TUI BLUE Insula Alba - Adults Only

It is exactly what it says on the tin! A really nice, chilled relaxing holiday with lovely pools (cold but lovely), great attentive staff who can’t do enough for you and really lovely spacious rooms. All members of staff are amazing from bar staff, reception workers, entertainment personnel who come in and cleaners, all care and do a great job. The food in the hotel is as expected as good quality hotel buffet style food. The hotel is beautiful, modern and clean. The entertainment is good. We had a swim up room for a week and was in a good location having the sun from early am to around 2pm before moving round to the main pool for the rest of the sun. If you do fancy eating out of the hotel my top picks are Sirtaki Taverna and Roukounas Taverna! Highly recommend the hotel for a quiet, peaceful, relaxing getaway

WOW!!!! If we could give it 10 stars we would , what an amazing holiday from start to finish, we didn’t want to leave. We will definitely be returning to Analipsi and in particular this hotel , perfect balance of fun and chilled!||From start to finish it was just magic! From check-in to check-out, I cried leaving as the staff were just SO special – every single staff member we met were absolute diamonds, we miss them already!||The holiday was for my 40th birthday & my fiancee’s 37th – Because it was a special occasion they gifted us an upgrade for 2 nights to one of the Junior rooms with a balcony pool – it was so lush – we were greeted with petals on the bed, bottle of wine, some lovely greek treats (the peanut butter brittle was THE BEST – still craving it). On the 2nd day because it was my 40th – a young staff member came in with a lovely greek cake/gateaux – which was so so kind. The following day was my fiancees birthday so we received a SECOND cake which was so kind.||The room we had booked was the swim up room ground floor , which was fab – facing the sun during the day until about 3pm – then we moved down to the main pool area which was equally as nice and relaxing – some music on at the bar but not too loud/ blaring like some hotels. ||STAFF: – 10/10, lovely lovely people – so helpful, friendly, attentive – special shout out to Manos, Theo, Reynato, Costas , Nikos, Vicky – infact every staff member we came across (just didn’t catch all the names) bar staff, restaurant, housekeeping, reception, kitchen, TUI reps etc – all amazing, couldn’t do more for you. Thank you all for your amazing kind hospitality, you should be so proud of such a great team!| |FOOD: Awesome, best all inclusive we have had. Food was excellent- so much choice.|Plenty veggie/vegan food – First AI hotel I have ever managed to get oat milk, soya milk etc.|Lovely Breakfast, lunch and dinner.|Breakfast – Hash browns were the best. They even did (what we call in Scotland) ‘Tattie Scones’ , fancy beans, bacon, eggs – fried, boiled or scrambled, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, fruits, cereal, yoghurts, pastries – pan au chocolate etc.|Lunch – Great choice of salads, cold meat, cheeses, some specials, hot food, breads, soups!!Main course hot food, really decent choices – often some really tasty greek options too.|Dinner- Similar to lunch – plentiful salads, pastas, rices, cold specials, meats, cheeses, vegetables, meats, fish, main eg. Lasagne, Gyros, Roast beef etc – different each day. Plenty for everyone unless you are a really fussy eater, it was brilliant! Drinks table service too!||If you don’t want to get dressed and go to the main restaurant there is a snack/lunch bar down at the bottom where the Culinary restaurant is – where you can order some All inc items such as a club sandwich or veggie wrap, lovely wedges etc – there are also other things you can order (& pay – not included in AI) I ordered the Vegan hot dog a couple days which was a nice treat.|Drinks were fab – a huge range of branded spirits, cocktails, prosecco, shots – sooo much on the AI list – plenty that you shouldn’t have to pay for anything, although there were other specific drink options if you wish to pay. Eg Champagne or certain whiskies – speciality drinks but the AI list was excellent, again the best All inc hotel drinks we’ve experienced and not an early cut off time like some hotels.||AREA:|Overlooking the sea/beach, stunning views ! Lovely walk in either direction to some shops, restaurants and bars – we were AI but went out for our birthday’s for meals – one night to the Marina and next night to Sirtaki (would highly recommend both) and Mojo’s music bar- but we were really missing the craic at our hotel bar that evening – You don’t need to stray far when you have all that in the hotel and AI up until 12:30pm , there is entertainment at the bar – quiz, silent disco etc – and piano bar – but they are not pushy with getting people involved – Same as the day time entertainment – it’s there if you want to join but they are not pushy like some hotels can be, actually didn’t even notice it was on till about half way through the holiday. There is a big space for yoga and a timetable of whats on every day but never push you to do anything.