Uncover Candia House's Hidden Kandia Secrets: Greece Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Candia House. Forget those sterile, predictable reviews. This is gonna be like rummaging through a suitcase after a REALLY good trip – a little scattered, a little messy, and hopefully, leaving you wanting more. And trust me, after what I've seen, you'll definitely want more. Buckle up!
Uncover Candia House's Hidden Kandia Secrets: Greece Awaits! - A Review From Someone Who Actually Stayed (and Survived!)
Okay, so picture this: you're dreaming of Greece. Sun-drenched beaches, impossibly blue water, and food that makes you wanna slap your mama (in a good way, obvs). Candia House, at least on paper, promises exactly that. But does it deliver? Let's unpack this, shall we? I’ll admit, I'm a picky traveler; I'm always looking for something… more.
First Impressions (And The Not-So-First): Accessibility & Safety - It Matters!
Right off the bat, I looked for the juicy stuff. Candia House gets a big thumbs up for solid [Accessibility]:
- Wheelchair accessible? Thankfully, yes! They do their best to be inclusive, and it makes a MASSIVE difference.
- What about the internet? Okay so the [Internet access]… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I'm always thrilled about that. It's 2024, people! No one should have to pay extra for the internet. [Internet [LAN]] is there too if you are more old school, I like that option.
- The Cleanliness and safety the main reason what I looked for. So, I liked how they seemed to take COVID seriously. [Anti-viral cleaning products] everywhere, [Daily disinfection in common areas], and even [Rooms sanitized between stays]. The staff all wore masks etc. These things really matter, and I was grateful. [Hand sanitizer] was everywhere.
Rooms - Your Little Greek Sanctuary
A lot of hotels seem to skimp on making the rooms cozy but Candia House did a great job here. The [Additional Toilet] and [Air conditioning], were welcome, trust me. Especially when the sun’s beating down on you. Let's hit some other important features:
- [Air Conditioning] - Amen.
- [Alarm clock] - I'm not a morning person, but I need to be woken up.
- [Bathrobes] - Luxury! (And necessary after a spa day…)
- [Coffee/tea maker] - Crucial for that first morning pick-me-up.
- [Daily housekeeping] - My chaos thrives! Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but I appreciate a clean room!
- [Free bottled water] - hydration is key!
- [Hair dryer] - I hate lugging one of these around!
- [In-room safe box] - Peace of mind, always.
- [Internet access – wireless] - Important!
- [Ironing facilities] - For those fancy dinners… or just to avoid looking a total mess.
- [Laptop workspace] - If you have to work, at least do it comfortably.
- [Refrigerator] - Keeping my water and snacks cold.
- [Shower] - I'm a shower person.
- [Smoke detector] - Good to know.
- [Soundproofing] - I love sleeping in for longer.
- [Telephone] - Nice.
- [Toiletries] - Always appreciate the little things.
- [Wake-up service] - When you need to be on time.
- [Wi-Fi [free]] - Essential.
- [Window that opens] - Fresh air is a MUST!
The Fun Stuff: Relaxation and Unwinding
This is where Candia House really shines. I'm a sucker for a good spa.
- [Body scrub] - Heaven.
- [Body wrap] - Pure bliss.
- [Fitness center] - They had a gym, but honestly, after all the Greek food, walking around was exercise enough!
- [Massage] - YES. Get one. Absolutely.
- [Pool with view] - Stunning! The view from the pool is seriously worth it. The blue of the pool against the backdrop of… whatever they have! It was amazing!
- [Sauna] - Steam rooms too!
- [Spa] - The best.
- [Swimming pool] - Perfect for cooling off.
- [Swimming pool [outdoor]] - Always a bonus.
My Favorite Thing: The Poolside Bar. The Memory that Changed Me.
Look, I’m a simple creature. A good pool, sunshine, and a cold drink? I can live with that. But the poolside bar at Candia House… that was something else. Picture this: crisp, cool air, the sun dipping low, painting the sky in fiery oranges and purples. I'm sipping an Aperol Spritz (because, Greece!), and the bartender, this guy named Dimitri, starts telling me about his life. He’d been a fisherman, a musician… the stories just poured out of him, each one more colorful than the last. We ended up talking for hours, trading tales and laughing until my stomach hurt.
- [Poolside bar] - I'm glad they have one, and it's worth a visit.
Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, let's be real, food is a massive part of the Greek experience. Candia House doesn't disappoint:
- [Asian breakfast] - If you're into that, go for it!
- [Asian cuisine in restaurant] - They catered to a few tastes.
