GK BEACH HOTEL and Galazio Kima Restaurant & Espresso Bar
January 4, 2024 /0 Comments/in Crete, General, Greek Islands /by Lee HarrisonBirmingham Airport to Chania, Crete
Hilary and I, had decided to take a very last minute holiday to Crete and booked the GK Beach Hotel, near Kalyves , with our Tour operator partners Simpson Travel to go on the 20th June 2023 for a 7 night stay .
We booked the Ibis Styles Hotel at Birmingham airport, for an overnight stay before travel, due to the very early check in. This was ideal, as we could park the car at the hotel for the 8 nights and it takes just about 7 minutes to walk to Birmingham International Station and the covered walkway to the monorail into the terminal. This was also very handy to do the previous night bag drop with TUI. There is a great choice of eating options around the airport, station, NEC and also at Resorts World. The following morning, without any main hold bags to carry, we were lucky to miss out on the threatening rain and thunderstorms as we took the 7 minute walk back to The Airport. At 4.00 a.m it is amazing just how busy Airports are and as there are major building works to do with new security arrangements for the future, we had pre-purchased for £5.00 Fastrack security passes. The standard queue looked to be approx 30 minutes to the security areas, whereas we breezed through in about two minutes. The passes were great value for money.
Flights with TUI and wet leased aircraft
Our flights to Chania, were booked with Tui, however the aircraft being used on this routing mainly for the summer months is by an arrangement known as Wet Leasing. This arrangement allows Tui to provide capacity to meet the extra demand of summer routes, without the cost of acquiring added staff and aircraft for such a relatively short peak season.
Our Aircraft belonged to Lithuanian Company GETJET AIRWAYS with a reg of LY-UNO. Tui also wet lease from Canadian owned Sunwings airlines. Our aircraft was parked at the most furthest part of the apron you could imagine, and as the heavens opened, everyone got soaked, whilst waiting to board. once on board were two english TUI crew members, overseeing the Tui style Service with a foreign crew working for GetJet airways, and it was explained that all things safety related , were the responsibility of the GetJet cabin crew and pilots. As we headed off to our seats, we did notice that some seats were not in use and looked in disrepair with a few seattback trays taped off as not being in use ( a week later when boarding, we noticed that the airline had put everything right, and all seats on the 189 seat aircraft were in use). The service and flight were actually good, and despite a 45 minute weather delay, we made up time en- route and landed in Chania almost on time.
Chania Airport to GK Beach Transfer
Chania is an International airport, but also used as an airbase by the Greek Air Force. Our plane being, Lithuanian, wasn’t given a terminal stand, but one at the furthest end of the apron necessitating two buses to take us to the border security area at the terminal. All though the Queues were long, it didn’t take to long to get our passports stamped. Our cases were very quickly delivered to the arrivals hall and we were soon outside being greeted by The Simpson Travel Chania team.
The transfer to GK BEACH HOTEL took about 40 minutes and was very scenic passing Souda Bay. We Noticed from our ” Executive” minibus that several large Cruise ships were visiting Chania for the day based at the Port of Souda, MS Oosterdam ( Holland Anmerica Line )and Mein Schiff 5 ( Tui) looked absolutly massive from opposite the bay, as we travelled towards Kayves, and in no time at all we were passing the White mountains on the right of us as we drove along the main Chania to Rethymnon Road. We we were greeted on arrival at The GK Beach by the hotel’s local team, Tina, Sarah and Ariadne.
First Impressions Count
The Simpson Travel arrivals team were all very welcoming and we were soon given the Key and Safe Key to our Suite named Bougainvillea 8, on the upper floor of the middle building of the Hotel. Our first impression of our suite was to see in the lounge area, a Champagne Bucket filled with Ice and a bottle of Soffio Rose Prosecco, and from our balcony a lovely view over manicured gardens, the huge swimming pool and the lovely Sandy beach in front of the hotel over the Bay of Souda. We felt instantly relaxed. The message and bottle of Prosecco were from a Client who were away on holiday in Canada, and Read “Dear Hilary and Lee, thank you for all you have done for us to ensure we have the absolute ‘holiday of a lifetime’ with love and thanks, Lynne and Pete.
