The Royal Blue Resort

We stayed at The Royal Blue Resort in July and had a fantastic time. The resort feels like a peaceful village – spacious, well-kept, and with a great mix of privacy and social atmosphere. The staff were consistently warm, professional, and genuinely caring. The food was great and the rotating buffet kept things interesting, though drinks were on the pricey side. We also enjoyed a massage and manicure – both excellent. There’s a small shop on-site for basic needs and another store just outside the resort with more variety (no fresh produce, though). Overall, a beautifully run resort with a relaxing and welcoming vibe. We’d happily come back!

We went for my wife’s birthday, I reached out in advance to make sure we get a private room with a pool. I spoke to the manager Anastasia and she was super helpful and accommodating. Once we got there the entire staff was so helpful and nice. |The room and the view was absolutely gorgeous and the amenities were great. We got a complementary treatment at the spa. |We enjoyed every single minute of our stay.

We had the most incredible trip at this hotel and would 100% recommend it. The food and drinks were amazing and we had the most beautiful suite with a private pool. The staff went above and beyond to make our trip one to remember and they couldn’t do enough for us, in particular, Vasilis, the Manager made our trip complete. We were so lucky to get to know him and we so appreciated all his generous and thoughtful touches, all the chats during the day and recommendations. We have never come across a member of staff like Vasilis, he was so giving of his time and was so set on making sure our trip was one to remember. We would return in a heartbeat!

The Best!I was with my wife and daughter, it was one of the most successful stays we have spent on vacation. Starting with the staff, who are very friendly, who are very kind and also professional. Kitchen with food for all tastes, fresh and very tasty. The hotel and the rooms are impeccable, they clean and supply water and other things every day. The pools and all the rooms are immaculately clean, the beach by the sea and the water are perfect. We will gladly return to this hotel, our family, and we will tell all our acquaintances what a great opinion we have of this location. Stay healthy, welcoming hosts!

We stayed at this Resort for two weeks, and I must say they were wonderful. We were supposed to stay for a week and then move to another 5-star hotel, but we had such a great time that we extended our stay for another week to continue dreaming of this paradise.||Starting with the warm welcome from Anastasia, who looked after us throughout our vacation, always available and kind to our every request. The resort is immaculate, well-maintained, and has an exceptional location, with a bay protecting the two private beaches and the crystal-clear sea. There are plenty of well-spaced umbrellas on the beach, as well as just as many at the two pools, so even though the resort was fully booked, we never had any trouble finding our favorite spot without rushing after breakfast! All the umbrellas have a bell to summon the waiters to take your order directly from your lounger, and the cocktails are delicious. The main pool is wonderful, with saltwater, and a direct sea view in a very breezy spot. Given the August heat in Greece, it was a pleasure to sunbathe. Mid-morning, they would come by with fresh fruit offered directly on the loungers, a delicious snack! The clientele was mostly foreign, with a few Italians, and all were very reserved and unobtrusive. We initially had the room with the private pool, which was simply fantastic, with a direct sea view, absolute privacy and silence. The room had a well-designed outdoor garden with four loungers (two under a shaded gazebo and two in the garden), a sofa, and two very comfortable armchairs. What can I say? We had our perfect spot for every moment of the day: in the morning on the sofa, by the private infinity pool overlooking the saltwater Aegean Sea, in the afternoon in the shade of the gazebo, and in the evening on the armchairs gazing at the stars while listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the coast of northern Crete. A dream! For the last four days, having extended our stay at the last minute, as mentioned above, given the short notice, they were supposed to move us to another room, again with a pool, paying the appropriate upgrade. Instead, Anastasia surprised us by reserving the Presidential Suite Seafront View for us... what can I say... words can't describe the beauty and comfort of the two-floor villa with its enormous pool! What can I say... Anastasia, you'll be in our thoughts all year round!||The breakfast and dinner buffet was perfect, with international and Greek cuisine (amazing) always varied, exceptional seafood, and the pizza was always there, which, even though we weren't in Italy, was truly, truly good. And speaking as Italians, you can trust their opinion!!||All the dining room staff were exceptional. From the always smiling and kind young people especially Manolis who took our drink orders to the dining room Manager Dimitris who came by every evening to personally say hello (and was brilliant at picking up our lost sunglasses). By the end of the two weeks, we felt at home and always felt pampered by everyone. Greek hospitality is spectacular, but this resort was the Top. What can I say? We couldn't have chosen better! Highly recommended for spending time in a true Paradise in Crete.

