LIVING LIKE A CRETAN PRINCESS

ST. NICOLAS BAY AND RESORT HOTEL

There are hotels, and then there are those that surpass the highest of expectations; they attain perfection. This is one such hotel.                 
                                                                                                   Nancy Snipper

Set among lush gardens on a lofty hill overlooking eastern Crete’s magnificent Marabello Bay, St. Nicolas Bay and Resort Hotel is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic view.  Close to ten acres (40,000 square metres) of property steeped in luminous natural beauty mesmerise – starting with the hotel’s private pristine sandy cove beach, made more remarkable by huge flat-bed rocks for relaxing, perched just above the sea – well deserving of its Blue Flag E.U. status. The property stretches beyond to reveal a natural variety of vistas and villas.

                                 Inspirational scenes beckon the guest and the bather. 

Stone and marble merge into the boundless blue of sea, sky, and swimming pools. 

                           A signature centre piece is the enormous salt-water pool.

If you book one of the waterfront luxury Thalassa Villas (there are eight of them), you’ll have your own heated one!  Reserve a villa for your family or go for its romantic appeal. Not surprisingly, weddings are held here.

Outdoor/Indoor Mediterranean Splendour

Winner of the world’s most prestigious awards for hospitality excellence, this Trip Advisor top-star hotel has garnered so many kudos, it outranks most that strive to emulate it. 

                                Minoan-like archways frame vistas of green. 

                                                 

Stone pathways meander among pine, palm and carob trees, accenting buildings bathed in white and marble. 

                                       

Lush and lovely!

                             

View of St. Nicolas Bay from hotel.

Grounds are gorgeously enhanced by a series of beguiling indoor architectural features and objects that bring to life elements of Greek antiquity. Such impeccable taste attracts the discerning traveller in need of calm surroundings cocooned in authentic Cretan elegance. 

Started in 1988, St. Nicolas Bay and Resort Hotel is owned and built by the 

visionary Cretan architect, George D. Alexandrakis. Highly artistic, Mr. Alexandrakis has designed an array of wall fixtures, lamps, mirrors and handicraft which enhance the hotel. A genius for creating unique furniture as well, each room demonstrates his passion for design originality. Functional, visually appealing and clever, many objects you see are a product of his own brilliant imagination.

“George always wanted to create a hotel having all the elements of a Cretan nobleman’s home with soul, elegance and style,” said head manager, Costas S. Zarbalas who’s been with the hotel for 30 years.  “We want to fulfill people’s holiday dreams, so we work as a caring sincere team (over 165 staff members).  We give personable attention to their wishes; this is a small size hotel so we accomplish every guest’s expectations for a perfect holiday.”

 The harmonization of traditional Greek architecture with contemporary chic is its signature style. Upscale rooms – all 107 of them – are stunningly appointed. An exquisite blend of different textures and creamy hues put the tranquility of the Aegean Sea right next to you. If Aphrodite were mortal, she surely would have settled here!

Room Variety with Sea Views

Although there are over 100 rooms, each seems to be an island on its own. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to hear or even see your neighbour, as the hotel is constructed to ensure serenity and privacy.

There are several types of rooms – each with its own distinct layout. Most offer sea views.  Rooms range in size from 30 square metres to 160 square metres, such as the two villas within the Club Collection. Their terraces alone are 90 square metres and the pool is 30 square metres. No matter the size, all rooms have marble bathrooms, bathrobes, big thick beach and bath towels, slippers, luxury toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine, fridge and of course WIFI, movies,  multiple language TV channels, telephone and air-conditioning. Some sport designer couches with lots of pillows.

There’s no lack of choice: from studio and one bedrooms to two and three bedrooms with lovely layouts. There are six different kinds of rooms within the Classic Collection: Junior, Deluxe and Executive suites. Most come with Jacuzzis, two balconies or one huge one. Twenty-three private pools are there to enjoy in some deluxe suites and in the exclusive Club Collection. Many have ensuite bathrooms and all kinds of state-of-the-art amenities with VIP extras. 

The Aphrodite House even has a remote control that opens up the in your bedroom to reveal a spectacular sea view right in front of you.

          My own private pool in the Classic Executive Suite. The view was captivating. 

I felt like a Minoan princess (without the regal attire!) 

The trick to ordering your room depends on your requests. Do you want a garden view, sea view; how many bedrooms; do you want a private pool, Jacuzzi, two balconies?  Order your preferences and priorities; make your bucket list, and the reservations department will grant what you request. Bear in mind, that price varies depending on room type and the season. I saw several rooms. All displayed an understated sophistication that exuded distinctive allure. 

               

 Visit the website at the end of this feature to obtain more detailed information.

Eating like a Minoan Princess

Five great areas for eating Greek and international cuisine are located in scenic areas of the hotel. My first night of arrival, I ate in the Greek Kafenion whose specialties include all kinds of Greek fish, pasta and meats. I found this meal to be a delightful first-night indulgence.