GK BEACH HOTEL and Galazio Kima Restaurant & Espresso Bar
The GK Beach Hotel is named using the owners Initials, Giannis and Katerina. It’s a fantastic family owned and run hotel, with son Manolis and his brother overseeing much of the day to day running of the hotel and looking after the staff. Many of the staff are former University friends of Manolis’s.
All that lies between the white-washed buildings of this charming hotel and a wide sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see are lush and very well maintained tropical gardens and a generous expanse of lawn. There is a very large inviting swimming pool, with gentle Steps leading into the shallow end, and two further steps located at either end of the Pool. There is also a small childrens pool, that is more a paddling pool than anything else, so young families teaching their children to swim tend to use the larger adult’s pool. It Should be noted that the GK Beach Hotel is NOT AN ADULTS ONLY PROPERTY (despite a google search stating otherwise) and that children are welcome at any time. During our stay there were two young families, with 4 toddlers, making use of the ground floor suites nos 3 and 4 in the Bougainvillea building.
tThe pool areas and gardens are for exclusive use of Simpson Travel guests however the beach and terrace restaurants are open for non-residents.
Simpson Travel guests are provided with pool towels an towel pegs, guests are actively encouraged to claim their space on the beach sun loungers (Free of charge) before non-residents start to use them! The stretch of beach in front of the hotel does get busy, especiallyduring Greek school and bank holidaysas it is open to anyone, not just Simpson Travel guests. This was never a problem during our stay.
There is a 2-bedroom family penthouse and 23 light and airy suites offering comfortable furnishings, delightful sea views and a relaxed pace of life that induces a wonderful sense of wellbeing. Breakfast is served on the terrace by the swimming pool overlooking the beach where soft, deep sand is shaded by tamarind trees and slopes gently into shallow water. There is a Box for room numbers and on arrival for breakfast you simply place your room number in the Box to show the staff, which rooms have turned up or to help the room maid know which rooms to clean.
Relaxation comes in many forms and Simpson Travel’s knowledgeable concierge service can arrange anything from a special celebration to a personalised itinerary for a full day of island exploration. Day trips and excursions are available directly from the hotel, and we strongly recommend a trip to the historic Venetian harbour of Chania, just a 25-minute drive away. (See our snippet later regarding the famous Actor and Singer David Soul)
Fringed by the magnificent White Mountains of western Crete, GK Beach Hotel is an ideal spot in spring and autumn for walkers and explorers to enjoy the delightful traditional inland villages, hardly changed for generations, whilst the local shops and restaurants in nearby Kalyves are a 20-minute stroll away.
In peak weeks of the summer holidays, younger guests aged 5 to 11 can enjoy a complimentary range of children’s activities courtesy of Simpsons Beach Life programme, which include garden games, table tennis, mocktail making, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, cookery and a movie night.
Butterflies and Flowers around the Gardens
APOLLO THE GK BEACH MIXOLOGIST
We got to know many of the staff and management team during our 7 night stay at GK Beach Hotel, and all work very hard to please. Giannis the owner was around most days, however much of the overseeing of the staff was left to son Manolis and his brother. One of the characters looking after the Bar was Apollo, a university friend of Manolis and George one of the waiting staff, not to be confused !with George the breakfast Waiter or George the beach area waiter and collector of sun bed taxes! Apollo had been trying out some cocktails, and boss Manolis seemed to be the volunteer especially when it came to a Champagne Cocktail. I Volunteered to try a GK Bloody Mary and Apollo also showed us his version of a Sambucca fountain. Having discovered our love of Metaxa Brandy, Apollo and Manolis persuaded us to upgrade from our usual 5 star to the 7 Star Metaxa, which was indeed smoother. We asked them both if they had tried the 12 Star Metaxa, but Manolis had mentioned they had never bought it for the bar. Having returned to the UK from our holiday, Manolis has just updated us on Instagram, that he finally bought a Bottle……12 Star Metaxa is described as being made using Muscat wines that have been selected from the Samos region of Greece with a full palate of Chocolate, Orange peel and floral notes. The floral notes come from the botanicals within. There’s a hint of violets, perhaps figs as well, and a hint of dark coffee richness. The aroma is described as interesting and not quite like anything else while resembling both brandy and whisky. Metaxa first came out in 1888 and was referred to as a Cognac but had to be redifined as a Brandy.