- [Bar] - Yes.
- [Breakfast [buffet]] - I'm a breakfast-buffet kind of person, and this one was pretty decent.
- [Coffee/tea in restaurant] - Always a good start.
- [Desserts in restaurant] - Delicious!
- [International cuisine in restaurant] - Again, catering to different tastes.
- [Restaurants] - Quite a few to choose from.
- [Room service [24-hour]] - Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- [Vegetarian restaurant] - Crucial for some, a nice option to have.
- [Western breakfast] - A good alternative to the breakfast buffet.
- [Western cuisine in restaurant] - Great options.
The Minor Details (That Actually Matter):
- [Cashless payment service], [Doctor/nurse on call], [First aid kit], [Laundry service] etc all there which is great.
- I am especially grateful for the [Concierge]. They were unbelievably helpful.
- Candia House also provides [Invoice provided] which is great if you need it for business purposes.
Things That Could Be Improved
- There was no [Pets allowed]
For Those With Kids:
- They have [Babysitting service] and are generally [Family/child friendly].
Getting Around - Your Gateway to Greece:
- [Airport transfer] - Essential.
- [Car park [free of charge]], [Car park [on-site]] - Handy if you're renting a car.
- [Taxi service] - Always available.
The Verdict – Is Candia House Worth It?
Absolutely, yes. Look, it's not perfect. Nothing is. But Candia House offers a fantastic experience. The staff are friendly, the rooms are comfortable, the amenities are top-notch, and the location… well, you're in Greece! What's not to love?
Here's the Deal: Book Now!
Seriously, stop reading and start booking! Candia House is the perfect base for exploring all that Greece has to offer. You’ll be glad you did.
Click here to book your escape to Candia House and discover the hidden treasures of Greece!
(P.S. Tell Dimitri I said hi! And bring me back an Aperol Spritz!)
Pretoria's Hidden Gem: Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t going to be your pristine Pinterest-perfect itinerary. We're heading to Candia House in Kandia, Greece, and trust me, it's going to be less "organized brochure" and more "chaotic symphony of sun, sea, and slightly sunburned regret." Here's the (mostly) planned chaos:
Pre-Trip Anxiety & The "Oh Crap, Did I Pack Underwear?" Phase (2 days before departure)
- Day -2: Panic sets in. I’ve been "researching" (read: scrolling Instagram) Kandia for weeks, but now the reality hits. Actual travel. Actual people needing to see me not looking like a total mess. Did I book the right flights? (Checked. Cross that off… or think I checked. Always a sliver of doubt.) Did I even pack a swimsuit? (The burning question.) The answer to underwear? Still a mystery. Better call my mum… she's the designated "Are you dying?" checker.
- Day -1: Packing hell. I’m the worst packer. Seriously. I'm the kind who shoves everything in and hopes for the best. This time, I’m “smart.” I make a list. (Which I immediately lose.) I try to match outfits. (Fail. Everything mysteriously clashes.) I remember a half-eaten bag of gummy bears in my bag from the last trip. "Waste not, want not!" I eat them for "fuel" (pure, unadulterated sugar fuel) and tell myself it's "carb-loading." My luggage now resembles a confused explosion of clothes, snacks, and vague aspirations.
Candia House: The Arrival & Immediate Bed-Bound Temptation (Day 1)
- Morning (Roughly): Flights are…flights. Crowded, uncomfortable, and rife with the existential dread of sharing a confined space with strangers for hours. But, finally, we land! The Greek sun hits you like a warm, fragrant slap in the face. It's glorious. This is what I've been waiting for!
- Afternoon: Candia House! The pictures online didn’t lie, it's charming. Rustic. Possibly haunted in the best possible way. The owner, a woman named Eleni with eyes that have seen a thousand sunsets and a laugh that could charm a statue, greets us with a hug and a glass of homemade lemonade. (Worth the price of admission alone, by the way). The room… oh, the room! Simple, clean, and with a balcony that overlooks the sparkling Argolic Gulf. Immediately want to just lay on the bed and stare at it. Like, for hours. But, resist! Adventure awaits!
- Evening: Wandering the village. Kandia is tiny, utterly charming. We get lost (on purpose) down cobblestone streets. I, of course, take about a million photos of the same bougainvillea-draped doorway. "This is how you do slow travel," I tell myself (as I Instagram it). Find a taverna. Order everything. Eat everything. The grilled octopus? Incredible. The feta? Divine. The retsina? Well, let's just say it's the reason for the early bedtime. (And possibly a slightly messy morning.)
