Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort, Crete

Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort, a Michelin Key Selected property on the southern coast of Crete, generally garners positive feedback for its serene atmosphere and luxurious adults-only experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort is highly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "beautiful resort," "peaceful," and "luxurious" destination perfect for relaxation. It's an adults-only sanctuary, contributing to a tranquil and laid-back vibe. The resort is consistently recommended by many who praise its well-maintained grounds and attentive staff. Booking.com reviews show scores like 8.8 overall, with high marks for cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.4). While specific Michelin Guide guest scores are not yet available, the property has been selected for its architectural distinction, impeccable decoration, and luxe amenities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the resort. The beautiful hotel grounds, featuring lush greenery, a large outdoor pool, and a private beachfront, are frequently highlighted as a major draw. The relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere, often complemented by respectful deep house music from a DJ, is a significant plus for those seeking tranquility. Unique amenities such as the open-air cinema, offering a selection of films, and a cafe serving traditional Greek coffee made in the sand, are also popular. The spa and gym facilities, including daily yoga and fitness classes, receive strong praise for contributing to a wellness-focused stay.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Numo Ierapetra are described as beautiful, stylishly decorated, and comfortable. They blend modern design with local charm, featuring earthy tones and high-quality finishes inspired by the Cretan landscape. All accommodations come with a private balcony or terrace, with many suites offering an individual private pool, which guests often find great to enjoy. Rooms are typically spacious, meticulously furnished, and include amenities like air conditioning, minibars, coffee-making kits, and Olive Era bath products.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Numo Ierapetra receives mixed but generally positive reviews. The breakfast and dinner buffets are often described as varied, very tasty, and well-maintained, with some guests calling them exceptional and among the best hotel buffets they've encountered. The resort features three restaurants, including Tamarisk, an all-day à la carte restaurant serving Mediterranean and Cretan classics, and Menoa, offering Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Fresh seafood and herb-encrusted meats are noted at Tamarisk. There's also a pool and beach bar, Màre Màre, serving tapas, snacks, and cocktails. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the buffet quality, likening it to a "school canteen" and criticizing aspects like pastries made with margarine instead of butter. Limited food options and a lack of authentic Greek dishes in the buffet were also mentioned by some. Drinks in the restaurant and bars can be expensive.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Numo Ierapetra are frequently praised for being extremely attentive, friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Many guests highlight their positive interactions with various team members, noting their willingness to assist and create an enjoyable stay. Personal touches, such as surprise sparkling wine, cake, and fruit for honeymooners, are appreciated. However, some reviews mention instances of slow service, which some guests attribute to typical Southern European pace, or even indifferent staff.

6. Location & Accessibility

Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort is situated in a secluded, unspoiled spot on Crete's southern coast, near the tranquil town of Ierapetra. It offers direct access to a private beachfront. The area is known for its natural beauty, with a backdrop of tawny mountains and olive-green forests. While the resort feels private and peaceful, it is around a 90-minute drive from Heraklion Airport and a one-hour drive from Sitia Airport. Ierapetra town is about a 10-15 minute drive away, offering local restaurants and cafes. The hotel offers free parking and can arrange car and motorbike rentals, which is recommended for exploring the wider area. The resort is also fitted with ramps and some rooms are adapted for wheelchair users.

7. Value & Pricing

While the resort is considered luxurious, opinions on value vary. Typical prices found recently range from $150 to $330 per night, depending on the season and room type. Some guests find the resort to be of excellent value, especially for suites with private pools. However, other guests have felt that the services provided were expensive, citing high prices for drinks and additional charges for items like Nespresso pods and bottled water. A €500 deposit for drinks on arrival was also noted as an unusual practice by some.

8. Common Complaints

Several recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Pebble Beach & Swimming Conditions: The beach is described as coarse and pebbly, and the sea can have waves, making swimming sometimes uncomfortable due to rocks in the water.
• Loud Music: The DJ music by the main pool and beach, typically from 12-4 pm, is sometimes considered too loud by guests seeking a quieter environment. While there is a quiet pool, shaded sunbeds can be limited.
• Food Inconsistencies: Despite many positive comments, some guests have criticized the buffet food quality, particularly for dinner, wishing for more sophisticated dishes, more fish options, and more authentic Greek cuisine.
• Service Speed: While staff are generally friendly, some guests experienced very slow service.
• Sunbed Availability: A "competitive edge" was observed with guests rushing to reserve sunbeds early in the morning.
• Extra Charges: Charges for Nespresso pods, bottled water, and a significant deposit for drinks were points of contention for some.
• Room Issues: Minor finishing touches needed in rooms, and isolated incidents like non-working AC or a faulty door lock were reported.
• Pool Closing Time: The 6:30 p.m. closing time for the swimming pools was considered too early by some guests.

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