If you or a client are looking for a budget friendly, family focused resort in the Heraklion area of Crete then Sol Marina Beach ticks a lot of boxes! I had the chance to carry out a site inspection with the lovely Elini who has worked at the resort since 1999 so I managed to get all the essential information you need, ready for a client enquiry for a family Greek getaway where budget is more important than boujee!
OVERVIEW
Before we get into the specifics, the key features of the resort are as follows:
🏖️ On the beach 🍝 2 restaurants 🛝 Waterpark 🚌 Short transfer 👨👩👧👧 Family rooms
The 4 start resort is a 15 minute taxi from Heraklion airport, close to the village of Gouves and is part of the Melia brand of resorts (which I love). It sits across the road from a sandy beach, where there are sun loungers and parasols (which are part of the all inclusive) for guests to enjoy and is a great option for beach lovers as some of the beaches in the areas are pebbly.
ROOMS:
There are a variety of room types spread across the resort, split between the main hotel block and the bungalow style buildings in the village style section of the resort.
Double rooms come with either a garden or sea view and can also be set up as twin rooms. The family rooms are open plan with a double room and bunk beds, so perfect if the kids want their own beds, and the parents don’t mind all being in one room. The bungalow rooms also offer open plan family accommodation with a double bed and 2 singles. The family focus extends to the complimentary provision of baby equipment such as cots, high chairs and baby baths and all the family style rooms are located on the ground floors of the hotel. For those with reduced mobility, there are 6 adapted rooms.
FOOD & DRINK:
The main buffet restaurant is large and has both indoor and outdoor seating options, with plenty of choice (I had a nosey round just before lunch service) and there is a dedicated pizza and pasta station which is apparently a firm favourite with families.
There is a snack bar next to the main pool. open from 10am every day serving light bites, such as sandwiches, salads and toasties, plus there self serve drinks (including beer and wine!) and also a help yourself ice cream station. The onsite bar is open from later afternoon through to 1pm for those late night tipples.
There is also an a la carte restaurant focused on Greek cuisine, with views over the gardens and beach, and there is live music to accompany diners 3 nights a week.
FACILITIES:
The activities across the resort are varied and focused on families with a mini golf course, tennis, outdoor play ground and table tennis. Alongside a waterpark and splash park there 3 other outdoor pools and a large indoor pool where they hold aqua spin classes! There also is a gym and a spa onsite which is part of the all inclusive offering and a mini market for essentials.
AGENT TIPS:
This resort is perfect for clients looking for a family focused, no frills resort that a sandy beach and a short transfer to the airport. The family room set up means that it may be better suited to families with younger kids, where everyone bunkers down in the same room. Luxury it is not, but it’s a great option for those looking for a get away that won’t break the bank!
If you need some help finding resorts that match your client enquiries then check out the Find Your Resort Membership! Watch the 5 minute introduction below and take your client enquiries to the next level!
