Unbelievable Ilias Villa in Chania: Your Crete Dream Awaits!
Unbelievable Ilias Villa: My Crete Dream, Honestly Reviewed (And You Should Book It!)
Okay, so I just got back from Unbelievable Ilias Villa in Chania, and… well, the name isn't kidding. It is pretty unbelievable. But before you start picturing fluffy clouds and angels, let me give you the real lowdown, the good, the slightly-less-good, and the “OMG-I-need-to-go-back-right-now” experiences. This is my honest, messy, opinionated review, with all the SEO stuff sprinkled in like feta on a Greek salad (because, let’s be real, finding a great hotel online is a mission).
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location! (and Accessibility – Let's Get Real)
The Villa itself? Stunning. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. Nestled in… well, let's just say it's close enough to the action of Chania town that you can easily get your fill of vibrant markets and delicious food, but far enough away that you can actually hear yourself think. The location is pure gold. Airport transfer was a breeze – smooth, efficient, and welcome after a long flight.
Now, about accessibility: This is where things get a little… nuanced. While the website mentions facilities for disabled guests, I didn't specifically test everything. From what I saw, it's not a completely seamless experience for wheelchair users. Some areas might be a little tricky. Definitely contact the hotel before booking to confirm details, especially if you need specific accommodations. They do have an elevator, which is a huge plus, and the staff seemed genuinely helpful.
Cleanliness & Safety: My OCD Heart Approved!
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. Sue me! But I was genuinely impressed with the cleanliness and safety protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays – check, check, check! They even had hand sanitizer everywhere. And the staff? Trained in safety protocol and wearing masks. I felt safe, which is a huge deal these days. I even noticed individually-wrapped food options at breakfast, which I appreciated. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch too, for those who prefer a more eco-friendly approach.
The Room: My Private Cretan Paradise (With a Few Minor Quirks)
Let's talk about the rooms. Mine was gorgeous. Seriously, air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a day exploring in the sun. The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in (which I definitely did!). I had a balcony with a stunning view (more on that later). The bed was comfy, with linens that smelled divine. They had complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, which is essential for a morning pick-me-up. And the hair dryer was actually powerful enough to dry my hair!
Now, for the quirks. My bathroom was beautiful, but the separate shower/bathtub was a little… intimate. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of. And the internet access – wireless was a bit spotty at times. Thankfully, they offer free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – LAN (which I didn't even know existed anymore!). I just used the Wi-Fi, so I can't talk about the LAN. Also, the mirror in my room was slightly too small to see my whole outfit at once. Minor complaints, I know, but hey, I'm being honest!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, this is where Unbelievable Ilias Villa really shines. The breakfast [buffet] was a dream. Seriously. Forget the sad continental breakfasts of your past. This was a spread of epic proportions, with everything from fresh fruit and yogurt to local pastries and eggs cooked to order. They had Asian breakfast and even Asian cuisine in restaurant! I'm not even a huge fan of Asian food, but it's nice to have the option.
I spent a lot of time at the poolside bar (because, vacation). They served delicious cocktails and snacks. They also have a snack bar for quick bites. I tried the a la carte in restaurant for dinner one night, and it was fantastic. The salad in restaurant was fresh and the soup in restaurant was surprisingly good (I'm not a huge soup person, but I was converted!). The restaurants offer international cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. The bottle of water they provided was also a nice touch.
The Pool & Relaxation: My Happy Place
The swimming pool [outdoor] is… well, it's gorgeous. And the pool with view? Even better. I spent hours lounging by it, reading a book, and sipping cocktails. Pure bliss. They also have a spa, with a sauna, steamroom, massage, and various treatments like body scrub and body wrap. Sadly, I didn't try any of the spa treatments. I was too busy enjoying the sunshine!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Pool
Beyond the pool, there's plenty to do. The hotel can arrange airport transfer and car park [free of charge] is a bonus. Chania town is a short drive away, with its charming Venetian harbor, bustling markets, and delicious restaurants. The hotel offers a concierge service, which is super helpful for booking tours or making dinner reservations. They have bicycle parking too, if you're into that sort of thing.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The daily housekeeping was impeccable. The staff was friendly and helpful. They offer laundry service, dry cleaning, and ironing service, which is great for keeping your clothes fresh. They have a gift/souvenir shop for picking up those last-minute gifts. They also offer cash withdrawal and currency exchange. The front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you have questions or need assistance at any time.
