Welcome to CRETE Set in the south side of the Aegean Sea, the beautiful island of Crete is a unique sanctuary where warm greet- ings of warm smiles and genuine hos- pitality welcome every guest visiting this stunning countryside. The thrill- ing island offers endless possibilities to discover cultural treasures as well as countless sites to visit. Old fortezza in Rethymno The old lighthouse in Rethymno CULTURE Crete is considered one of the most popular ical and Folklore Museum, the picturesque touristic destinations in Greece with unique ar- Old Town, the Rimondi Fountain, the Vene- chitectural, archeological and natural heritage tian harbor, the Gate Guora and many other combined with an exceptional touristic infra- monuments and attractions. Heraklion, one structure. Due to its strategic geographical po- of the most historic cities in Mediterranean sition, Crete is a cultural crossroad with great presents the Venetian walls, the Loggia, the historic importance characterized as the home central market, the imposing fortress Koules, Spinalonga island at Elounda Arkadi monastery at Rethymno of Minoan civilization. the Archeological museum, as well as Knossos, Phaistos and Archanes The island is divided into 4 prefec- archeological sites. HISTORY tures: Chania, Rethymnon, Her- The majestic history of the island starts at the In 1913 the island officially unified with Greece aklion and Lassithi. Crete combines The Cretans are famous for their nu- Neolithic Times while the most well-known after the independence negotiated by the mountains and sea, the new alongside with tritional habits and the Cretan diet is one period during the Bronze Age developed the great statesman Eleftherios Venizelos. the old and ancient with contemporary histo- of the most nutritious ensuring good health Minoan Civilization. The first palaces built ry. The incredible scenery provides exquisite and longevity. The consumption of Cretan in Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros in Since the ancient times the island has been architectural examples of Venetian and Ot- products is greater on local olive oil, pulses, around 1950 BC. After 1500 BC many invaders associated with the most admired myths and toman rule in the old towns and ports of the vegetables, fruits, honey, wine and cheese. conquered the island such as the Acheans, legends. The Olympian god Zeus according main cities. Some of the most important cul- Enjoy the sounds of the Cretan lyre, a glass the Dorians, the Romans, the Byzantines, to mythology established the hospitality spirit tural sites worth visiting at the city of Rethym- of authentic Cretan distilled spirit traditionally the Arabs, the Venetians and finally the Otto- since Crete is considered the motherland of the no are the imposing walls and battlements of known as Raki or Tsikoudia or a glass of wine mans who maintain their occupation until 1897. Xenion Zeus. the “Fortezza” (Venetian Fortress), the Histor- by the specialists in wine-making. 5 6 Agios Nikolaos EXPLORE Crete is the largest island of the country and peninsulas with endless sandy beaches as the 5th biggest Mediterranean Island which lies well as numerous sites of interest waiting to in the southern frontier of Europe. To the north be discovered by the adventurous explor- the island meets the Cretan Sea, to the south ers of holiday treasures. The stunning Cretan the Libyan Sea, to the west the Myrtoon Sea landscape includes spectacular beaches, his- and to the east the Karpathion Sea. torical monasteries, beautiful gorges, pictur- esque fishing villages, ponds and rivers as It has an exquisite 1,000 kilometer-long coast- well as dozens wilderness paths and excep- Heraklion line dotted with numerous coves, bays, and tional natural settlements. 7 8 A WORLD MADE OF PRIVILEGES The “Best of the Best Loyalty Club” is a loyalty program designed to make stays at Aquila Hotels & Resorts even more rewarding. You can qualify for two different membership levels –The Platinum and the Diamond mem- bership level- depending on how many points (stars) you earn which are credited to your member card upon departure. As a club member, you will earn stars as a reward every time you stay with one of the Aquila prop- The Aquila Hotels & Resorts enhances a familiar feel- erties based on your selected type of accommodation. Member guests ing through exclusive benefits to enjoy the very best are able to redeem their stars for free nights at the lavish Aquila Hotels of everything we have to offer. The Mythica service chain and also experience even more rewarding benefits such as: Room caters to travelers who prefer to stay in upper level preference of your booked lodging type, basket of fruits, mineral