Two bouzouki players set the mood for taste enjoyment. 

Everything is cooked fresh at the hotel, and all produce comes from the area.  For my appetizer, I had a delicious seafood salad of greens, locally grown olives, mussels and huge pieces of jumbo shrimp. It was excellent.  My main course was a wonderful slow-cook oven-roasted veal dish whose huge tender pieces were flavored in tomato sauce, and pepper with Hilopites pasta surrounding it all. Wine was a 2010 red wine from Nemea. My dessert was a startling affair.  Service was of the highest quality.

Breakfast… Beyond Believable!

Served in the Club House Restaurant indoors or on the sea-view terrace, breakfast is an exorbitant feast. Guests can either sit on the terrace overlooking the sea or inside where all the food is presented on 12 long tables beautifully set with fine linen table cloths. The buffet is laden with countless classic Cretan and international dishes which delight the senses.  Ten hot servers for meats and cheese pies form part of this fabulous morning feast.  I loved the various sheep and cow’s milk yoghurt of different fat percentage.  The grape mousse cinnamon pudding called moustalevri was my addictive discovery. You have the choice of Gluten free and lactose intolerance dishes as part of their health-conscious cuisine. Meat, fresh fruit, Cretan cheeses, cereals, a yummy creamy vanilla pudding, and the list goes on.  Cretan olives – five different kinds, including Tsakistes and Throubes were a delight to sample as was the smoked pork. Figs, dates, all kinds of dried fruit, even goji berries. Jams, purees, Greek marmalades – home-made of course – like everything else – decks out more banquet tables. Incredible Cretan creamy desserts and strudels to satisfy the sweet tooth have tongue-watering palette appeal. Typically, they have their own table, and it’s a popular one!  You can enjoy all this, and also order from the à la carte menu which offers omelettes, crepes, pancakes and more yummy morning goodies?

Later on, take time to relax,

to eat and imbibe in other areas. 


                                 Night-time at the Greek Kafenion Restaurant

Astra Bar strides a lovely pool; then take a step inside the Minotaure Restaurant which specializes in sushi and Far Eastern cuisine. The Blue Bay has a Japanese menu along with grilled fare, savoury Greek food, pasta and salads.  Discover them all. Variety is the spice of life, so indulge in all of them. That’s part of the fun.

For all information on rooms, prices, restaurants and more,

visit: www.stnicolasbay.gr

Email: reservations@stnicolasbay.gr

Address: St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel is Thesi Nissi, Aghios Nikolaos, 721 00

Pampering at Poseidon Spa

Taking a treatment in the hotel's world-class spa is a must. There are over 40 all-natural beauty and well-being treatments to address body and face issues. 

 The spa’s bio-tech face technology by Elemis a ground-breaking anti-ageing product line, specifically targets wrinkles, pigmentation, skin tone and so much more. There’s even facial resurfacing and non-invasive lifting – a god-send!

Prior to my treatments, I enjoyed a scented hot vapor room. I did not have time to take a swim in the beautifully heated pool that alleviates pain, but I would return.

The setting for my treatments was incomparable.  The sea at my side, two demure trees swaying in the wind and tiny rock island poking up. The view was sublime. I was already relaxed.

My expert therapist Helen suggested I have the spa’s Signature deep tissue back massage which uses Cretan bees wax and ointments. I could hardly wait. Using her forearms to swiftly move along my spine and loosen knots, Helen found areas of tension I did not know existed. This novel forearm technique created a smooth rubbing sensation on my back; knots were soon loosened.

After my back massage, Helen gave me an Easy Going Facial – specifically the Fleurs de Bali 30’. 


Helen used products from France’s Cinq Mondes line. They are completely natural and feel gloriously light on the skin, yet the result is astounding.  I could not believe how my skin was transformed in just over an hour.  This particular facial had several steps: cleansing, spraying flower rain tonic, doing an exfoliation, and next – a mask accompanied by Helen doing a scalp massage. 





Applying a deep nourishing elixir for my dry skin (there are five to choose from).
And finally, the Serum of Youth. All worked their combined magic; my skin’s leathery look was no more. Instead I saw a clear, bright and radiant sheen of youth.  My skin felt like silk. I wanted it to last forever.

For all information, visit: www.stnicolasbay.gr

Email: poseidonspa@stnicolasbay.gr

                                                                      

Venturing Beyond

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel is a utopia; linger all day or get active at the quiet beach by partaking in the waterfront activities there. Canoe around, paddle board  jet ski or/and be taken in the speedboat to the nearby church-topped island with cri-cri (Cretan goats).