|The beauty/spa staff and TUI reps are the same – they are there if you need them but don’t hassle you one bit.||Things to do in the area:|Boat Trip: Would recommend doing one of the boat trips , we got picked up from our hotel and driven to Hereklion harbour where we went on a lovely boat trip to Dai for the afternoon – we were with 6 other people and had a great time – met some new friends, did scooba driving (optional) and had a few wines and nice salad/meal on the boat and dropped back off to the door of our hotel.||Quad biking, jet skiing, paragliding, pedal boats – a lot to do in the area- and not far from bigger places but we were happy sticking to Analipsi. Just wandering the streets was exciting, some gorgeous typical Greek streets and houses, lots of colourful street art.| |ROOMS: Comfortable beds, clean rooms, minibar/fridge topped up, tea/coffee, dressing gowns, slippers, iron/board, hairdryer. People will always find wee things to complain about but it was perfect and fresh. The rooms seem pretty sound proofed too, couldn’t hear neighbours/tv or music or anything.||WI-FI: Worked perfectly for me throughout including outside on the loungers!||SUN LOUNGERS: Always some available – comfy and each have a table.|Bar staff are amazing and wait on the loungers – bring drinks over to you – they’re so attentive and helpful.| |There is a big world out there to see but I think we would struggle not to return to Analipsi Crete – and in particular this hotel. We couldn’t fault it… well if we had to- literally 1 or 2 TINY things -||*Cons: ONLY factor I would consider is if you have a swim up room, they can end up in the shade at certain times during the day. The side we were at was perfect but the middle section was shaded most of the day, It maybe depends on the time of year too but I would be requesting a room in the sun. It wouldn’t be the end of the world being in the shade, as the main pool is lovely too and nice loungers , vibe etc – but if you pay for a swim up room you want to use it.. |Note: in October the pool water does feel very cold, can imagine in the summer it probably warms up!!||Overall just an amazing week in an amazing hotel , perfection 👌||Thank you- Jake and Lauren xx

TUI BLUE Insula Alba (Adults Only)||||Hersonissos||||Family holiday||||||||We arrived late evening and were greeted with a cold drink and guided to a cold buffet. All our requests prior to arrival had mostly been met ie being together were a few rooms apart but we worked round it. We came as a family following the sad loss of a Son, Partner, Brother, Nephew and Uncle in June 25. Our Madre and her granddaughter had been to this hotel a few years ago so recommended.||||We were all happy with our rooms generally my Brother had leaks in the bathroom but did not want to move away from Madre. The beds were comfortable we asked for a mattress topper took 2 phone calls but sorted eventually. The bathrooms were a bit tired no plugs for baths and had to request support how to use the shower as the handle has gone. The towels were tiny and threadbare for a 5 star hotel also just basic gels no tissues etc which we had at a 4 star tui blu 4 weeks previous.||||The food in the main was good however not hot and no show cooking. Gala night a disappointment nothing special we waited 45 minutes for a table and still did not sit together. We had lunch in the Cullinan and was awful we complained and felt like we were lying when we said we did not eat glad we gave it a second chance on the evening and we had a lovely experience.||||The drink prices are extortionate as part of our review my Partner does for TUI we upgraded to all inclusive for 4 nights the Guest relations Manager initially said would waiver the first night however retracted it when I went to pay. I paid 140 euro for six hours having already paid for a lunch I did not eat. I also went out to eat out the next 2 nights as was fed up of the food so not worth the £580 euro paid on top of the holiday. Also got told on 3 occasions your all inclusive has finished took a phone call to reception to confirm it had not.||||We were left with a sour taste when on our last day after paying my bill I got a phone call to return to the hotel to pay for an Irish coffee that was not included in all inclusive really I was not going anywhere then the Guest Relations Manager came into lunch and accused us of trying to rip them off. I can say honestly that guest Relations manager needs training she smirks at you and is totally unprofessional I have owned hospitality businesses and she is not professional totally spoiled our last day.||||Our family made the best of this holiday and we enjoyed it in the main however would not return due to the Guest Relations Manager.

