centre: canoeing, pedalos, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and motorised options*
? Seasonal daytime activities for adults and families (arts & crafts, games, small team sports)
? Evening entertainment with live music, DJs and mini-discos (programme seasonal, typically June–October)

*Charges apply for some activities; schedules vary by season and occupancy.

Guest services


?️ 24-hour reception and concierge service
? Luggage storage and late check-out on request*
? Elixir Spa with sauna, treatment rooms and beauty salon* (16+)
? Daily housekeeping with regular towel and linen changes
? Grecoland kids club (4–12 yrs), kids’ buffet, children’s menus and playground
? Babysitting service on request*
♿ Equipment hire: bottle warmers, kettles, mobility scooters and wheelchairs*
? On-site mini-market for holiday essentials
? Certified Sustainable Hotel with ongoing environmental initiatives

*Local charges apply; advance reservation recommended for selected services.

Food & drink

Gastronomy is a major reason to choose Amirandes. The resort features one main buffet restaurant and five distinctive à la carte venues, each with its own atmosphere and cuisine – from Asian fusion to refined Cretan dishes. Smart dress codes and reservations apply in the evenings, keeping the ambience elegant.

Restaurants
• Amirandes Main Restaurant – Buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner with show-cooking and a kids’ buffet; indoor-outdoor terrace seating.
• Blue Monkey – Beachfront Asian à la carte with Chinese, Thai and Japanese favourites plus live show-cooking.
• Lago Di Candia – International à la carte dining beside the pool, ideal for romantic dinners.
• Minotaur – Art-filled Italian à la carte restaurant serving premium pasta, risotto and grilled specialities by the lagoon.
• Petrino – Greek à la carte taverna-style restaurant open for lunch on the terrace, showcasing local ingredients.
• Xasteria – A refined Greek and regional Cretan à la carte restaurant (seasonal; typically April–October, opening dependent on occupancy).

Children are well catered for with highchairs, kids’ menus and buffets in several venues.

Bars
• Beach Bar & Sunset Lounge – Laid-back bar right on the beach for drinks and snacks, transforming into a sunset hangout with sea views.
• Pool Bar – Daytime hub for drinks and light bites around the main pool.
• Labyrinth Bar – Atmospheric lounge bar in the main building, perfect for pre-dinner cocktails; long trousers requested for gentlemen in the evening.

All Inclusive and Half Board guests enjoy a generous dine-around credit at selected Amirandes à la carte restaurants and across a network of Grecotel properties in the wider area, with minimum 7-night stays and reservations required. What All Inclusive typically includes.

Rooms
Double Room with Garden View for Sole Use Sleeps 1 adult


Designed for solo travellers who don’t want to compromise on space or style.
Sleeps: 1 adult
• Garden views
• Balcony
• Shower bathroom
• Daily cleaning and towel change

Luxury & Superior Rooms (Garden, Lagoon or Sea Views)


Elegant hotel rooms ideal for couples.
Sleeps: typically 2–3 guests (depending on type)
• Options include Superior Garden View, Superior Sea View, Luxury Garden View, Luxury Side Sea or Lagoon View, Luxury Sea View
• Balcony or terrace
• Bathroom with bath and shower or shower over bath

Superior Family Rooms & Family Suites Sleeps 2–4 guests


Great for small families who prefer the main building.
Sleeps: 2–4 guests (depending on type)
• Superior Family Room, Superior Family Room with Garden View or Side Sea View
• Family Suite with Garden View or Sea View
• Separate sleeping areas in many suites
• Balcony or terrace and full bathroom with bath and shower

Swim-Up & Private Garden Rooms Sleeps 2–4 guests


Perfect if you like direct access to the water.
Sleeps: 2–4 guests (depending on type)
• Superior Swim-Up Room with Private Garden
• Swim-Up Family Suite with Garden
• Private pool shared or individual, terrace with sunbeds

Bungalows & Junior Suites


Low-rise options that blend into the gardens.
Sleeps: typically 2 guests (+ inf in some)
• Front Row Luxury Bungalow with Garden – closer to the sea, ground floor
• Deluxe Junior Bungalow Suite with Private Pool – ground floor, private heated pool on request*

Suites Sleeps 2–2


Added space and extra comforts such as whirlpool baths and turndown service.
Sleeps: 2–2+infants (depending on suite)
• Luxury One Bedroom Suite
• Grand One Bedroom Suite – whirlpool bath plus separate shower
• Luxury Junior Suite with Gym – with private pool and external shower

