Vasia Resort & Spa

This 'resort' is not as advertised nor is it in the right price bracket or star rating. What irritated me is that there was so much that was avoidable and I got the sense that it could have been so much better.
The positives - the pools were clean and refreshing but I didn't see any accessible ways to get in and out for people with mobility issues. The location is good, Sissi is a lovely little seaside village with an interesting new church and some great views.
At this point I would normally say "staff were polite and helpful" and the truth is that the majority were - but many were young and inexperienced, we witnessed arguments between them and were shocked when a receptionist told us that they didn't have security - a manager came out and told us that the staff member was new and didn't know but that they did have security. This was after expressing concern about worrying levels of hostile voices from the room next to us - the walls are thin.
The negatives are so many that there is not enough space to mention them all. - The food was not great and was lower end food stuffs. The a la carte restaurants are to be avoided, they are worse than the buffet. others complained, some walked out.
The room was very poor. We had a suite which meant that it had a separate dayroom with couches. Except they weren't, they were two single beds and when we said that we thought we would have a sitting area there they just offered to put more pillows on it! All the furnishings were old and worn and our double bed was made up using two single sheets laid across the bed so you went between them when you got in. The room had a safe, you get the key from reception and the fob has the room number on it - so if you left the key anywhere the person who found it would know which room to go to. The toilet seat was stained with red marks and the toilet brush was dirty - I could go on and on.
The lifts broke down on us 3 times leaving us stuck between floors in complete darkness, on one occasion the doors opened between floors and another time it stopped a foot before the floor. When I asked about the lifts I was told "yes, this happens when we have had a power cut" - we had a few power cuts, which also resets the air con.
We went all inclusive but ended up eating out and getting supplies from shops. The drinks were a mixed bag and limited. The all inclusive whisky was Ballantine's which I was OK with under the circumstances but the Vodka seemed to change. HOWEVER, the soft drinks were very bad - no diet options and the cola was some of the cheapest own brand rubbish I have ever had - spoiling anything it went into.
Something I never got my head around was the glass or plastic policy. If you ordered a drink from the pool bar to have there (you can eat around the bar) it would be in a glass. If you wanted to take it to the other pool or your room it was in plastic. The result was that you had plastic in the safety of your room but glass around the top pool.

I was really looking forward to this holiday because of the good reviews but the hotel did not live up to expectations, it was tired looking and because it was near end of season I think we didn't get the best.
Example we booked the Greek restaurant for 8 of us when we got there they pointed out what they had left on the menu which wasn't much so we left and went to the main restaurant, the entertainment was none apart from Greek dances one night that were very good. They are setting up for a end of season staff party right now pulling out all the stops, the probably do deserve it because the staff were great but it's a shame that they couldn't do it for paying guests just once a week and buy the way we are watching this being done feeling left out lol.

First time in Crete, family holiday. Easy and quite check in arrived late at night, check in was quick and straight forward. Given a snack due to late arrival, cheese and ham sandwich, apple and bottle of water in the room. Room was decent size, good view of the pool and sea, bed comfy, maid daily but not sure what issue was never left us clean towel for pool had to ask. Breakfast usual there bacon, eggs, omelette freshly cooked, beans, toast, meats etc. lunch was beef, pasta, pork, veg chips rice and pretty much the same for evening, even if fussy would not go without. Snack bar hot dogs, burgers chip and fish sticks, bar so there four bar that AI, the bar by the beach I have to pay for you drinks and only open wed/sun. Drinks are good named brands and good size measures. No limit on what u can get. Bar shuts at 11 pm then the lobby bar stay open but u pay for them from after 11 pm. Staff are friendly and polite. Except restaurant lady she never smiles and looks u up and down. Entertainment aqua aerobics in morning and then not much else, could be due to getting near end of season ?. Evening entertainment limited if honest. Over all good holiday. Weather was amazing while we were there. Ok carremart next to the hotel totally out disgusting behaviour and attitude and seems not the first to experience this, followed round the shop and then accuse of stealing. Pretty bad considering we spent enough money in there first few days, not no more, go to spamip.road bigger better and nicer staff. Complained to head office and guess what mo response no surprise there. Try the sports bar just past the Irish pub staff amazing friendly and good entertainment. Food Def go to Amelia's staff food are amazing and made to feel very welcome. Would I go back maybe to Crete but not here, trying new places but Def nice relaxing holiday with fsmily

