Out Of The Blue Resort & Spa

The resort's expansive, lush grounds and its unique setting on a beautiful peninsula with private beach access are consistently highlighted as its most memorable features. Many guests find it a great place for relaxation and family holidays, appreciating the natural beauty and extensive facilities. However, some note that while the location is stunning, the property itself shows signs of age and could benefit from updates. This destination is ideal for families due to numerous pools, slides, and a dedicated kids' club, and for couples seeking a tranquil escape with scenic views and spa facilities. It also suits travelers seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty. To enhance your stay, guests recommend utilizing the golf cart service for navigating the hilly terrain and exploring the nearby village for dining options. Bringing insect repellent is also advised due to mosquitoes.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort offers a wide array of facilities, with multiple swimming pools, including those with slides for children, providing ample options for recreation. A private beach with a bar and a more public beach nearby are highly appreciated, offering diverse seaside experiences. The spa facilities, featuring a sauna, Hammam, warm pool, and jacuzzi, receive strong praise for their relaxing atmosphere and professional staff, with many guests recommending treatments. The kids' club is noted for its engaging staff, though some equipment is described as dated. Wi-Fi is generally available, but can be inconsistent in certain areas. The resort's zoo is mentioned as a unique feature. However, some facilities, like fountains and certain pools, are noted as being out of order or in need of maintenance, and the gym is described as being in bad condition with no air conditioning.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Room comfort and cleanliness receive mixed reviews from guests. Many find the rooms spacious and appreciate daily cleaning and fresh towels. Some guests enjoy sea views and amenities like jacuzzi baths and toiletries. However, a significant number of reviews mention outdated interiors, broken electrics, hard beds, mold, ants, and leaking ceilings during rain, indicating a need for renovation. Air conditioning issues are reported, with some rooms having loud units or being set to heat only, which can be problematic in warm weather. Some guests also note a lack of convenient power sockets or issues with toilet flushing, impacting overall comfort and convenience.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining is mixed, with breakfast frequently praised for its variety and quality, offering many options including fresh fruit and local specialties. The lunch buffet, especially by the beach, is also well-received for its quality and atmosphere. However, dinner at the main buffet restaurant often receives mixed feedback, described as plentiful but ordinary, repetitive, or bland, with limited vegetarian options and sometimes overcooked vegetables. Specific restaurants like the Greek and Italian a la carte options are generally rated higher for food quality and service, offering a more refined dining experience. The drinks included in the all-inclusive package are sometimes described as low quality or diluted, with limited non-alcoholic cocktail choices, leading some guests to seek alternatives.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's location on a peninsula between two bays, offering both a private beach and a public one, is highly valued by guests. It's described as being in a beautiful natural setting with breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding gardens. Proximity to the village of Agia Pelagia allows for easy access to shops, restaurants, and a cozy boulevard, providing options beyond the resort. Heraklion center is about a 30-minute drive away, making it accessible for excursions to historical sites like Knossos. However, the resort is very spread out and hilly, requiring significant walking, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Guests appreciate the availability of golf carts for convenient transport within the resort. Parking is available, and renting a car is recommended for exploring further afield as the immediate area outside the resort is described as basic.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Many guests highlight the warm welcome and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, including room upgrades and late check-out, contributing significantly to a positive experience. Specific mentions include the reception, bar, restaurant, and housekeeping staff, all noted for their dedication. The golf cart drivers are also commended for their politeness and efficiency in navigating the resort's terrain. However, some guests report isolated incidents of staff being less engaging or appearing exhausted. There are also mentions of issues with a restaurant manager's behavior and some reception staff being unhelpful or rude regarding room issues or providing information, which can detract from the overall positive impression.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the resort is pet-friendly, accommodating those traveling with animals. There are reports of photographers on-site who can be insistent in offering their services, and whose packages are sometimes described as overpriced or misleading regarding free photos. The all-inclusive package is sometimes criticized for its limitations on drinks and food quality, leading some guests to suggest it's not always worth the price, advising careful consideration of what is included. Some guests mention a destination fee or other charges upon arrival. The resort's overall condition suggests a need for renovation to meet current 5-star standards, with many areas showing signs of deferred maintenance and being outdated, impacting the perceived value for some visitors.