You can have a tour of The Metaxa distillery in Athens https://www.traveldistilled.com/tasting—Metaxa-with-the-master/
Chania Souda Port Cruise Ship watching
During our stay at GK Beach it was an ideal spot to see the many cruise ships each day, as they headed into Souda Bay. You would have to be up early at around 05.30 to see the ships head into Souda bay. The early evening was the perfect time to see them leaving for their next destination.
The Schedule for the week saw the following Ships in Port.
Tuesday 20 th June
Ms Oosterdam ( Holland America Line ) 08.00-16.00
Mein Schiff 5 ( Tui) 08.00. 18.00
Wednesday 21 June
Azamara Quest (Azamara) 07.00 – 20.00
Enchantment of the Seas (Royal Caribbean cruise lines) 07.00 – 17.00
Seabourn Encore ( Seabourn) 08.00-17.00
Oceania Vista ( Oceania) 08.00 – 16.00
Friday 23 June
Silver Spirit ( Silversea) 08.00-23.00
Sunday 25 June
Disney Dream ( Disney ) 07.00- 15.00
Monday 26 June
World Navigator (Atlas Ocean Voyages) 08.00-18.00
Silver Spirit ( Silversea) 08.00 23.00
Tuesday 27 June
Ritz -Carlton Evrima. ( Ritz Carlton Yacht collection) 08.00-22.0
As well as the cruise Ship activity, there was quite a lot of naval activity too. We spotted a German naval vessel A513 named Rhein. The Elbe-class replenishment ships are also known tenders of the German Navy. In German, this type of ship is called Versorgungsschiffe which can be translated as “supply ship” though the official translation in English is “replenishment ship.” They are intended to support German naval units away from their home ports. The ships carry fuel, provisions, ammunition and other materias and also provide medical services. The ships are named after German rivers where German parliaments were placed.
We also spotted the Hellenic navy busy at Work , HS EVROPI, Ship’s coat of arm is a wooden shield and depicts a dolphin neutralizing a Mk-6 mine in white background. Ship’s name is written in gold letters in its top side. HS EVROPI (formerly HMS BICESTER M-36) was one of the twelve minehunters, HUNT class, which were constructed with GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) by VOSPER THORNYCOFT SHIPYARDS in Portsmouth, UK.This ship class was one of the biggest that ever made with this kind of material (GRP). This MCMV was commissioned in May 1986 and was appointed to the 2nd Minehunters Squadron of the British Royal Navy, based in Portsmouth. She was the third ship to carry the same name which was once a place of hunting in the UK. The second ship that bore this name was a small Escort Destroyer, which operated in the Aegean Sea during the Civil War in Greece. Under the British flag, she took part in the Gulf War in 1991, neutralizing seventy-five (75) mines.
On 31st July 2000, HMS BICESTER was delivered to the Hellenic Navy. Commanding Officer, Commander M.C. Allibon, RN, delivered the ship to Lieutenant Commander E. Marinos, HN, and was named HS EVROPI (M-62).
On 25th August 2000 the ship sailed from Portsmouth port to Salamis Base, where she arrived on 8th September 2000, appointed to the 3rd Minesweepers Squadron.
Friday night at KOUMOS
WHAT AN AMAZING FIND ! KOUMOS
If You walk to the Beach Road from the GK Beach Hotel and follow the beach along the road to the Right and then when the road bends to the right going uphill, you will reach the mainr road that has the large SYNKA Supermarket on the opposite side of the road. Walk over where the roads cross and you will see a sign mentioning Koumos and an arrow pointing up the Hill. Carry on walking up the hill and underneath the main Chania to Rethymnon Bypass Bridge. Carry on a little further up the hill and take the left hand turning signposted to Koumos 350 metres. It takes approx 30 minutes walking, but much less coming back.
TAVERNA KOUMOS
This Incredible Ttverna is Called KOUMOS and is the special creation and dream of Mr George Chavalekakis which launched in 1990. It’s a creation that is still having addional Ideas added throughout the years, even today. The first impressions are like stepping back into a “Flintstones Cretan era” and Maybe this is where “ConCRETE” was invented ( Ok I’ll go and collect my bags 🙂 )An Idea to use n atural resources from the White mountains, and the traditional houses used by shepherds which locally are known as KOUMOS.