Day 2: Beach Day, Beach Blunders, and Beach Bliss (and doubling down on it.)
- Morning (or Late Morning, If We're Being Honest): Okay, beach time! Kandia Beach is a pebble beach, the water is crystal clear, and the sun is blazing. I'm determined to be a beach goddess. I apply copious amounts of sunscreen, pack a book, and strut to the sand.
- Mid-Morning: Reality sets in. First, the perfect sunbathing angle is harder than it looks. Then, remember when I said I was determined? Okay, I thought I was. I'm not the most graceful person, and the pebbles are treacherous. One wrong step, and…down. I'm flat on my face, scattering sunscreen everywhere. (Note to self: invest in a beach chair.) I brush myself off, looking like a bronzed, slightly embarrassed, beached walrus.
- Afternoon: The Sea's Embrace (and My Failed Attempts at Being Cool): Okay so I try to swim. I try to look elegant. Nope. It's more like a frantic flailing, looking more like a drowning seal than a mermaid. I have to admit, the water is cold. And I'm a terrible swimmer. But, by the time I finally made it in, fully prepared to drown, I was having the best time! I gave my anxiety the finger and focused on the amazing view. The sun, the sea, the sky… all combined in perfect harmony, washing away all the stress. Spent a blissful hour just floating, letting the waves rock me, feeling utterly, absolutely relaxed. Pure, unadulterated paradise.
- Evening: Sunburnt, sandy, and happy, we return to Candia House. Shower, nap, and then more delicious food at the same taverna. Maybe some Ouzo this time? (Maybe not. My head is still struggling with the retsina.)
Day 3: Inland Adventures & The Unexpected Art of Olive Oil Tasting (and the "Oh-no, I forgot the mosquito repellent!" phase )
- Morning: We're going inland! Exploring the Peloponnese. This time, we have found a rental car and a rough plan (again, loosely defined): Nafplio, the former capital, and maybe a hike in the mountains. I'm a terrible driver, so my partner gets the wheel. But, the roads are winding, the scenery is breathtaking, and I keep yelling "Oh, look! A mountain!"
- Afternoon (and the great olive oil discovery): Nafplio is gorgeous, a Venetian town. But the heat is intense. We wander around the narrow streets, get lost, and eventually, find a tiny little olive oil shop. The owner, a wizened old man named Yannis, insists on an olive oil tasting. Now, I'm not one for olive oil tasting, but Yannis is persuasive. He leads us through a series of oils, teaching us how to discern flavors, how to appreciate the nuances, how to dip our bread (which is the most important part). Now, I was ready to just walk away and pick up a bottle to take home. But, after Yannis showed me the process (and how my ignorance of olive oil was showing), I became captivated by the history and the stories. I bought all the olive oil. No regrets.
- Evening: Back at Kandia House, covered in mosquito bites (seriously, where did they come from?!), we collapse onto the balcony with a bottle of local wine, laughing at the day's adventures. We had food, we had fun, we had… well, a memorable day.
Day 4 & Beyond: The Epilogue & Reflections (or Just More of Everything)
- Day 4+: Each day blends into a happy blur of swimming, eating, exploring, and doing absolutely nothing at all. We take a boat trip to a nearby island, stumble upon a hidden beach, and attempt (and fail) to speak Greek. We chat with fellow travelers, make new friends, and have the best meal we've ever had when we weren't expecting it. We also discover that Eleni, the owner of Candia House, is an even better cook than we initially thought.
- Final Day: The dreaded packing. I still have no idea where that suitcase underwear is. I also feel like I've just made a major discovery: maybe "imperfect" is just the best way to approach everything. The flight home is a mix of sadness and anticipation. The experience of time spent in Candia, a treasure in the back of my mind, will be a comforting memory.
- Epilogue: I'm home. I'm unpacking. I may or may not have accidentally brought back half the beach in my sandals. But more than that I brought back a feeling. A feeling of peace, joy, and a newfound appreciation for the simple things. Kandia. Remember it. It will be hard to forget.
So, what *is* this whole...thing? A hobby? A career? An existential crisis made manifest?
Okay, deep breath. This... this *thing*... It started small. Like, microscopicly small, maybe a single kernel of...oh god, I'm already rambling. It's probably that first thing when you were doing something but you were looking for some extra cash. I mean, who *doesn't* want an extra bank account. It then blossomed into a full-blown... well, let's just call it a “situation” for now. It's gotten out of hand. I mean, *really* out of hand. My apartment is a graveyard of half-finished projects. My social life? What social life? It's probably not worth it right now. But, I gotta admit… it's also kind of my lifeblood now. It’s… complicated. Let's just say it occupies a significant chunk of my brain space, right next to "Did I pay the electric bill?"