The welcome is a mirror of the holiday. We were greeted at the calm and relaxing, rather heavenly reception. I write heavenly, as the decor is like a temple to peace; gentle yet crisp whites and golden wall displays with allusions to Greek myth. The receptionists were as angelic as my description suggests; attentive, helpful, re-assuring and there for you. Maria was our particularly angelic guide to rest and relaxation. This feeling breathes into the resort. The rooms are tranquil and the pool side an immersion is service, hot sun and a beautiful pool should you need such. The restaurant is calmly and efficiently run, again with exemplary service and tremendous menus. A particular favourite restaurant being the Culinarium where one can indulge whilst the sea blazes blue only a matter of metres away, with wide open, floor to ceiling windows on the hottest of days. Raphael, the manageress, was tremendous. She was attentive, engaging, warm, communicative and shared a lovely sense of humour. We indulged in just two of the multiple offers of experiences and excursions. First was a day of pampering in the Spa, where despite my inexperience with massage....... I became a convert, as my long standing aches and pains were remedied and repaired by Anita. I was liberated and could re-visit my youthful enthusiasm for swimming, exploiting the long and extensive pool. Our second treat was an excursion to Spinalonga. A tremendous day of genuinely seeing the culture of Crete, with it's mind blowing panorama's of olive grove plains stretching into the sea, backed by ancient volcanic mountains.We were blessed by learning about the history and indulged with beautiful stops with gorgeous food. Claire from TUI recommended the tour, and she was so right to recommend the day. I tell of the resort as one of calm and measure: that is accurate. But if you want activity, it's there. There are the things I mention here, but there is also a great gym, swim classes, yoga and a myriad of places to explore. We loved it........ need I say more.

This was my second visit to Insula Alba after several years, and my previous review on this site was extremely positive. I had saved hard for this holiday and had high expectations based on how special my last visit had been. While I still enjoyed my holiday overall with a relaxing atmosphere, sunshine, and lovely staff, I can no longer consider this hotel to be five star.||Staff:|The staff continue to be the best thing about the resort. They are warm, hardworking, and genuinely friendly. Kostas, whom we remembered from our last stay, was wonderful to see again. He is the life and soul of the pool bar and a fantastic bartender. Teo was also a pleasure to chat with, and Manos during the day was lovely. The TUI rep team were also incredibly helpful and kind whenever we needed assistance.||The local Cretan staff we met were absolutely wonderful — warm, genuine, and a big part of what made our first visit so memorable. This time, however, it felt like many of the team had been brought in through TUI’s seasonal staffing, and while they were all polite and hardworking, the resort had lost some of its authentic local charm. It now feels more like a corporate operation than the Greek experience it once was.||It was my birthday during the stay and the hotel kindly left a cake in our room, which was such a thoughtful touch and very much appreciated.||I did not complain during my stay, as it was clear the staff were already doing their best. They seemed tired after a long season and frustrated by the lack of guests, but they remained professional and kind throughout. I could not fault them personally — if anything, I felt sorry for them working in an environment that no longer reflects the five star standard they are trying to uphold.||Then vs Now:|Our first visit years ago was genuinely special. We had a beautiful modern junior suite with a rain shower, daily check-ins from the housekeeping team to see if we needed anything, chocolates left on the bed, and towels folded into decorative shapes. We felt valued and cared for.||This time we booked the exact same type of junior suite, but it had a bath with a shower instead of a rain shower. Although the room was clean, comfortable, and had great air conditioning, it felt older and less personal. None of the extra touches that made our last visit feel five star were there. It is clear that standards and attention to detail have slipped.||Food & Drink:|Prices have increased noticeably since our last stay. We upgraded to all inclusive on the first night because of the very high bar prices. The cocktails were fantastic with lots of choice, but dinner being buffet only in the main restaurant was disappointing. We had expected à la carte service for the price and rating. The food itself was very good with plenty of variety, but the setting felt more like a canteen than a luxury restaurant.||The buffet staff were very polite and hardworking, and we had the opportunity to chat with several of them throughout our stay. However, the service felt a little rushed, as they seemed to have strict rules about clearing plates the moment someone finished eating. I eat quite quickly, whereas my partner eats more slowly, and every time I finished my plate it was taken away immediately while he was still eating. It made the meal feel slightly awkward and less relaxed, even though the staff themselves were lovely and clearly just following the procedures they were given.