Kristina Aldridge
We have recently arrived home after spending 8 nights here. Our stay was fantastic! Food was incredible, so much choice and really good standard and available fresh all day. Immaculately clean. Staff were incredibly accommodating and so friendly. Lots of activites for the whole family, we particularly enjoyed water polo and darts every day! They also have an under cover pool if you're needing a break from the sun..this is also heated on cloudy days! Beautiful beach right at the hotel with water sports, we hired a pedalo in the sea! Lovely little quaint town nearby (Agia Palagia) with beautiful quiet beach where we got a boat trip to Dia Island. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Room was clean and there's a train that runs constantly up to the water park which was fun. Great hotel, highly recommend for all ages 😊
Christopher
A well-run family friendly hotel, not a 5 star experience.
Fodele Beach and Water Park Resort technically meets the criteria for a 5-star resort—24/7 reception, multiple pools, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities—but in reality, it lacks the polish and attention to detail that define true luxury. It’s more accurate to describe it as a solid 4-star family resort.
What really stood out was the exceptional staff. Every team member we encountered was warm, professional, and eager to help. A special thank you to Popi at the Starlight Bar, whose kind and upbeat personality made our evenings more enjoyable, and to the lovely lady at customer relations who went out of her way to make our stay memorable—including helping us book a serene catamaran cruise, which ended up being the highlight of our holiday.
The resort is clearly family-focused, with a great on-site water park for kids and entertainment (albeit basic). The small train running through the hilly property was a big help in the heat. Communication via WhatsApp with reception was a great touch, and though not advertised, staff were always willing to give us a lift back to our room via golf buggy—something I appreciated due to mobility challenges.
Positives also included a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection throughout the resort, a lovely free room upgrade on arrival, and a broad all-inclusive drinks menu. These touches definitely improved the experience.
That said, several areas were underwhelming:
Comfort: Robes and towels were rough and not the spa-quality you'd expect. Housekeeping was minimal—beds were made daily, but sheets weren’t changed during our entire 7-night stay, which was disappointing at a beach resort.
Dining: Buffets were varied but became repetitive after a few days. The Greek à la carte restaurant was especially disappointing—it reused buffet dishes with nicer plating and lacked any real "à la carte" feel. Thankfully it was included, because it wouldn’t have been worth paying extra for.
Facilities: Some venues, like the grill restaurant, were closed due to the season—something we weren’t informed of when booking. The mini golf was poorly maintained and far below expectations.
Sustainability: Despite paying a €105 "Climate Tax," the resort still uses disposable plastic straws. In 2025, this is unacceptable and raises serious questions about their environmental commitment.
Overall, this resort is best for families with young children who want sun, pools, and a convenient all-inclusive setup. The staff are the true stars here—they genuinely care and go above and beyond. However, if you’re a couple or traveler looking for luxury, comfort, refined dining, and sustainable practices, you’ll likely be disappointed.
We got the sunshine and a bit of rest, but by the end of the week, we were ready to head home. We won’t be returning, and believe there are better-managed resorts offering a much more authentic 5-star experience for the same price.
Terry Hannigan
Incredible setting in a beautiful bay. The hotel public areas themselves are very well Designed and enjoyable.
The main issue i have is the fact that at 11pm you have to pay for drinks. And im not talking just alcoholic drink, all drinks, water, anything.
Extremely disappointing when paying thousands of euros for a weeks stay and theres not even a cooler of water at reception.
In fairness, when i escalated the issue, the managers got me 2 bottles of water. But
5 star? Not a chance.
Other notes:
Fridge broken in room
Random stained mattress in hallway for a day.
Food ok
Staff helpful on the whole
Truly stunning views
Anne Boreham
Advertised as 5 star. I would not consider this a 5 star hotel. It’s in the middle of nowhere, busses are not reliable. The staff were amazing, the hotel was okay, not great if mobility is an issue as it’s on the side of a mountain with hundreds of steps, however there were lifts and staff would take you to and from your room in a golf buggy.
EOS Yachts
If you’re looking for a top-tier vacation spot in Crete, Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort is an excellent choice. Nestled on a stunning beachfront location, this resort offers breathtaking views, making it a paradise for both relaxation and adventure. This resort is perfect for families, featuring a fantastic water park with thrilling slides that kids (and adults!) will love! With all-inclusive dining, excellent service, and a beautiful setting, it continues to offer top-quality hospitality, ensuring an unforgettable stay for families year after year.
My Booking