This hotel is advertised as a 5* hotel and when I challenged the hotel about this (and the cockroaches), they said they offered ‘basic’ accommodation. That is definitely true of my experience. The room I stayed in, was simply bleak- with a very noisy fridge and decor from the 80’s.

The bed, the bed linen, and towels are of such a worn out quality that it’s clear there has not been any investment in this place for a very long time. When I came out of the shower and saw several large cockroaches it was enough to make me pack up my bags and leave- there was simply no way I could spend another night there. Whilst the manager of the hotel explained that cockroaches are inevitable in Crete- I just didn’t buy that explanation as the hotel is so run down I just wasn’t surprised to see them. I’ve stayed in enough hotels to know that cockroaches tend to be in the lower end places…and I have to say this hotel is exactly that.

I’m so glad I left when I did as walked around the corner to a beautiful family run hotel which is absolutely delightful. It’s saved my few days here.

We had a nice stay at this hotel. The room was very comfortable, although aircon was a bit weak. Bed was very comfortable. Had a huge balcony which was great.

The food was good, but a bit low on choice compared to other all-inclusives. One annoying thing was that the restaurant closed very early at 9pm sharp and by 9.01pm everything had been taken away.

Pool area was great with loads of sun loungers and different areas to choose from. Nice and quiet without music thumping out which we really appreciated.

Staff were very much a mixed bag. Around 60-70 percent of them were from the Phillipines and they were largely delightful.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the European staff. Most of them were very surly, including the female restaurant manager. She never even said hello or even acknowledged us, despite me repeatedly smiling and giving her the opportunity.

I understand that working in hospitality is tough (I have done it myself) but it really dampens the atmosphere if the staff can’t even make the effort to show some warmth towards the guests.

The cleaner, however, was delightful (room 1219) and we gave her a generous tip at the end. As was night recepionist when we checked in.

The town of Sissi is very pretty but there is nothing to do. Getting a taxi even to the neighboring town of Malia is expensive and tiresome. Going to Heraklion and back cost €150. There is just one bus a day, leaving at 9:15am.

With all this in mind,I would recommend this place to people who are just looking to unwind and enjoy the sun in an all-inclusive resort.

Vasia Resort & Spa – Sissi, Crete (April Stay)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

We spent 7 days at Vasia Resort & Spa in Sissi, Crete in April. As it was still a bit out of season, we had mixed weather—around 4 good sunny days, which wasn’t too bad for the time of year.

🌟 Hotel & Rooms

The hotel room was lovely. We had a large, comfy bed in our bedroom and a separate area for the children with two single beds. There was also a fridge in the room and a balcony with a fantastic view of both the pool and the sea.

🎾 Facilities

Tennis Court: We played tennis a few times; it’s free for guests—you just need to book an hour slot in advance.

Gym: We used the gym a few times. It was adequate for our needs.

Indoor Pool: Available, but we didn’t use it.

🍹 Food & Drink

Main Restaurant: The food was generally very good with lots of choice. Each night featured a different meat dish as a special.

A La Carte: We dined at the Italian restaurant on-site, which was also enjoyable.

Snack Bar: Located near the children’s pool—served hot dogs, sandwiches, chips, and ice cream.

Cocktails: A bit disappointing. All served in the same glasses and started to taste quite similar after a few.

🏊 Pools & Slides

Slides: A big hit with the kids. There was also a smaller pool with mini slides for little ones.