||The dress code was not enforced. Most guests wore shorts and flip flops while we arrived dressed formally, which was awkward. By the end of the trip, I ended up dressing down myself — I had packed lovely clothes but felt out of place, so I just went casual to blend in. It all contributed to a less refined atmosphere than before. I found myself watching the dining experience in hotel Nema next door from the entrance to my room wishing we stayed there. ||Facilities:|We did not use the indoor pool on our first stay, so this was our first experience of it. The first day was lovely, warm, calm, and relaxing. The spa doors were left unlocked that day and we assumed that was the correct way to enter. However, on our second visit, the back door from the changing rooms was suddenly locked. When we asked why, we were told it is considered part of a private area for guests paying extra to use the sauna and jacuzzi.||This made absolutely no sense. It is not as if anyone could just walk in and use the sauna without paying, because staff have to physically turn it on for you. Instead, it forced guests like us to walk through the spa reception in swimwear, howel dried from the shower before and after the pool, right in front of other guests paying for spa treatments. It is a ridiculous and frustrating rule that serves no purpose other than inconvenience. I noticed noone bothered using the sauna etc probably the extortionate pricing. ||On our last day, we also noticed that the edges around the indoor pool — where you walk — were filthy. My white dressing gown accidentally brushed against it and came away black. We did not complain, as it was our final day and we had given up hope of things improving.||The outdoor pool is beautiful and spotless, though the water was freezing. Service from Vicky and her team was excellent throughout.||Atmosphere:|Visiting at the end of October was not ideal. The resort was less than half full with a much older clientele and very little atmosphere, even at the bar. A resort can absolutely be relaxing and peaceful, but there still needs to be some form of gentle entertainment in the evenings to draw guests together, especially when the days get shorter and darker earlier. A pianist, acoustic singer, or soft background music would make a world of difference.||Entertainment during our stay was hit or miss. One night featured a lovely Cretan singer, another a silent disco, but most guests did not engage, leaving the evenings feeling flat and empty. It is a real missed opportunity to create warmth and connection in an otherwise calm and beautiful setting.||The hotel should consider lowering prices late in the season to maintain a bit of life and energy.||Maintenance & Closing Period:|During the last two days (around four days before closing for the season), maintenance staff began dismantling parts of the hotel. The small restaurant was shut, and food like chips or wedges was not available outside main restaurant hours. It felt like the resort was closing around us, which was disappointing after paying €4,000 in total, including €1,000 to upgrade to all inclusive. This is the main reason I am heavily dropping my review rating. Either close a week earlier or do the maintenance after guests leave. ||We also spoke to another couple staying a day later than us who had also paid the late checkout fee, just as we did. Shockingly, the hotel actually asked them to check out early, even after taking their payment. That really said it all. Guests should not be asked to leave early from what is meant to be a luxury resort.||Overall:|I did enjoy my holiday. The staff, the food quality, and the peaceful, truly adult only surroundings all made it relaxing. But it simply was not worth €4,000. The experience fell well short of the five star rating it advertises.||I rated Insula Alba 4 out of 5 on my first visit years ago because it felt special despite the price. Sadly, this time I can only give 3 stars, as the standards, service, and value for money have dropped far too much.

This hotel claims to be five stars but, would only rate it a 3 stars. The price we paid and the claim of 5 stars made it such a disappointment. The food was inedible. We went all inclusive however there was a lot of drinks and food that even with all inclusive you would have to pay for. The tuna steak tasted like tinned tuna, the prawns in the fish pasta were stone cold and when we requested plain rice it came undercooked. My partner fell ill while here with stomach issues and I personally believe it was the food here that caused it. The rooms are heavily overlooked, if you want any form of privacy that is impossible. The design of the pool rooms were really bad as the bathroom had a window between it and the bedroom that allowed other people to look all the way through the room. The staff were okay but the golf cart drivers go way too fast and the way they introduce the guests when you arrive feels very unwelcoming. The hotel overall feels dated and the layout is not the best. Someone who we know who stayed in the hotel had a banister fall off and hit their foot. Just as we were leaving we heard another guest complain about the exact same issue, which raises concerns about the maintenance. We managed to get a jet 2 flight home as my partner was still ill. Considering we asked for plain rice when he was ill and they brought us undercooked rice we decided that he would probably just get worse there. Honestly it was a massive waste of money and a big let down.