How long have you been doing this *thing*? And... is it even *good*? Be honest.
Ugh, the honesty part is the hardest. Okay, fine. I've been at this... *situation*... for, well, let's just say it's been long enough that I've lost track of the seasons. I'm pretty sure I started sometime during the Obama administration, but the exact date escapes me. And is it any *good*? Ugh. That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Some days I feel like a rockstar. I mean, a *total* rockstar. (In my head, obviously, I can't play an instrument, so.) But other days? Other days I question everything. I look at what I've created and think, “Did a toddler make this? Is this even...coherent?” I mean, I *hope* it’s good. I *want* it to be good. I desperately need people to find it good, because, you know, validation is a powerful drug. But, honestly? The jury's still out… and probably lost.
Alright, the *details*. Can you break it down for a newbie? What's the process look like?
Okay, so, *the process*. Get ready for a whirlwind tour of controlled chaos. It starts with a spark! A tiny little flicker of an idea. It has to be good. That's the first problem. I'll get a thought, and then the panic sets in. Will this thought fade? Do I need to write things down? I’m also gonna add a small, important detail that I’ll always do: Caffeine. Lots of it. You will need it. Then comes the research phase. Which, let's be honest, can easily morph into a black hole of internet surfing. Like, hours. Days. Weeks. Lost. Then… the actual *doing*. Where the magic (or disaster) happens. It’s a rollercoaster of inspiration and crippling self-doubt. I'll start, get the first bit good, then I'm immediately hit with a wall of "This is awful." There's usually a lot of coffee involved, copious amounts of snacks (which I’ll eat while I'm trying to work.. not great), and a whole lot of staring at the ceiling, questioning my life choices. Is there even a point to this? I digress. The final stage? The terrifying moment of… *sharing*. *Cringe*.
What inspires you? Is it… *artistic*? Or driven by something...else?
Inspiration? Oh, that's the tricky bit. Sometimes it's a specific person and I'm like "Yeah, I want to make what this person does!". Sometimes, it's this deep feeling of… *I don't want to do anything else*. The passion. The drive to create something I'm proud of, something that people will enjoy. I try to make things people will like. Mostly, I think it's the pure, unadulterated *fear* of being forgotten. I may also have some issues with being alone. I get this feeling where I'm like "I need to create something, or I'll fade into nothing!" So, yeah, it's *absolutely* artistic. It's also fueled by maybe a little bit of an unhealthy desire to prove something… to myself, to the universe, to the guy who cut me off in traffic yesterday.
What's the biggest challenge? The thing that makes you want to hurl your computer out the window? (Please tell me I'm not the only one.)
Oh, honey, you are *absolutely* not alone. The biggest challenge? Imposter Syndrome. The ever-present, insidious voice that whispers, "You're a fraud." It's a constant battle, a never-ending cycle of "Maybe I can do this!" followed by "Oh God, this is the worst thing anyone has ever seen." And don't even get me started on the technical difficulties. The hours lost to glitches and crashes and… *sigh*. The worst, though, is the feedback. Dealing with that's tough. You pour your heart and soul into something, you spill out all your thoughts, and you get…crickets. Or, worse, someone who seems to be *delighted* by the trash they just threw at your work. That's gonna set me off. It’s the worst. You ever just want to scream? Yeah. That.
Okay, Let's say someone wants to start doing this...thing. Any words of advice? (Besides "Run away!")
Run away! (Just kidding… mostly). Okay, seriously though… Here's the thing. My only single genuine piece of advice: JUST START. Seriously. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment, the "perfect" equipment, the "perfect" idea. It's all such a waste of time. Embrace the mess. The imperfections. They're inevitable. Learn to deal with it. And for the love of all that is holy, don't compare yourself to anyone else. Ever. Seriously. It's a trap. And also, wear comfortable pants. You'll be spending a lot of time in front of a screen. Trust me on that one. I really cannot stress how important this part is. I have to change my pants.
What's the most rewarding part? What makes it all worth it?
Oh, man. That's easy. It's that *one* comment. The one email. The one message that says, "This… this really resonated with me." The one that says, "Thank you." Even just that one single person that says something good. It's the feeling. That feeling when you know something has connected with someone. That feeling that you,Hotel Safari