For the Kids & Family-Friendly Vibes
While I didn't travel with kids, the hotel seems very family/child friendly. They offer babysitting service and have kids facilities. They even offer kids meal options.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: My Personal Unbelievable Moments
Okay, here's where I get personal. My favorite part of the trip? Waking up every morning, opening my window that opens, and seeing that breathtaking view. It was a moment of pure peace and serenity. I also loved the fact that the hotel offers room service [24-hour]. I treated myself to a late-night snack one night, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring.
The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
No place is perfect, right? The internet access – wireless could be a little better in certain areas. And while the staff was generally amazing, there were a few times when communication was a little tricky (English isn't everyone's first language, and that's okay!). Also, as mentioned before, the accessibility could be improved.
The Verdict: Book It! (Seriously, Just Do It!)
Despite the few minor quirks, Unbelievable Ilias Villa is, well, unbelievable. It's a beautiful hotel in a fantastic location, with amazing food, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.
My Offer to You: Book Now & Get Ready to Be Amazed!
Don't just take my word for it. Book your stay at Unbelievable Ilias Villa today! You won't regret it. And if you book through [affiliate link or booking site if applicable], you'll get a special discount and a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival. Trust me, you deserve it! Your Crete dream awaits!
Tokyo's Kabukicho: 2-Minute Walk from Shinjuku Station! (605)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is ILIAS VILLA IN CHANIA, Crete, through the unfiltered lens of yours truly. And let me tell you, after the last year, I needed this.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, the Grocery Run)
- Morning (ish) - The Odyssey Begins: Landed in Chania airport. The sun already felt different. Brighter? More… hopeful? Okay, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. The rental car situation was a comedy of errors. Picture this: me, squinting at a tiny map, the rental guy gesturing wildly, and my luggage threatening to explode. Finally, freedom! Or, at least, a Peugeot.
- Afternoon - ILIAS VILLA, OMG: Found the villa! It’s… stunning. Truly. The photos didn't do it justice. That pool? Teal perfection. The view? Mountains meet the sea. I actually gasped. Then, the jetlag hit. Hard.
- Late Afternoon - The Grocery Gauntlet: Okay, grocery shopping. This is where the "real" vacation starts, right? Wrong. Greek supermarkets are a maze. I wandered aimlessly, muttering phrases like "Where is the feta?" and "Is this olive oil… or motor oil?" Ended up buying way too much – including a suspicious-looking "local" wine. Don't judge.
- Evening - Sunset & Self-Doubt: Sat on the balcony with my wine (the jury’s still out), watching the sunset. Breathtaking. Absolutely. But also… I felt a pang of, well, everything. Am I doing this right? Am I enjoying it enough? Should I have brought more sunscreen? The existential questions never stop, do they?
Day 2: Beach Bliss & the Great Tzatziki Crisis
- Morning - Elafonisi Beach! (Or, The Pink Sand Illusion): Woke up feeling… slightly less like a zombie. Decided to tackle Elafonisi beach. The drive was stunning. Winding roads, dramatic cliffs, the whole shebang. Then, we arrived. Pink sand! Turquoise water! Instagram heaven. But… the crowds. Oh, the crowds. It was like a beach-themed mosh pit. Still, worth it for the view. And the obligatory selfie.
- Afternoon - Tanning & Tentative Relaxation: Spent the afternoon alternating between sunbathing (carefully applying sunscreen this time!), swimming, and reading. Managed to actually switch off my brain for, like, an hour. Bliss.
- Evening - Tzatziki Terror: Cooked dinner back at the villa. Tried to make tzatziki. Failed miserably. It tasted… like yogurt gone rogue. I'm a culinary disaster. Ended up ordering takeout from a lovely taverna. Lesson learned: stick to eating, not creating.
- Late Night - Stargazing & Secret Regrets: Sat by the pool, staring at the stars. They were ridiculously bright. Felt a wave of… contentment? Maybe this vacation thing is working after all. Then, a fleeting thought: “Did I remember to feed the cat?” (I didn't. Ugh.)
Day 3: Samaria Gorge - The Hike of Humiliation (and Triumph?)
