Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: Manos Studios Awaits!
Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: Manos Studios Awaits! - My Honest, Messy, and Totally Over-the-Top Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just returned from a Cretan adventure, and my verdict? You NEED to check out Manos Studios. Seriously. Forget what you think you know about idyllic Greek getaways. This ain't just sunshine and souvlaki (though there’s plenty of that!), it's more…well, magical.
First Impressions: Accessibility & a Glimmer of Hope (Plus, "Wait, Is That Parking Free?!")
Alright, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Accessibility. Huge plus. Manos Studios actually tries. They've got some facilities for disabled guests – an elevator (praise be!) and, from what I could see, pretty decent access to the lobby and some rooms. Now, it's not the smoothest operation I've witnessed, mind you. I overheard a guest with mobility issues navigating the slight incline to the pool area and grumbling. It's not perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than many other Greek spots I've seen. I’m gonna rate it as good faith in the efforts.
And the parking? FREE. I know, right? In a world of extortionate holiday parking, this is a small miracle. Plus, there's a car park on-site. Score! Makes zipping around Crete to those hidden beaches and ancient ruins a breeze. Oh, and they do airport transfers. Just another small touch that makes the whole experience that much smoother.
The Room: My Fortress of Serenity (and Blackout Curtains!)
My room? Absolutely dreamy. I'm a sucker for a well-designed space, and Manos Studios delivers. The air conditioning was a godsend (Crete in July…need I say more?). The blackout curtains were a game-changer. I’m a light sleeper, and those curtains meant I could finally catch some proper Zzz's. Yes! Plus, there was a fridge, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a desk (yes, I sometimes need to work, even on vacation – the horror!). And speaking of work, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! worked like a charm. The Internet access – wireless worked also! Okay, I'm over-excited about this, as I'm always worried about weak Wi-Fi.
Beyond the basics, the towels were fluffy, the bed was comfy, and the separate shower/bathtub was a real treat. They even had complimentary tea! The room was regularly cleaned, a constant reminder of the daily housekeeping.
The Food Scene: Where My Tastebuds Went Wild (and I Ate Way Too Much)
Okay, let's talk food. Forget your boring hotel buffets. Manos Studios has a couple of restaurants, a coffee shop (hello, caffeine fix!), and a snack bar. There's a poolside bar too, perfect for that pre-sunset cocktail. The best part? The Breakfast [buffet]! Huge choices!
The buffet in restaurant truly impressed, I’ll admit, a bit more than it should have (I may or may not have returned for seconds… and thirds…). They had everything! From fresh fruit to pastries to a surprisingly good selection of savoury dishes like eggs, local cheeses, and of course, some local pastries perfect for my taste. They offer Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant which opens possibilities.
But the real standout? The A la carte in restaurant was phenomenal. We’re talking authentic Cretan food, cooked with love and using fresh, local ingredients. The salad was excellent, and they also offer soup. The salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant offers a great choices.
I must mention the Happy hour! A must. The bar staff were fantastic and the drinks were well-made and reasonably priced. The Bottle of water seemed unlimited. Also what I liked most is the Desserts in restaurant and the Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Relaxation & Recreation: Blissful Indulgence (and an Almost-Too-Good Spa)
Okay, I’m going to be completely honest. The Spa/sauna was out of this world. I spent a solid afternoon there, and I'm still thinking about it. It was the epitome of "treat yourself." The sauna and the steamroom helped melt away the stress. This is something that I will never forget. I spent my time and the Massage was absolutely divine, the Body scrub, Body wrap were both amazing. This is by far the best spa experience I’ve had in ages!
But even if spas aren't your thing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Take a dip in the Swimming pool [outdoor] (it has a view, seriously!), and just relax. The Pool with view is so great! There's a Gym/fitness room if you're feeling energetic and for the more physically inclined, they have Foot bath.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in a Post-Pandemic World
Let's be real. Traveling now is different. I was pleased to see that Manos Studios takes hygiene seriously. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, the staff were masked and very careful. The Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays put my mind at ease. Anti-viral cleaning products are used. I felt very safe. They even offered Individually-wrapped food options and the Cashless payment service was a great bonus.
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Seriously!)
