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Driving along the northern coast of Crete is a fabulous experience and one which should not be missed by fans of excellent roads. Towering mountains make for dramatic scenery and some wonderful sweeping bends, as the surrounding roads wind their way around, before gradually climbing to the peaks and dropping back down the other side, occasionally complimented by glimpses of endless seascape to your right. Our journey was taking us to the Royal Blue Resort and Spa, in the village of Panormo.
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You'll be forgiven if you think you've lost the way as you follow the sporadic signs to the Royal Blue. At first the road runs parallel to the main highway across the island, but it isn't long before you lose site of it, heading down next to the coast, the road becoming dusty from the breeze. Soon though, the hotel comes into view. The Royal Blue Resort and Spa occupies a considerable area and faces one of the most dramatic sea views in Greece. Unbroken and seemingly endless, it may not be as eye-catching as Mirabello Bay in Elounda, but in terms of majesty, it can not be bettered.
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Home to 190 rooms and suites, the Royal Blue has recently celebrated the end of its first season, making it one of the newest deluxe hotels on the island. This brand-new status has both its advantages and disadvantages. It should be considered a plus as everything from looks, feels and is new – from the very comfortable beds to the plush reception area – however concessions must be made as not only is the hardworking team still getting to grips with the operation of the hotel, but also ironing out those first-season teething problems, however minor they may be.
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However, with a full season under their belt, the Royal Blue Resort and Spa should be hitting their sweet-spot over the coming year, giving you the opportunity to stay at the hotel before it gets too well known! Your choice of room type is less complex than one would expect from a hotel with nearly 200 rooms – and yes, we do consider this a good thing – starting with the Superiors with the opportunity to choose one with a shared pool, however we would recommend look at the Superior and Luxury Suites and above.
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The Luxury Suites overlook that magnificent coastline and in addition to a very spacious interior, they have a terrace, garden and private swimming pool. The Superior Suites are found on the first floor above the Luxury Suites and share the same living room and bedroom layout inside, but come with a balcony and Jacuzzi instead. Arguably, the Superior Suites have the better outlook from their huge floor-to-ceiling French doors, but the allure of your own private pool may be too much to resist! From here one goes to the Luxury Villas – slightly larger than the Luxury Suites with a private pool, Jacuzzi and a prime coastal spot – to the Royal Suite, an amazing three level abode with two pools outside and one inside, a gym, private entrance and office space.
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A collection of several bars and restaurants can also be found at the Royal Blue. Symposium is the main restaurant where you'll take your breakfast, which also serves international dishes later in the day. For something a little different, Il Posto Azzuro serves Italian cuisine and Junsai Asia is home to a fusion of Asian and Latin tastes. Finally, Radish is where you'll be able to taste the many Cretan delights.
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Completing the picture of the Royal Blue is the Pure Senses Spa, where a fitness centre, sauna and indoor heated pool sit alongside the chance to enjoy single or couples Spa treatments or a professional massage.
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The sheen has yet to wear off the Royal Blue Resort and Spa, meaning fans of sparkly new hotels will find plenty to love, and while the service perhaps isn't up to the standard of other established deluxe hotels on the island, it's not without enthusiasm and attentiveness, which will undoubtably morph into excellence the more time it's open. In fact, we imagine the second season of the Royal Blue Resort and Spa is going to be a very good one indeed!
- Which room or suite has completely privacy? - Which room or suite has direct view to sunset? - Which is the perfect hotel for me?
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Superior Guest rooms
35sqm, balcony, sea or garden view. Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
Superior Guest room with shared pool
35sqm, balcony, sea or garden view. Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
Luxury Guestrooms with private pool
35sqm, waterfront, terrace, garden. Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
Superior Suites
55sqm, living room, bedroom, balcony, Jacuzzi, sea view. Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
Luxury Suites
55sqm, private pool, terrace, garden, living room, bedroom, sea view. Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
Luxury Villas
58sqm, maisonette, waterfront with sea view, private pool, terrace, garden, living room, bedroom. Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
Royal Suite
450sqm interior, 1200sqm gardens, three storey, living room, office, master bedroom, two guest bedrooms, gym, sauna, indoor pool, kitchen, private parking and entrance, two outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, BBQ.
Air conditioning, LCD Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, Internet, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee.