- Early Morning - The Samaria Shuffle: Okay, this was supposed to be the highlight. Samaria Gorge hike. Challenging, beautiful, all that jazz. Woke up at the crack of dawn. Put on hiking boots I hadn’t worn in a decade. Filled my water bottle (crucial!).
- Mid-Morning - The Steep Descent: The first hour was a steep, rocky descent. My knees screamed. My ankles wobbled. The scenery was gorgeous, but all I could think about was how old I was. I considered turning back. Seriously considered it.
- Afternoon - The "Almost Died" Section: The gorge itself was incredible. Towering cliffs, rushing water, the whole shebang. But the terrain was brutal. More rocks, more scrambling, more internal monologue about my physical inadequacies. I witnessed a guy slip and fall. I’m pretty sure I almost passed out.
- Late Afternoon - Triumph! (and a Ferry): We made it! The end. The feeling of accomplishment was… profound. Exhaustion was equally profound. Hopped on a ferry to Agia Roumeli. Spent the rest of the day soaking in the sun and the relief of not having to walk anymore.
- Evening - Taverna Therapy & Overeating: Celebrated our survival with a massive dinner at a taverna in Sougia. Ate everything. Drank everything. Regretted nothing. Except maybe the hike. But, hey, I did it!
Day 4: Chania Town & The Search for Authenticity (and Ice Cream)
- Morning - Chania Adventures: Drove into Chania town. The Venetian harbor is ridiculously picturesque. Wandered around the narrow streets, got lost (of course), and generally soaked up the atmosphere.
- Afternoon - The Quest for the Perfect Souvlaki: On a quest for the perfect souvlaki. Tried three different places. Each one was amazing. The search continues…
- Late Afternoon - Ice Cream Nirvana: Found an amazing ice cream shop. Ate two scoops. Maybe three. It was crucial research, I assure you.
- Evening - Harbor Lights & Emotional Overload: Sat on the harbor wall, watching the boats bob. The sunset was perfect. Felt a wave of… well, a lot of things. Happiness, gratitude, a touch of sadness that it would all end. This place, Crete, it’s got under my skin.
- Late Night - Writing from the Balcony: Sitting in the balcony, writing this. The sound of the waves, the smell of the sea air. I don't want to leave. I never want to leave this place.
Day 5: Villa Day & The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing (and Maybe a Little Regret)
- Morning - Sleep In & The Luxury of Lounging: Slept in! Finally. Spent the morning on the balcony, drinking coffee, reading, and generally basking in the sheer luxury of doing absolutely nothing.
- Afternoon - Poolside Perfection (and Mild Panic): Swam in the pool. Sunbathed. Read a trashy novel. Life was good. Then, a thought: "Did I buy enough souvenirs?" The panic set in.
- Evening - Sunset, Wine & The "What Ifs": Watched the sunset. Drank wine. Felt a wave of… what if I stayed here forever? What if I chucked it all and opened a taverna? The "what ifs" are always the worst.
- Late Night - Packing & The Imminent Return to Reality: Started packing. The end is near. Reality looms. Feeling a bit melancholy. But also, incredibly grateful. This trip… it was exactly what I needed.
Day 6: Departure & The Promise of Return
- Morning - Last Breakfast & Fond Farewells: One last breakfast on the balcony. Said goodbye to the villa. Vowed to return.
- Afternoon - Airport & The Sad Farewell: Drove to the airport. The departure felt… heavy.
- Evening - Home & The Beginning of the Plan to Return: Back home. Already planning the next trip. Because, trust me, Crete… it's magic. And I need more magic in my life.
Okay, spill the beans! Is Ilias Villa *really* as amazing as the pictures make it look? Because, let's be honest, Photoshop is a thing.
Alright, alright, let's get real. The pictures? Yeah, they're good. REALLY good. But here's the thing: they *under*sell it. Seriously. I walked in, and my jaw legitimately hit the floor. It's like, the photos capture the *bones* of the beauty, but they can't convey the scent of the bougainvillea, the way the sun dapples the pool, or the sheer, unadulterated *peace* that washes over you. I'm not even kidding, I almost cried. (Okay, I *did* cry a little. Don't judge me, I was jet-lagged and overwhelmed by beauty.)
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *close* to everything? Because "close" can mean a world of pain in some places.