From simple things like the Concierge, with the help of the Doorman, to the Laundry service to the Daily housekeeping and the Dry cleaning service. I mean, seriously, the staff truly went above and beyond. They had a Convenience store for little essentials and the Luggage storage was handy for my check-out day.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Alright, let's not pretend it was all sunshine and rainbows. There were a few minor hiccups. The lighting in the hallways could be a little dim, and the bathroom phone was a little dated. And the elevator at times (though efficient) felt like it could use a upgrade.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes (and Maybe a Babysitter)
Manos Studios is definitely family-friendly. There are Kids facilities and a Babysitting service available. So it's a great place for families.
In Conclusion: Why You NEED to Book Manos Studios
Look, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter, sterile, predictable hotel experience, Manos Studios isn't for you. But if you crave a slice of authentic Cretan life, with a touch of luxury, and a whole lot of charm? Then book it. Right now. Seriously. I’m already itching to go back.
Here's My Unbeatable Offer: (Because You Need to Book NOW!)
- Book directly through Manos Studios and receive:
- Free upgrade to a room with a terrace (while available!)
- Welcome basket filled with local Cretan treats (honey, olive oil, etc. – yum!)
- Complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar upon arrival.
- 10% discount on all spa treatments during your stay.
- Free Car Park
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Go get yourself to Crete and experience the magic of Manos Studios! You won't regret it!
Escape to Paradise: Harmony Patong's Unforgettable Phuket Getaway
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a real trip, to Manos Studios in Crete. And let's be honest, my attempts at organization are… enthusiastic. So, here we go:
Crete, or Bust (and Probably a Mild Panic Attack or Two)
(The Pre-Trip Freakout - 3 days before)
Day 1: Okay, packing. Which, for me, is a performance art of procrastination and existential dread. "Do I really need six pairs of sandals? What if the apocalypse happens and ONLY sandals can save us?"… Shuffles through suitcase, throws in everything but the kitchen sink (metaphorically, of course. I have a small carry-on). Also, triple-checking passport. Twice. Just in case. Deep breaths.
Day 2: Learned a few basic Greek phrases. Already butchering them. “Kalimera” (which, I think, means good morning?) sounds more like a strangled frog. Praying the locals are forgiving of my linguistic butchery. Online research vortex. "What if the ferry is late and I miss my connection? What if the luggage goes to the moon!??" Breaks out in a cold sweat.
Day 3: Attempted to book a sunset cruise. Apparently, the website thought I was a robot. "Maybe I am a robot!?"… Glares suspiciously at the computer screen. Managed to book it. Finally. Just gotta get there… and not fall overboard with all the emotional baggage I’m carrying (literally and figuratively). And that packing? The sheer volume of stuff is a testament to my anxiety disorder.
(Arrival & Orientation - Days 1-2 at Manos Studios)
Day 1: Arrival! Huzzah! After some serious travel drama. Landed, miraculously, in one piece. The sheer beauty of the Cretan landscape hit me like a… well, a beautiful, sun-drenched punch to the gut. Manos Studios? Absolutely gorgeous. The photos? Lies! (…in a good way). It's even BETTER in person. Seriously, I almost cried when I saw the view from my balcony. Pure, unadulterated, Grecian bliss. Had a dodgy gyro from a little taverna down the street. Probably shouldn't have, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Which, apparently, is mystery meat wrapped in pita bread. Delicious regret.
Day 2: Spent the morning exploring. Getting lost on purpose (and accidentally, several times). Found this tiny church with a history that felt a million years old, and the air just smelled of sunshine and something… holy. I almost started crying again. (I'm a mess, I know). Ate breakfast in silence, at the balcony of my studio. The sun… the sea… the breakfast. Seriously, I am in love. Took a dip in the pool at Manos Studios – amazing. The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature. Felt like I was floating in liquid serenity… until a small child splashed me. (Kids, bless ‘em). Chatted with the owner of Manos Studios as the evening came on. He's a real character. He’s got that laid-back island vibe down pat. Made me feel like I’d known him my whole life, even though I met him 10 minutes ago.
(Delving Deeper - Days 3-5, the Heart of the Experience)
Day 3: Spent the morning wandering in Rethymno. Felt like the past collided with the present. Venturing through the Venetian Harbour, where the colour palette was so vibrant that felt I had walked into an oil painting. That sunset cruise I booked? Total magic. The sky exploded with colour, the sea shimmered, and I managed to (mostly) avoid falling overboard. Had a glass of Cretan wine that tasted like sunshine and stories. I felt, for a fleeting moment, completely and utterly… happy. Not worried about anything. Well, except maybe the impending hangover.