We, mother and daughter, have now been there for the seventh time, and our next stay is already being planned! We feel completely at home every time. The main reason for this is primarily the unique staff. Manos at the Pool Bar is the main reason for many guests to return. He fills the pool bar with his good mood and welcomes guests with his heartfelt manner. Kostas in the evening also radiates joy in his work, and we look forward to seeing him every year. Theo is also a great addition to the Pool Bar. The rest of the staff, like Louisa in the restaurant or Eva and Alexandros at the reception, are incredibly friendly and helpful. As always, we also enjoyed the rest of our stay. The food was especially delicious at breakfast. Greek and Cretan specialties are offered at all mealtimes. The hotel offers good entertainment, such as numerous sports activities or live programs in the evening.

I visited the Insula Alba from the 5th to the 15th of September with an all-inclusive package and a swim-up suite. To set expectations, it is not a 5-star hotel, as most hotels in Greece are not. However, the Insula Alba meets most of the criteria for a 4-star rating and exceeds it in various areas. Upon arrival, one enters a very pleasant reception area with an amazing aroma of lemongrass and tea tree. The check-in process is fast and efficient, although it lacks a welcome drink such as champagne or Prosecco. The hotel staff then take your luggage to your room and show you in. A welcome pack is provided in the room, detailing mealtimes and the hotel's facilities, along with a map of the hotel and its grounds. My room was clean and very good, featuring a lovely, tiled bathroom with dual sinks and a spacious walk-in shower. The shower gel, conditioner, and hand wash are made by Mugler Cologne and have a very pleasant and refreshing scent. Fresh towels for the pool and bathroom are provided and replaced regularly. Bottled water is replenished daily, along with tea, coffee, and limited bar fridge contents. There is a safe, iron, ironing board, and a kettle with tea and coffee. A coffee pod machine would be a great addition for coffee lovers. The room is serviced daily to a high standard by polite and friendly cleaning staff. My swim-up room was excellent, receiving sunlight from early morning until around 0900-3:00 PM. There is also a central island with sunbeds across the pool for continued sunbathing. The hotel entertainment did not meet my preferences, as I prefer tranquillity and background music. The Piano Bar was a nice touch in the evening, offering background music or a pianist on occasion. However, bingo or card nights, in my opinion, could have been hosted elsewhere. The Piano Bar is a rooftop bar with creative lighting, creating a chilled and romantic setting. Drinks are served by friendly and accommodating bar staff to a high standard. The main restaurant was reasonable, with respectable drinks, including wine, for the all-inclusive package. The food was diverse and well-presented, though it became repetitive after a few days, even with themed evening meals. Breakfasts offered a good variety of choices. The main restaurant caters to all, including tasty vegetarian dishes. I boycotted the Culinarium due to additional charges for items like hamburgers and fries, which were not included in the all-inclusive package. Lunchtime offerings were limited compared to other hotels. I did not dine there in the evening, but friends I met said it was very good. In my opinion, the Insula Alba and other TUI Blue hotels lack restaurant variety, with only two options available. Other hotel brands offer more choices with multiple visits to each. This was a significant factor in my decision not to go all-inclusive next year and to explore local tavernas instead. The pool bar was the highlight of the holiday, with fantastic hospitality and banter from Koska and Mano's bar teams. The bar is well-designed, with multiple seating areas and an open plan feel. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, with palm trees swaying in the breeze, creating a scenic and tranquil setting. I enjoyed my mid-morning coffee at the bar, looking out at the sea and soaking up the tranquillity with chilled background music. The bar staff are excellent, remembering your drink preferences and making the best cocktails. The hotel is well laid out but lacks security, with other holidaymakers using the hotel's facilities despite it being an adults-only venue. The location is great, with beach-front bars and restaurants nearby. I recommend using TripAdvisor to find some fantastic places to eat. In summary, the hotel is very good, although not 5-star – more like 4-star. The staff, however, are 5-star and make the place special. I had a great, relaxing holiday, thanks to everyone who contributed.