Escape to Paradise: Haridimos Apartments, Crete's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Haridimos Apartments - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Right, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get real about Haridimos Apartments in Crete. Forget those sterile travel reviews – this is the raw, unedited, and probably overly enthusiastic account of my experience. Consider this your digital passport to a hidden Cretan gem, warts and all.
First Impressions (and a mini-meltdown about the suitcase):
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise"? Yeah, they’re not wrong, especially after I wrestled my colossal suitcase (seriously, why do I pack like I'm moving to another planet?) up the slightly uneven pathways. Accessibility, as I discovered, is mostly there. The main areas felt pretty navigable, but those charming, winding paths…well, they might pose a challenge for anyone with serious mobility issues. BUT, let’s be honest, that’s kind of Crete’s rugged charm, right? You expect a little bit of a hike! (Plus, the doorman, Dimitri - bless his cotton socks - insisted on helping me with it eventually).
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The Room: Where the Magic Happens (and I Accidentally Left My Laptop Charger):
Wow. Just…wow. My room, a gorgeous little haven, was a total breath of fresh, Cretan air. Air conditioning that actually worked (hallelujah!), a ridiculously comfortable extra long bed (perfect for my starfish-like sleeping habits), and a window that opens to let in the salty breeze. I'm obsessed. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were a lifesaver. Let's just say I developed a serious caffeine habit. And thank GOD for the free Wi-Fi in all rooms – because, uh, I may have forgotten to pack my laptop charger. Disaster averted! Also, the separate shower/bathtub, a real luxury. Even the slippers were fluffy. Small details make a big difference, you know?
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The Spa and Relaxation Zone: My Brain Melted in the Best Way Possible:
Okay, prepare yourselves for a full-blown spa obsession. I swear, I think I spent half my trip in the Spa. The sauna was a glorious sweat-fest, the steamroom sent my pores into overdrive, and the massage…oh, the massage. I opted for a full body treatment and I swear I floated out of the room. Then I spent the entire afternoon languishing by the pool with a view. The poolside bar was convenient. Basically, my brain turned to mush in the best possible way. They also have a fitness center, which I intended to use, but the pool bar was just too tempting.
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Dining and Snacking: When "I'll just have a salad" becomes "I have a salad and three desserts":
The restaurants at Haridimos are something else. First off, the breakfast buffet was a masterpiece. Honestly, I think I sampled everything – the pastries were heavenly, the Asian breakfast options were surprisingly authentic, and the coffee… chefs kiss. The a la carte restaurant, meanwhile, served up some of the best international cuisine I've ever tasted. I went through a phase of ordering everything (blame the happy hour, which, by the way, is a danger zone!). The poolside bar was perfect for a quick snack (the snack bar was the best) or a cheeky cocktail. They also had a vegetarian restaurant, which was amazing. I ate way too much food. Zero regrets.
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Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (and Sanitized!)
Look, let's be honest, post-pandemic travel has me looking at everything with a critical eye. But I was genuinely impressed with Haridimos' dedication to cleanliness and safety. The daily disinfection in common areas was obvious, the staff were constantly sanitizing, and they clearly put a lot of effort into things. The rooms sanitized between stays, the anti-viral cleaning products, and the staff trained in safety protocol all added up to making me feel really secure. They even have sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I felt properly looked after.
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Getting Around (and My Near-Disaster at the Car Park):
They offer airport transfer, which I HIGHLY recommend. Crete is a bit of a windy maze for the uninitiated… like me! The car park (free of charge) is available on site, as is valet parking. One time, I nearly parked my rental car in a bush. That's a story for another time. But the taxi service is reliable!
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Things to Do (Or, My Attempt at Being Cultured):
Okay, so I spent most of my time horizontal, but I did manage to drag myself out of the sunbed once or twice. Haridimos is close enough to all the tourist traps, but far enough to feel nice and chilled out.
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Services and Conveniences: Because Life Doesn't Have to be Complicated (and You Can Get Cash Out!):
From the concierge who helped me book a boat trip (highly recommended!) to the daily housekeeping who magically tidied my room while I was lounging by the pool, the staff were always fantastic. Other conveniences include the cash withdrawal machines in case you run low of spending money. They also have a convenience store, laundry service, and dry cleaning. Basically, everything you need to make your stay easy and stress-free. The luggage storage and safety deposit boxes were also a lifesaver.
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The Verdict: Would I Go Back? In a Heartbeat!
Look, Haridimos Apartments isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its slightly uneven paths, but it's got soul. It’s charming, it's comfortable, and it’s the perfect place to escape the daily grind. I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and already planning my return. If you're looking for a luxurious escape with a healthy dose of Cretan charm, book it. You won't regret it. Just maybe pack an extra charger… and a bigger suitcase.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Benidorm Villa Awaits at Europa Center-Fincas!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic Cretan adventure at the Haridimos Apartments. Prepare for a schedule that's less "meticulously planned" and more "winging it with a healthy dose of ouzo." God, I love a good ouzo.
The Cretan Chaos: A Haridimos Apartment Odyssey
(Day 1: Arrival and Accidental Over-Indulgence on the Rooftop)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in London, swear a blue streak at the delayed flight, and contemplate whether I've packed enough emergency chocolate. (Spoiler alert: I haven't. Classic.) The flight, of course, was crammed. I swear the guy in front of me reclined his seat with the force of a collapsing bridge. I think I saw a tiny, stressed-out Greek woman attempting to knit a whole new aircraft out of yarn, bless her heart.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Land in Heraklion! The air hits you, it's a warm, salty slap across the face. Magical. Find the rental car (a tiny, slightly dented Fiat that I'm already convinced I'll crash at least once), wrestle it into motion, and point vaguely towards Plakias. The drive? Absolutely gorgeous. Winding roads, olive groves that go on forever, and that Mediterranean blue… it's enough to make you believe in something again. Also, I almost drove off a cliff trying to take a picture. Don’t tell anyone.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Arrive at Haridimos Apartments. Okay, first impressions: charming. White-washed walls, bougainvillea spilling everywhere. The owner, a sweet, crinkly-eyed lady who looked a bit like my grandma, hands over the key. "Welcome! You enjoy!" And she gave me this look… that felt like foretelling a lot of ouzo, and that made me so happy!
Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Unpack. Discover that my suitcase has exploded. Half my clothes are now draped across the bed, staring accusingly. That’s okay. I'm on vacation. Explore the apartment, fall in love with the balcony view (of the sea, naturally), then head up to the rooftop terrace.
Evening (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Oh boy. The best-laid plans… I mean, it started innocently enough. A glass of wine, to celebrate. Then a small plate of olives. Then a second glass. And then – whoops! – the owner’s daughter (also incredibly lovely) showed up, wielding a bottle of local raki… and some seriously delicious dolmades. And then some more raki, and more dolmades. Suddenly, I'm chatting away with a couple from Germany, sharing stories with a British couple, and laughing hysterically. The rooftop was just perfect. And the raki tasted like sunshine and friendship and… regret, maybe? (Kidding… mostly.) The stars were stunning. The night was… well… magnificent, until, uh… I may have stumbled back to the apartment. The bed looked like a luxurious cloud. I vaguely remember thinking I should probably eat something, but the call of sleep was too strong.
(Day 2: Beach Bliss (and the Search for Breakfast)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wake up. Head throbbing like a drum circle. The sea breeze whispers sweet nothings into my hungover ear. Realize I have a whole slice of pizza from last night and a half-eaten bar of chocolate. Eat both. Feel a little better.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Attempt to find breakfast. Everything seems to be closed. Wander aimlessly, cursing my inability to speak Greek (and cursing the previous night’s raki, just a little). Find THE BEST bakery. I will be back there every single day.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Beach time! Settle on a sun lounger, apply copious amounts of SPF (learned my lesson about the sun, ouch!), and melt into… bliss. The water is crystal clear, the sun is warm, and the only sounds are the gentle lapping of the waves and my own internal monologue (mostly thoughts like, "Is this paradise? Am I dreaming?"). Read a book. Dip in the sea. Repeat. I think I might just stay here forever. This is the best day so far.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Explore Plakias. The town is full of life. Eat at this taverna and order the grilled octopus. Yes! So good. Chat with locals. The owner tells me tales of the sea and of his wife, Sofia, and they smile. I try (and fail) to learn a few basic Greek phrases. "Ya mas" is pretty useful, at least.
- Evening (8:00 PM - late): This is where things get blurry. More food. More wine. Maybe a little dancing? The details are vague, but the smiles are clear. This is what it's all about.
(Day 3: Exploring, and the Epiphany of Stuffed Tomatoes)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A less-than-graceful attempt at a hike. The gorge looks amazing in photos. Me? I'm huffing and puffing after five minutes. Give up. Find a taverna. Order a coffee. Plan to take more easy-going approach to the day.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Drive to Preveli beach. The palm grove! The turquoise water! It's breathtaking. But, the hike down is a killer. The hike back up nearly kills me. Is there an easy way to get to the beach? Maybe I should have read more than just the pretty pictures.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): THIS IS IT. Dinner at a small taverna. I order stuffed tomatoes, and… I have a moment. A food epiphany. The juicy tomatoes, the herby rice, the perfect balance of seasoning… I weep. (Okay, maybe just a tiny, happy tear.) This is what life is all about! Simple pleasures, perfect food.
- Evening (8:00 PM - late): Back to the rooftop, for a quiet drink, maybe. Or, let’s be honest… more dancing. More laughter. More of the magic of Crete. Who knows what will happen? And that’s the beauty of it.
(Day 4 & onward: Let's see.)
- Morning & Afternoon & Evening: Honestly, who knows? More beaches, more food, more adventures. I'm thinking a day trip to Rethymno. Maybe a cooking class (if I can figure out how to say "Where's the chocolate?"). Definitely more rooftop time. And probably a few more accidental raki-fueled nights.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea)
Look, this isn't the fanciest itinerary. It's not going to win any awards for precision. But it's my itinerary. It's messy, it's imperfect, and it's 100% authentic. This is what living is all about -- the unexpected delights, the raki-induced blur, the joy of a perfect tomato.
So, come along for the ride! And if you see a slightly sunburnt, happily disoriented person wandering around Plakias, waving a half-eaten baklava, that's probably me. If you know how to say "Where's the best bakery?" or "Can you help me get back on my feet?" in Greek, please come say hi!
One final thing: send chocolate. And maybe sunscreen. And a willingness to just… be. This Cretan adventure is going to be glorious.
(And now, to go find some more olives…)
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Right, so...Haridimos Apartments. Escape to Paradise, huh? Sounds a little *much*. What's the REAL deal?
Location, location, location! Where *exactly* is this hidden gem hiding?
The *apartments* themselves. What are they like? Shiny and new? Or…rustic charm? Because let's be honest, "rustic charm" can sometimes mean "falling apart."
The Owner. Haridimos himself. Tell me about him! Myth or Legend?
Let's talk food. Because let's be honest, travel is 50% about the food. What's the local restaurant situation like?
Beaches! Is this a beach holiday kind of place? What are the beaches *really* like?
Is it good for families? Or more suited for couples/solo travelers?
The annoying stuff. What was *actually* bad? ComeEscape to Paradise: Dusit D2 Naseem Resort - Your Unforgettable Jabal Akhdar Getaway
