Sensatori  

Crete was chosen as the setting for the first ever Sensatori hotel – the island's north coast to be precise. Just over a quiet road is Lyttos Beach, whose sands are accessorised with thatched parasols and comfortable sunbeds. Away from the shoreline, Sensatori Crete borders on to the village of Analipsi, which at first glance is a picture of modern-day Crete with a handful of cafe bars and beach shops. But scratch the surface and you'll find a taste of old Greece, with its bougainvillea-clad houses and tavernas.

Design-wise, Sensatori Crete fuses classic Greek design with contemporary style. In the bedrooms, for instance, gilt mirrors and oversized vases add a touch of Hellenic grace, while design-led feature walls, sleek wooden floors and flat-screen TVs give a nod to 21st-century style. In terms of the types of room available, there are spacious double bedrooms with two or three beds. There are family rooms that sleep four with two sofas. Plus there are deluxe suites featuring a separate bedroom and living area. Each of these room types is also available as a swim-up or private pool room so you can be footsteps away from a refreshing dip.

Talking of water, Sensatori Crete has a lively pool scene. Arranged in a tier-like formation, pools come in all shapes and sizes with different themes, too. There's a quiet pool area, another that's ideal for activities, and one that's just for toddlers. Factor in a giant outdoor hot tub and you'll see water plays a leading role at Sensatori Crete. Whichever one you go for, they're all framed by sun terraces with cream linen parasols and cushion-plumped sunloungers.

When it comes to facilities, Sensatori Crete is in a league of its own. Special mention has to go to the world-class spa. Picture a contemporary canvas of dark wood and cream marble accessorised with chunky candles and tinkling water features. Factor in soothing music, essential oils and mellow lighting and it's a designer space exuding calm. Size-wise, it's vast – there are 24 cabins in total, plus two saunas, a steam room, a relaxing indoor pool and a fully-equipped beauty salon. State-of-the-art treatments include chakra hot stone massage, caviar facials and an ultra-indulgent chocolate body massage. What's more, it's open to everyone – and that means children, too. While you're being pampered, your little ones can be part of the experience with their very own mini treatment.

Of course, Sensatori Crete isn't just about relaxation. There's a full programme of sports and activities every day of the week. You'll find familiar favourites like tennis, volleyball and football. Plus there's archery, scuba-diving trial sessions and a fully-equipped gym. Join classes in yoga, pilates or t'ai chi. Or hire mountain bikes and explore your surroundings. At the beach, meanwhile, there are activities like handball, plus pedalos and kayaks for hire.

Another big talking point are the children's facilities. At the Play House, daytime activities are anything but average thanks to the Kids' Kitchen, the Silly Science Lab and the Arts and Crafts Zone. Evenings, meanwhile, bring parties, sleepovers and movie screenings. The Play House aside, there's a Tropical Tree House complete with swings, slides, climbing walls and monkey bars, and a fruit-themed sprayground. Babies get a multi-sensory nursery.

When it comes to dining, there are six restaurants to choose from, four of which you can eat in for free. There's the main restaurant that comes complete with international buffet stations and show cooking. There's Red Saffron, a taverna serving mainly Greek fare. The poolside Tex-Mex, meanwhile, serves tacos, fajitas and nachos as well as ribs, burgers and chicken wings. Elsewhere, the Five Flavours Thai serves authentic Oriental dishes like Thai green curry and shrimps with noodles. On top of that, there are two restaurants that cost a little extra but are well worth splashing out on. Right by the beach, the thatch-roofed Aroma Stone Grill has an almost Caribbean-esque feel. Here, food is served on a sizzling stone slab, with rib-eye steaks, salmon fillets and jumbo prawns among the temptations. Over in Al Dente, Sensatori Crete's a la carte restaurant, the focus is on haute cuisine. With Full Board Plus you can eat dinner in four of the six restaurants – the main buffet restaurant, Red Saffron Greek Taverna, Tex-Mex Cantina and Five Flavours Thai restaurant. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.

Last but not least, the evening entertainment. At Sensatori Crete you can choose where you want to be come night-time. There are two main venues – the Boardwalk and the Show Lounge – with professional shows and classically-trained musicians on the agenda. There's also an adults-only comedy show called Sensahumour. We work with experts in the world of stand-up comedy, flying out UK comedians to perform exclusively at Sensatori. For children, meanwhile, there are early evening pop parties, magic shows and juggling acts. If it's just a quiet drink you fancy, there are plenty of mellow spots where you can relax with a cocktail or a gin and tonic.

Sensatori details

Other useful information

Official rating

5 star

Essential Information

Please note that Sensatori is a cash-free environment – extras must be settled on departure.

Extra local charges

Some facilities may incur extra local charges

Thomson hotel service

Web codes

• Quick web search code: SEN
• Quick web search code: SRS

Photos of Sensatori

Swim-up room, Sensatori photo 2, Deluxe suite, Swim-up room, Sensatori photo 5, Lobby, Spa, Swim-up room, Lobby, The Play House, Sensatori photo 11, Five Flavours Restaurant, A la carte restaurant, Lobby bar, Swim-up rooms, Sensatori photo 16, Tennis, Beach, Sensatori photo 19, Sensatori photo 20

Video of Sensatori

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Sensatori 360 tour

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Thomson Brochures

Sensatori is featured in the following brochures:

Thomson Summer Collection

Thomson Platinum

Thomson Family