Okay, so, location. This is where I have to be honest. It's *pretty* close. Like, you're not stumbling distance from the Chania harbor (thankfully, because my coordination after a few Mythos beers is... questionable). You'll need a car, definitely. But the drive to the harbor? Fifteen minutes, tops. The beaches? Some are a bit further, but that's the beauty of Crete – you want to *explore*. You *want* to drive those winding roads. The villa itself is in a quiet area, which is amazing for sleep, but you're not going to just wander out for a late-night souvlaki. (Which, by the way, is a tragedy.) I think the quiet location is one of the best part, even when I wanted souvlaki.
The pool. Tell me *everything* about the pool. Is it as Instagrammable as it looks?
The pool. Oh, the pool. Prepare yourself. It's… perfect. Seriously. It's not just a pool; it's a *vibe*. The water is crystal clear, the sun hits it just right, and there are these comfy sunbeds that practically *beg* you to spend the entire day horizontal. I spent a significant portion of my vacation there. Like, I'm pretty sure I developed webbed feet. The Instagrammability factor? Off the charts. I mean, I'm not usually one for posing, but even *I* couldn't resist a few shots. (Okay, maybe more than a few.) The only downside? The temptation to never leave the villa. (And, you know, the inevitable sunburn. Always wear sunscreen, people!)
What about the kitchen? Is it actually equipped for cooking, or is it just a pretty face? Because I *love* to cook. Or, you know, at least try to.
The kitchen! This is a big one for me because I'm *that* person who packs their own spices. (Don't judge!) The kitchen at Ilias Villa? Seriously impressive. Fully equipped, top-of-the-line appliances, and enough counter space to actually *work*. I made a proper Greek salad (with the *real* feta, because, duh), grilled some fresh fish from the market, and even attempted a spanakopita. (It was… an attempt.) They even had a decent coffee machine, which is crucial for me. My only complaint? I wish they had a proper grill outside. But honestly, it was so good that I actually started enjoying cooking, which is a miracle in itself. Also, the local markets? Amazing. Get your shopping list ready!
Any downsides? Be honest! Nobody's perfect.
Okay, okay, the downsides. Let's get real. The wifi was a bit spotty at times. Not a deal-breaker, but if you're planning on doing *serious* work, you might want to hotspot from your phone. Also, the mosquitos. They're relentless. Bring bug spray. Seriously. And the air conditioning in one of the bedrooms wasn't quite as effective as the others. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. I'm grasping at straws here. The worst thing? Having to leave. That almost broke me. Seriously. I was genuinely heartbroken to leave Ilias Villa. I’m already planning my return.
What's the vibe? Is it family-friendly, romantic, or more for a group of friends?
The vibe? It's adaptable. I think it's perfect for all of those things. I went with my partner, and it was incredibly romantic. Sunset cocktails by the pool? Pure bliss. But I could easily see it being amazing for a family. There's plenty of space, the pool is safe (ish – always supervise kids!), and the kids would love it. And for a group of friends? Absolutely! There's a great outdoor area for barbecues, plenty of seating, and enough space that you can have your own space when you need it. Honestly, it's versatile.
Okay, you've convinced me. But what's the *one* thing you'll always remember about your stay?
Ugh, this is a hard one. But if I had to pick *one* thing... It was the simple act of waking up every morning, throwing open the shutters, and seeing that view. That's it. That feeling of pure, unadulterated joy. The scent of the herbs from the garden, the sound of the cicadas, the endless blue of the sky. It was like a reset button for my soul. It was, and I'm not exaggerating, life-changing. Okay, maybe I *am* exaggerating a little, but it was pretty damn close. And the feta cheese. Don't forget the feta cheese.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or tips?
Okay, a few insider tips! First, the hosts are AMAZING. Seriously, they're so friendly and helpful. They gave us some great recommendations for restaurants (go to Tamam in the harbor – trust me!) and beaches. Second, explore! Don't just stay at the villa. Rent a car and drive around the island. The Samaria Gorge is incredible, but it's a hike. Also, learn a few basic Greek phrases. The locals appreciate it, even if you butcher the pronunciation. And finally, try the local olive oil. It's liquid gold. Oh! And one more thing: pack light! You'll be buying so many souvenirs. And most importantly, relax. You're in paradise. Enjoy every single second.
Okay, last question: Would you go back?
Escape To Inns
