Having dialysed on the island of Crete for two holidays now, I stayed in a great find in the hills above Hersonnisos. Creta Blue Suitesin Koutouloufari is a family run business, with a range of suites set around the pool and bar/restaurant. The Roussakis family is Eleni (mum), Vangelis (dad) and George (son and General Manager, and everything else, it seems!).
You are made to feel so very welcome, and it feels like the family are sharing their home with you. The rooms are excellent, clean and well furnished and 90% have great views out to sea.
From breakfast in the morning in the sun, through lunch and dinner, the food, the brainchild of Eleni, is perfect. The dishes are varied, and generous, as well as excellently prepared and cooked. And nothing is too much trouble, just ask, and George will sort it! So even if you want veggie options, or want one of the dishes prepared a bit differently, the result is always excellent.
During the day, if you don’t want to stray far, you can laze around the infinity pool and enjoy drinks and snacks to your heart’s content. If you venture into the pool, prepare for hypothermia! It’s cold! But in the heat of summer, very welcome.
If you do get out and about there are numerous tours you can take, either by dropping down the steep hill into Hersonninsos and trying out one of the many travel agents. or hire a car. The freedom to explore the island by car is by far the best way. You can take your time, and if you find somewhere you like, you can stay for longer. You can head south into the mountains, east to Agios Nikolaos, or head west to Chania, although I found Rethymnon a pleasant stop. Coffee shops every 2 paces so be prepared to be pounced on for coffee or food by eager waiters telling you they are the best award winning restaurant on the island!! To be honest, most look fine, so just take your pick – but it is interesting to notice the ones that are wall to wall busy, while their neighbour is empty – go with the crowd is my best tip!.

So, all in all, a great place to stay, central to all the good stuff to see and do, and a really friendly feel that makes you feel welcome, especially when you go back and get greeted like long lost friends by Vangelis – lovely bloke! And for dialysis, just 30-35 minutes away, and Mesogeios will send a taxi to pick you up, but I drove to dialysis, as I’m independent and stubborn and want to do things my way! Go and enjoy! This is a real 5 star break!

Tags: crete, holiday dialysis, international dialysis, travelling