Pool Temperature: Unfortunately, the pool was very cold in April. The kids didn’t last long before their lips turned blue and they were shivering. Likely better later in the season.

🧒 Kids Club

The kids club seemed fantastic. The staff were incredibly friendly, always engaging with the children—even at mealtimes, which was a lovely touch. Our children were always excited to share what they’d made or done.

🏖️ Resort & Location

The location was peaceful and quiet—perfect if you're after a relaxing break. That said, it felt very quiet in April, and many things hadn't opened yet.

There’s a small bay a short walk from the hotel which we enjoyed visiting.

The train ride around the resort and a nearby beach (about a mile away) were both closed during our stay.

The sea view bar on the hotel grounds was also closed, which was a shame.

A large convenience shop is located right next door to the hotel for basics.

📝 Summary

Overall, we had a great stay and really enjoyed the hotel, room, and facilities. However, being there in April meant we missed out on some of the resort’s full offerings. We imagine it would feel quite different—and more lively—between May and August. Still, for a relaxing early-season break, it ticked most of the boxes.

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for a quick review, or if you want to tailor this for a specific platform!

Attach
Search
Study

We stayed at this Hotel end of September and can honestly say it was amazing. The rooms were cleaned every day, and fresh water left in the fridge. The whole complex was kept so tidy. The staff from the bar, restraunt in fact everyone couldn't be any more helpful. Would definitely recommend

Colazione ottima. Un cenno particolare alle spremute di arancio fatte con frutta fresca.

Definitely not 5 star. Variable standards of accommodation. Got our 2 bed suite changed after being put in a suite with a dangerous spiral staircase which was moving a foot in either direction at the top of the stairs, should never have been given to guests this room. One push against the railing and the whole thing could have come down. We got put in a much better 2 bedroom suite thankfully which we appreciated but shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Pools were nice very average snacks at one pool. Plenty of sun loungers. Okay food. The Italian restaurant okay very limited and average food. Food in general okay not 5 star 3 star at best. What was exceptionally poor though was the cheapskate drinks. The soft drinks were awful. Water out the mixers tasted soapy. The white wine cheap and super dry. No Prosecco without paying which was a joke. Cocktails rubbish as using cheap vodkas etc. top tip make sure you ask for absolut vodka in cocktails as you will get it. Hotel needs to get a grip with the drinks especially the cheap supposed Diet Coke which tasted so sweet. On a plus as we had so much hassle the first few days we did get a free late check out which was appreciated. Would I go back, a definite NO! I’d go self catering and eat out at the many lovely restaurants in Sissi. Sissi is lovely!

I had a full body massage and also with aloe vera gel for body and face. My masseur called Nicos and he was great, very talented and very relaxing! I can only recommend it.

The staff was so kind and welcoming. The hotel so clean but 2 times we were looking for someone in the reception and no one was there.

We had a week at the Vasia Resort and Spa in September - overall we had a very nice time and good value for money (for the price we paid).
Please do set realistic expectations as this is nowhere near a 5 star resort.
The resort is quite spread out - think we were lucky to have a room in the block above reception with a pool, garden and sea view. The room was good and we were promptly provided with more pillows when we asked. The maid kept the room very clean so no issues there at all. Room had a fridge and water replenished daily. Aircon was good. Bed comfortable. Bathroom had a shower cubicle and a separate bath so that was all good.
We had no issues with the food and were pleasantly surprised with the quality and variety - you could eat very healthily if you wanted.
All staff that we encountered were excellent.
Drinks were a bit of an issue as the quality we thought was quite poor. The beer was something called Thea, which even the locals hadn't heard of. The cocktails were very limited so we ended up just having their Beefeater gin and tonics which was ok.
We liked being at a resort that was close to a village (Sisi) - there's a supermarket at the entrance to hotel where you can stock up on everything if needed. Plenty of bars and restaurants - we had drinks out 3 nights and all the bars seemed good (Cactus, The Rolling Stone, Stefanos, etc - where you can get your fix of Mythos beer). Nice bakery in Sisi as well. Obligatory Irish pub 3 minutes from the hotel (if you like that type of thing). Couple of bars showing Prem football.
Pool area was good and no problem with sunbeds - I can imagine shade is an issue during the warmer months.
Didn't partake in any hotel "activities"
There is no beach here - all rocks - this is not the part of the island for sandy beaches - but you can walk along the seafront on a track.
We had a nose around the Vasia Sea Retreat - adults only - along the coast - a 5 minute walk away and it did look like a "proper" 5 star resort - new, chic, well designed.
We hired a car for 2 days from Mervis - by the hotel entrance - 2 days in a little Fiat Panda for c. £100 all in. Easy driving - drove to Agios Nikolaos and had a walk around (fantastic place for a walk, lunch and views), then to Elounda, Spinalonga and Plaka and back. Didn't venture to the Lasithi Plateau as not sure a 1 litre, manual, Fiat would handle the mountain roads that well....
Overall, we would recommend this hotel, just set your expectations accordingly.