George has built a traditional KOUMOS as the centrepiece of this 4 acre site and has added many other incredible features fashioned out of stone and pebbles. Olive trees are carefully used in-between the solid Rock Tables. There is a small stone Church of Saint Lydia of the Philippines and a museum area as well as a Shop. A mock cave, a sentinels post with Soldiers made of Rock and various other buildings depicting various forms of Cretan Life.
The large ovens are impressive as are the chimney stacks viewed from outside of Koumos.
There are artefacts from the Second World War, fascinating gardens with wells, Grecian urns and a centrepiece of an Olive Tree that was uprooted, the Roots have been paistingly Varnished and hang as a centrepiece.
The artwork is incredible with mosaics, furniture all made of Stone, little walkways and gardens with hanging vines.
We walked to the Taverna on Friday night the 23rd of June 2023, The menu is quite small, and we were surprised that on a Friday evening the restaurant only had a handful of tables being occupied, maybe it got busier later? We were told their busiest nights are on a Tuesday when they have a special Cretan night, with good food, music a full menu and dancing.
We Wondered about having a Carafe of House Red Wine, and the waiter insisted that we tried a glass , as it was described as being quite fiery and wasn’t to everyones liking. It Had the Look and Colur of a Sherry and indeed it was quite Fiery and tasted of a Very Strong Sherry/Masalla fortified wine possibly grown from the ROMEIKO Grape. A few sips were all we needed to convince us that white, was the way to go, and indeed it was delicious! Service was typically on “Greek Time but we were in no hurry knowing that our meal was being prepared and cooked freshly for us.
We were certainly glad to have not ordered starters, and my pork steak, was indeed a giant ” Flintstone Style” Tommahawk in size but well cooked on the range. We would certainly recommend anyone to visit Koumos at least once during a stay in Kalyves.
WINE TASTING
Other options at Koumos are to visit the Stone Wine Cellar and to visit the most privileged position on the Estate. On this Wine tasting excursion visit, you get to taste 6 different varieties of Cretan wines under the guidance of an experienced Sommelier who will take you on a journey of Flavors and history based on the wine. Admire the sunset whilst enjoying a platter of reined Cretan Cheeses, cured meats and Delicaies.
COOKING CLASS
Koumos also offers Cooking Classes and you can get hands on learning the art of Local cuisine and making and preparing Greek Salad, Tzatziki,Meatballs, Cretan Dakos and a main course in the wood oven.
After 3 hours, you will get to enoy the fruits of your labour, paired with a glass of local wine.
CHEESE MAKING
Cheese making is another optionand you can learn how creamy Mizithra or flavourful graviera are made. At the end of the activity you will taste a Cretan treat with a shot of Raki.
BREAD MAKING
Baking Bread by yourself is a labour of Love at Koumos you can get hands on with the chef, help light the wood oven, and learn how to work the dough. Patience and technique are needed, buut the reward is the smell of fresh bread coming out of the oven feels so and gives you a sense of achievement. Finally enjoy a hearty Cretan Breakfast with the bread you have helped to create.
ARGALIOS MAKING
The Name Argalios means “LOOM” a wooden loom commonly used in the 19th Century to weave items such as blankets, rugs. Nowadays wooden looms can only be found in a few houses in remote areas and folk art musuems. In Koumos there is a loom and you can use their knowledge in order to make a unique interactive experience. You will have the opportunity to learn about the most ancient art of weaving and work on the traditional wooden loom. Remember, it is not about skills, but the love for the art itself, and admiration towards the beauty of a handmade artifact. All Activities are subject to previous arrangement and might be based on Seasonal demand.