This was our 3rd visit to this hotel in 14 months and, quite honestly, it felt like we were coming home. This time we brought along our two ‘adult kids’ and our stay was just the most incredibly relaxing experience from start to finish . |Anastasia, the guest relations manager, is an absolute star and we cannot thank her enough for all she did for us , making us feel very special indeed . Nothing was too much trouble and she went out of her way to ensure that our stay was perfect and very memorable . Anastasia clearly leads by example and , with someone as wonderful and warm as that at the helm, it’s little wonder that the staff strive to accommodate guests and keep them happy . |Despite being the peak of the holiday season the hotel never felt crowded , despite being fully-booked. The pool area always had loungers free and provided a very relaxing environment. |This time we only booked for breakfast as we like to explore the local restaurants. The buffet breakfast is very good with plenty of hot and cold options . The restaurant staff are very attentive. Special mention to Katharine who looked after us every day - I’m just sorry we missed saying goodbye to her on our last morning as it was her day off! |The location is just beautiful and very picturesque. All restaurants have amazing views and the sunsets in the evening were just incredible! Another mention should go to Rokas who , once again , looked after us in the restaurants so well and gave us excellent advice on Greek wine choices. |For us, the beach is a main reason for returning. Many beaches on Crete had been red flagged due to the winds but our sheltered beach ensured we could swim each day despite the weather . Weather aside, the beach manager Vasilis is our biggest draw to the beach area. This man is a wonderful soul with feet - he is funny, warm and generous . It is clear that the young people working for him are incredibly fond of him - the sign of an excellent leader . The beach staff work incredibly hard in very hot temperatures and yet are always smiling - a testament to their leader. . Vasilis himself is constantly walking the length of the beach, despite the hot sun, checking in on guests and ensuring the staff at both beach bars are coping . Once again he made us feel exceptionally spoiled and we are very grateful.|This truly is a special place to stay. Yes, it’s tucked away and appears slightly remote but that is part of its beauty. There is a supermarket across the road and a bus stop and the nearby village of Panormo is walkable or a ten minute taxi drive maximum. Rethmyno is a 20 minute taxi away.|We always feel sad when we leave the Royal Blue , but this time we felt even sadder as we felt we were leaving behind true friends - Anastasia and Vasilis , you are the most wonderful humans and thank you for making our family feel like royalty for a week !

One of the key reasons I love coming to Greece is for the warmth of its people. Staff were simply cold: professional in some cases but never welcoming as I have been a costumed too almost everywhere in Greece. At reception/concierge, at the restaurants and room cleaning. |Concierge was not present one morning and then was not helpful giving generic advice when she arrived. |The main buffet closes at 9:30pm for dinner (which is relatively early for summer in the Mediterranean) and one occasion we arrived 10 minutes before to the main buffet and were rushed into taking all our courses including fruit/dessert immediately. Our bill came in 5 minutes when still we had no drinks and the table was not set up. We were given insufficient napkins for the table and after multiple reminders I had to go and get one myself. As mentioned before the table was set-up the bill came and two reminders to sign from the waitress before we had even the time to eat. ||We were given a room claimed to be a suite which was however no more than a room. Insufficient wardrobe space so we had to keep half our stuff in our suitcases. Cleaning staff knocking multiple times as they always seem to be in a rush to clean the room every morning. We left the room latest 11:30 with the knocking starting at 10:00. On one occasion they made the family wait outside as they started cleaning whilst we were at breakfast. ||Don’t expect a wonderful beach either it’s an artificial port and for this reason we often left to nicer beaches around the island (which is really beautiful) Still this was not the main point (and not one which is easily addressable) it’s the staff in all areas that shows no warmth and is certainly not trained to 5 stars standard.

I’ve returned to the Royal Blue in Rethymno more than once, and every stay has been outstanding. The rooms are always spotless and comfortable, with great attention to detail that makes you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. The staff are warm, welcoming, and genuinely go out of their way to make your stay special.||The spa is a real highlight – beautifully designed, with skilled therapists and a wonderful manager who makes you feel personally cared for. The private beach is another gem: peaceful, clean, and perfect for unwinding by the sea.||Royal Blue is the perfect mix of cleanliness, hospitality, and luxury – and that’s exactly why I keep coming back. Till next time …