Private Pool Villas & VIP Suites


For the full Amirandes experience, opt for a villa or VIP suite with private pool, many of which can be heated on request*.
Sleeps: from 2 up to 6 guests (depending on type)
• Amirandes Two Bedroom Dream Villa with Private Pool & Courtyard Sea View
• Amirandes VIP Two Bedroom Suites with Private Pool (Garden View or Sea View)
• Amirandes Creta Villa with Private Pool & Courtyard Sea View
• Sea Front Creta Beach Villa with Private Pool
• Sea Front Junior Presidential Villa
• Royal Villa with Courtyard
• Two Bedroom Sea Front Luxury Beach Villa
• Two Bedroom Family Suite with Garden View & Private Pool
• Two Bedroom Family Suite in Main Building with Garden View

Most villas feature:
• Private swimming pool with sunbeds (heating to approx. 25°C available in several categories for a daily fee*)
• Terrace and/or balcony, some with courtyards
• 2 bathrooms in many categories, often including whirlpool baths and external showers
• Pillow menu and evening turndown in selected villa types

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary. Pool heating, pillow menus and turndown services vary by room type; supplements may apply.

More info

Crete’s north coast combines resort convenience with easy access to culture and nature. Gouves is split between lively Kato Gouves on the seafront and charming Pano Gouves in the hills, so you can mix beach time with village wanderings and marina strolls.

Good to know:
• Destination: Gouves, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 hours
• Average flight time from UK: approx. 4.5 hours
• Airport: Heraklion (HER)
• Transfer time to Amirandes: approx. 30 minutes
• Local area highlights: 3km coastal promenade, Cretaquarium (Gournes), traditional village of Pano Gouves, easy day trips to Knossos and Heraklion

Hotel information is subject to seasonal changes; specific facilities and opening times can vary based on occupancy and weather conditions. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.

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FAQs
Is Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live directly on the beach?
Yes. Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live has a privileged beachfront position in Kato Gouves, with the resort’s grounds leading directly to a sandy bay. Sunbeds and parasols are provided on the beach, and a seafront promenade runs for around 3km along the coast.
What board options can I book, and how does the dine-around work?
You can book All Inclusive, Half Board, or Bed and Breakfast. All Inclusive and Half Board both include buffet meals in the main restaurant plus an attractive dine-around element: guests receive a credit allowance per adult and child to use at selected à la carte restaurants within Amirandes and across a number of Grecotel sister hotels in the Rethymnon/Adelianos Kampos area. A minimum 7-night stay is usually required, reservations are essential, and transport to other hotels is not included.
Is Amirandes suitable for families with children?
Very much so. Families benefit from a dedicated children’s pool, the Grecoland kids club for ages 4–12, a playground, cinema, children’s buffet and kids’ menus in the restaurants. Many room categories are tailored to families, including superior family rooms, family suites and two-bedroom suites or villas with private pools. Babysitting is available at an extra charge.
Does the resort have spa and fitness facilities?
Yes. The Elixir Spa features a sauna, indoor heated pool (adults-only), and a full menu of massages and beauty treatments, typically available 10:00–18:30 with local charges. There is also a modern, air-conditioned gym open roughly 07:00–21:00, plus a wide choice of classes and sports including yoga, pilates, aqua aerobics, basketball, football, tennis, paddle and more.
How far is Amirandes from Heraklion Airport and the main Gouves resort centre?
Amirandes is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Heraklion Airport (HER), traffic permitting. The main resort centre of Gouves is around 2.9km away, and there are shops, bars and restaurants approximately 450m from the hotel along the seafront.
Is Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live a sustainable hotel?
Yes. The property holds a Certified Sustainable Hotel label, meaning that at the time of review it meets a sustainability standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This status is reviewed regularly by Travelisto and partners, generally every three months, so initiatives and certifications may evolve over time.
What types of rooms and villas can I choose from?
Accommodation ranges from classic superior and luxury rooms with garden, lagoon or sea views to swim-up rooms, family suites and an impressive choice of villas and VIP suites with private pools. Options include dream villas with courtyards, sea-front beach villas, junior presidential villas and multi-bedroom family suites, many with pool-heating options, whirlpool baths, pillow menus and turndown service.
Is Wi-Fi available at the resort?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live, including guest rooms and most public areas, allowing you to stay connected or stream content with ease.
Are there any dress codes in the restaurants and bars?
Yes. Smart casual is the norm in the evening; the resort requests that guests avoid beachwear in restaurants and the lounge bar. In Labyrinth Bar and some à la carte venues, long trousers are requested for gentlemen. Specific details can vary by season, so check the latest guidance on arrival.
When are the entertainment and kids’ activities available?
A fuller programme of daytime activities and evening entertainment typically operates from early June to mid-October, including live music, DJs and mini-discos. During shoulder seasons (April–May and late October), entertainment is more occasional. Grecoland kids club usually runs daily between set hours such as 10:00–18:00, but this is subject to change and may vary by season and occupancy.