Saturday night at Parasia Taverna, Vamos
We had pre-booked before leaving the UK, a table at Parasia Taverna in a Village called Vamos, having seen it mentioned on Tripadvisor . We chose Saturday night, as they had live Greek Music and had an email confirmation from Kostas the owner that a table had been reserved for 19.30. The taxi from GK Beach cost us €20 in each direction. Vamos is also the Village where Simpson have their Adult Only property AROSMARI VILLAGE HOTEL with 10, 1 and 2 bedroom Cottages ( Sadly we never got to see the property during our stay). Having arrived at Parasia, we could see already how popular Saturday nights were, and also that a large party were celebrating an 80th Birthday. The taverna was so full, that they even had tables outside on the roadside. A Waiter asked for our name, but couldn’t find us on the plan, Several other waiters also looked and we told them we had an email confirmation. They originally wanted to put us on the road, however we insisted we had asked for a nice table close to the music. After a while it was discovered they had used Hilary’s name and the Waiter said “Of course we have a much better table for you” It was indeed a good spot and close to the two musicians.
The Service was very attentative and we were given two small bottles, one with Honey Raki (RAKOMELO) often used by the Greeks when someone suffers from a sore throat or cough, The other bottle an ordinary Raki. The Honey Raki was actually very Good. We Chose to have Greek Meatballs as a starter which were lovely and light, and then the traditional Lamb which was quite good, although a little fatty.
The Musicians were playing some typical Cretan Songs which was OK , but after a while we wished it had got a bit more lively. The waiters were hastily removing our plates and as a parting gift came with an odd mixture of a love Heart shaped ice Cream, a Mini White chocolate looking Magnum and a Piece of Raspberry Coconut sponge Cake. It was almost as though they were wanting to use the tables again, so we paid our bill and left. The Taverna obviously gets many repeat guests, probably from people staying in Vamos, but to us it was an expensive Saturday night out that we probably wouldn’t repeat if we went back to this area of Crete.
Sunday night in Chania town with "Hutch"
The GKBeach hotel offers several excursions throughout the week, and on the Sunday night we caught the arranged minibus with 6 other guests to take us to Chania Town. The cost was €24 per person return
The journey took us about 25 minutes and wasn,t particularly scenic. Our driver Leo dropped us in a central area, but on a map, showed us a different area where there was a car park almost opposite to where the lighthouse was.
We walked down to the harbour and marvelled at some of the big “Gin Palace” style yachts on display.
It was exceptionally hot, so we decided against walking right the way down to where the lighthouse was situated and instead walked back and found a nice bar along the waterfront to order a drink.
A FAMILIAR FACE FROM STARSKEY AND HUTCH.
As we sat drinking a man wearing an all black trouser suit and wearing a straw hat was being helped along by leaning on the shoulder of a much younger woman. He was instantaneously recognised as being someone Slightly different by his Walking Cane which looked to have a “Skulls Head” at the top of the cane.
Hilary and I both turned to each other at the same time, and mouthed to each other ” Is that who we think it is ?”
We had been on another Holiday on the Greek Island of Ithaca , a few years back, where sitting behind us was The Actor David Soul, who was no longer looking like his former self as the good looking Charecter ” Hutch” from the 1975 Hit programme Starskey and Hutch” and also singer of the hit song ” Don’t give up on us Baby”
We met him again on our transfer Boat from Ithaca to Kefalonia being helped by a much younger Lady, presumably his wife. He was not able to walk very well and looked quite ill and at the Airport looked relieved to be going home.
When we bumped into him again in Chania, he was with a Woman, again being helped , but seemed to be walking much better with the very recognisable Cane. We didn’t realise whilst taking photos of the Horse Drawn Caleches, that we had caught David accepting a ride.
The city of Chania is built on the area of Minoan Kidonia, at the end of the homonym gulf between Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was the former capital city of Crete (from 1847 until 1972). Nowadays, it is the second largest city of Crete after Heraklion and capital of the homonym prefecture.
When we were there in June it was exceptionally Hot, and we felt very sorry for the poor Horses waiting in Queues with their Caleches and then taking people for tours around the Harbour and Town.
The Main Harbour was heaving, but there are plenty of Tavernas in the back streets that are less expensive.
We found a lovely Fish Taverna and a a platter for two was probably large enough for Three ! We had a lovely Evening visit to Chania Town, and would highly recommend it whilst staying in this region.
After our Chania Visit we arrived back at the GK Beach just in time for a last minute Cocktail
The Holiday ended all to Soon, and we can very highly recommend The GK Beach Hotel ,Galazio Kima Restaurant and Espresso Bar with it’s wonderful Owners and Staff that are a credit to everyone who stays here.