Day 4: The beach. The beach, The beach! Found Elafonisi Beach. The sand is pink. PINK! I mean, seriously, how is that even real? Spent the entire day there, swimming, sunbathing, and generally just soaking up the sheer, unadulterated gorgeousness of the place. The water was a perfect clear turquoise - the best sea water I’ve ever felt on my skin. Lathered on the sunscreen, for the millionth time. (I'm a redhead. Sunscreen is my religion.) Almost fell asleep, and woke up with a mild panic about being burnt (again). Managed to find a tiny taverna on the water's edge – ate grilled octopus (surprisingly not rubbery!) with my toes in the sand. This is it! I kept thinking. THIS is what life is all about.
Day 5: Decided to be intellectual. Visited the Arkadi Monastery. (Okay, maybe not intellectual, but I tried). Learned some history, which was actually quite fascinating and moving. Felt a pang of sadness at the stories of the people who had inhabited this monastery. Then, felt the pull of the sun and the sea again. A bit of driving, a bit of beach-combing, a bit more octopus. Today’s a double-dose-of-octopus day! Feeling like I’m really getting into this Cretan life.
(The Food, The Friends, The Feels - Days 6-7, doubling down…)
- Day 6-7: Food. Food. Food. I've embraced it, I've surrendered to it, I've practically become one with the food culture. I've gone on a personal crusade to taste every single dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) in Crete. (I have a very serious mission, which I happily volunteered for). I discovered that one taverna down the street from Manos Studios makes the ABSOLUTE BEST dolmades in the world. (Seriously, I'm talking a life-changing experience here.) Each day, I've been ordering a plate, and I'm pretty sure the owner is starting to think I'm some kind of dolmades-obsessed lunatic. And honestly, I might be. Also, sampled the local Raki. (Which, I think, is akin to rocket fuel. Delicious, and potentially dangerous). Made friends with some other travelers. Swapped stories, shared laughs, and now I feel like family. We talk about everything, from life, to travel, to love. I'm learning more about the world, and more about me. The simple things are the best, a shared meal, a good conversation, a gentle evening breeze.
(The Goodbyes & The Come-Down - Days 8-9)
Day 8: The dreaded packing. Again. Spent too long trying to cram all my new souvenirs (mostly locally made olive oil and postcards) into my already overstuffed suitcase. Realized I’d forgotten to buy gifts for my family. Panic intensifies. Spent the evening at Manos Studios, sipping wine on my balcony while staring at the setting sun. I also spent the evening at the bar making friends with the barman. It’s the human connection that stays with us long after we leave. Realizing, slowly, that I don’t want to go. Crete has seeped into my soul.
Day 9: Departure day. After one last leisurely breakfast, I'm already on the ferry back to the airport. Managed to buy a small, last-minute souvenir from the supermarket. Said goodbye to the owner of Manos Studios - he made me promise to come back. (I will, I promise!). The sheer weight of the memories and happiness is a lot. The end of something… it’s bittersweet. Now I'm getting ready to feel the post-holiday blues. This trip was great. I already know I can’t wait to go back.
Post-Trip Note:
Yeah, it wasn’t perfect. I got lost, I cried, I ate way too much. But it was also amazing. Sometimes, the imperfections are the best bits. And the dolmades? Still dreaming about them. Crete, you completely stole my heart. And I can't wait to come back to you.
Kim Daegu Hotel: Luxury Redefined in South Korea (5-Star Paradise!)
Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: Manos Studios Awaits! (But Seriously, Should You Go?) FAQs
So, what *is* Manos Studios anyway? Sounds...vague.
Is it near the beach? Because that’s a dealbreaker for me. And can I swim naked? Asking for a friend.
What about food? I need to eat! Are there restaurants nearby? Good ones? I'm picky.
Are the studios actually *studios*? Are they clean? Are there ACs? I hate being hot.
Alright, alright, sounds nice. But what about... the *people*? What are the Manos family like?
What if I want... *things* to do? Is there anything to do besides eat, swim, and nap?
Okay, you've convinced me. But... what's the downside? There *has* to be a downside, right?
Overall, would you recommend Manos Studios? Be honest!