Unfortunately, this hotel made a terrible impression. On the first night at dinner, one of the chefs was yelling at the staff and thrasing around in the kitchen like a madman. The chef obvously has anger management issues and needs help before he does anything bad. He displayed visibly abusive behavior that frightened those in the restaurant. He abused his position and power and simply doesn't know that this is not acceptable behavior, let alone in a five-star hotel or in any workplace.
They try to isolate these people as much as possible in normal, civilized countries.
Sadly, on the other days we also heard shouting noises from the kitchen to the detriment of a pleasant meal. We definitely do not reccomend this hotel, it was scary.

Dobre i ciekawe jedzenie. Pokój duży. Darmowa butelkowana woda.

Just come back from this hotel, we stayed in room 603 overlooking the pool, room was lovely but let down by the cleaners, we stayed for 12 nights and during that time our balcony was never swept or mopped and I had to clean the table myself, the bathroom floor wasn't cleaned either, beds were made and clean towels provided but as for cleanliness this was poor.
We did have an issue in our room which was reported and fixed the same day by the maintenance team.
Having read previous reviews regarding the food, I can honestly say everything we had was excellent the only downside it wasn't hot enough but the choices were amazing.
Plenty of sunbeds so you don't need to get up at silly o clock to reserve a bed, even though there are always some that feel they have to do this.
Entertainment programme is awful if your looking at going here and expecting a full Entertainment programme daytime and evening this isn't the place.
Now to the truth regarding all inclusive, we met several couples who where half board and were able to get all their drinks and snacks and lunch at the hotel basically for free as no wrist bands are issued, I did make a complaint to the manager who basically brushed this off but didn't charge me for late checkout as a gesture of goodwill but when you arecpaying all inclusive prices this is not fair, the drinks are not great and are very weak.
A big shout out to maneous the mature waiter outside he is a credit to the hotel and one amazing guy.
I was informed by the manager the hotel is closing and being bought by another chain so next year no all inclusive will be available.
Despite the issues I have mentioned the resort is beautifuland we would definitely return all in all we had a lovely holiday .

Had a great time wonderful @vasiaresortandspa I have Visited Crete before, the whole experience was stunning , but this time our cleaner ~Vjollca was the best ever, so efficient and engaging , always happy to take the time to give us information on some of stunning beaches and wonderful culture to be found on the Island 5🤩

Vasia hotel on arrival looked a bit dated. Nice spacious room with winding staircase. Food good salads,grill and fruit plenty. Must be picky if you can't find anything here. Swimming pools clean . Bar staff very pleasant. Drinks premium brands on all drinks. Entertainment only saw a few things ok. Loads of different people here not just english snd no sunbed wars. On doorstep of sissi went out few times. Amelias is a great greek night . Happy

A nice resort with free shuttle. Please be aware the rooms are somewhat different to the photos. We had 2 beds, a TV Coffee table in one and a double bed in the other. We understood this was an upgrade