If you want to explore beyond this paradise, here are some suggestions:

Aghia Nicolaos:  Just over 1.5 km away from the hotel, Aghia Nicolaos is a trendy touristy city. More like a big town, it has an array of both exclusive and souvenir shops that wind around the enchanting waterfront. Picturesque with its own history, this seaside summer resort has its own archaeology museum.

Spinalonga: take the bus, or taxi to nearby Elounda or Plaka, to boat over to this deserted island of 16^th-century stone walls that once quarantined lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece  in the early 20^th-century until 1957. Interesting but bucolic, there is an unmistakable melancholy in the atmosphere. Join a guided tour to get all historical details.

For boat times, visit: www.spinalongaboat.gr.

If you rent a car, get lost along the coastal road, and enjoy the spectacularly high mountains on one side, and cozy bays of perfect blue that beckon.  Kayaking and all kinds of sports, you can find in town, but some of these activities, you can do directly from the hotel.  Here’s the website again: www.stnicolasbay.gr.

SAMUI SONG (Directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang) ***

Beautiful Viyada is a bored Thai soap opera star married to a Belgian Buddhist sculptor who insists she come to the prayer meeting. A rape happens in their home, and one suspects it was with the consent of her own husband. It is she who is raped by the Buddhist leader, so she hires a man to kill her husband. She changes her life to escape the hell of it all, retreating into a village, but the assassin hunts her down and blames her for his mother’s death; he never got paid, as she escaped. It was very convoluted at the end, as she ends up happily married to the man who raped her.

ARION BAROQUE ENSEMBLE: THE DOUBLE LIFE OF VIVALDI

Vincent Lauzer

Bourgie Hall, October 8^th, 2 pm.

You can’t go wrong with Vivaldi especially when you have a master such as Vincent Lauzer on the stage. This concert focused on the dark and the bright side of Vivaldi's musical genius. And to help us along, there was a star in our midst: Vincent Lauzer. He's a master on baroque recorders, and he pulled them all out for this program. Vivaldi’s largo movements provided wonderful contrast to his allegro sections, and each piece, other than the vocals from “Air Cosi potessi anch’lo” from the opera Orlando Furioso and “Mio dolce amore” from the same opera, as well as another work titled, Nisi Dominus – proved that Vivaldi created astounding recorder concertos. Mr. Lauzer defies human tongue and finger dexterity. He turned his recorders into magical mesmerizing musical gods. He is brilliant. Likewise, when Claire Guimond showed off her incredible technical skills when accompanying on flute the singer for the evening, we were enchanted. Ms. Guimond is one of those rare artists who is able to express emotional dynamics on the flute. Her control, like Mr. Lauzer’s is phenomenal.

Unfortunately, the same dazzling effects from these artists were not continued once  mezzo-soprano, Meg Bragle took the stage.  This surely was an unintentional dark moment in the evening. There was no authentic nor much emotion in Ms. Bragle’s performance; her projection was flat. I was stunned by her inability to emote except in the fourth stanza of Nisi Dominus.  However, how she held that last note on the word, ‘ventis’ was incredible.  good. Her control was fine but honestly, there was not climax in any section of her  Her breathing and phrasing are exceptional and her lower quiet tones are effective enough. I think she was nervous or not at her best perhaps. Still, she did stick out as a far less seasoned artist than the others. But I felt she knew she was not “into it”, as they say.

 Praise must be given to Alexander Weimann. He commands the harpsichord while conducting, often raising his right hand to direct the orchestra and having it land lickety-split on the page to turn it. He’s a multi-tasker performer for sure. I would say that the brightness of the evening radiated through Vivaldi as Lauzer, Weimann, Guimond and the orchestra itself brought his light to us. But it began to fade when the vocalist stood under it.

As Arion enters its 37^th season, we must say, “congratulations!”

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN SAINT-SAUVEUR: KAREN MAJOR TOOK US ON A RIDE

MY DOG ZAK WITH KAREN AND HER HORSE TOD

ALL ABOARD

AVA (Directed by le Mysius) **

An ophthalmologist tells Ava she has retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that starts off with reduced vision in low light and a shrunken field of vision before full blindness sets in.
Ava takes out her frustrations on her mother Maud, a flaky working-class woman who keeps trying to keep Ava’s spirits up during their summer vacation by the sea. Ava is repulsed by her mother’s sexuality, and even more cross when she gets saddled babysitting her little sister.
 Ava meets a disaffected slinky-hipped Spanish gypsy named Juan, who is about 18 and whom she keeps seeing around town whose only companion is his dog Lupo. Ava and Juan end up becoming a kind of Bonnie and Clyde in a ridiculous plot which includes a gypsy wedding and fleeing form the police and Juan’s bother whose bride was once a girlfriend of Juan’s. She comes to the couple’s rescue

as they flee. Stupid euro trash music and over-the-top primitive costumes dawned by Ava and Juan makes this film less than what it should have been. A silly film that shows more breasts than it does intellectual brilliance and inevitability.