water room types of the Aquila Hotels properties. A selec- and welcome wine, traditional Greek sweets and “raki”, flowers in your tion of luxury privileges are offered in order to make room and rate discounts in selected hotel departments. your stay more comfortable. Mythica guests are entitled to services such as: • Express check in / out • Welcome champagne, fresh orange juice and water upon arrival • Flowers, fruits & sparkling wine • Specially selected gift • Hotel tour (on request) • Complimentary newspaper • Exclusive guest relations service • Free choice of dining options at all food and beverage outlets Aquila Hotels & Resorts delivers value and flexibility that will help you • Turn down service succeed in your business meetings and events and gain more privileg- • Late departure (upon availability) es by choosing one of the distinctive venues of Aquila properties. More is More business program is a great client experience since every time you book a business event you earn points according to your spending at any hotel department which are credited to your card. Points can be redeemed, within two years, against various privileges, which you can enjoy at your next event. 9 10 The legendary Aquila Rithymna Beach fronts the azure 500 m long beach on the north coastal line of Crete. A favorite destination for repeater visitors and vacationers from all over the world, proves the delightful experience of hospitality, sunshine, modern amenities and faultless service. Most of the generous rooms, bungalows and villas housed at the hotel’s colorful gardens or at the local style buildings. The resort is specifically aimed at families with children of all ages for magical holidays with plenty of in-house facilities and entertaining activities. Adelianos Kambos, 74 100, Rethymno, Crete, Greece Tel: (+30) 28310 71002 Fax: (+30) 28310 71668 11 E-mail: [email protected] 12 ACCOMMODATION Rithymna Beach Resort comprises of spacious rooms, bungalows and villas spread across a landscape of fragrant green gardens or on the beachfront overlooking the impressive long beach. Accommodations are tastefully decorated and fully furnished, ensuring the highest level of comfort and tranquility. All rooms are equipped with: • King size double or twin beds • Wi-Fi Internet access • Bathrooms with branded bath amenities • Mini Hi-Fi (for Mythica accommodation) • Hairdryer • DVD player (for Mythica accommodation) • Bathrobes • Safe box • Slippers • Coffee & tea making facilities • Pillow choice (for Mythica accommodation & PAI guests) • Air conditioning • Mini bar • Satellite TV & integrated music • Daily maid service • Direct dial telephone 13 14 STANDARD DOUBLE ROOMS The Standard Double Rooms located on the hotel’s buildings, are charmingly decorated and they all offer a comfortable stay for two guests while selected rooms provide an extra bed. • No. of bedrooms: 1 • Level: Building floors • Total area: 25 m2 • Max. Total Occupancy: 3 Adults • Bed Type: King Size bed or Twin beds • Extra Bed: Sofa bed or regular bed • Bathroom: Separate bathroom with shower or bathtub • View: Garden/mountain & Sea View Standard Double Room Standard Bungalow STANDARD BUNGALOWS Set at the village area, these spacious Standard Bungalows in open plan style, offer garden view and decorated in vibrant summer colors. Some of them offer side sea views. • No. of bedrooms: 1 • Level: Ground or first floor • Total area: 31 m2 • Max. Total Occupancy: 2-3 Adults • Bed Type: King Size bed or Twin beds • Extra Bed: Sofa bed • Bathroom: Separate bathroom with bathtub • View: Garden or side sea view 15 16 FAMILY ROOMS with garden view The luxurious Family Rooms are designed with attention to comfort and exclusively for families with children, set amongst the impressive gardens or at a separated hotel building. Type A • No. of bedrooms: 2 areas • Level: Ground floor & 3 floor building • Total area: 33 m2 • Max. Total Occupancy: 2 Adults & 2 children • Bed Type: King Size bed or Twin beds Type B • Extra Bed: 2 Sofa beds • Bathroom: Separate bathroom with bathtub • View: Garden or pool view Family Room with garden view Family Room with sea view FAMILY ROOMS with sea view Located on the ground floor these spacious Family Rooms in open plan style feature one bedroom with a sliding door which leads to the living area equipped with 2 sofa beds for children. • No. of bedrooms: 2 areas • Level: Ground floor, main building • Total area: 33 m2 • Max. Total Occupancy: 2 Adults & 2 children • Bed Type: King Size bed • Extra Bed: 2 Sofa beds • Bathroom: Separate bathroom with bathtub • View: Sea and pool view 17 18 JUNIOR BUNGALOW SUITES on the beachfront DELUXE 2 BEDROOM SUITES with sea view main building The authentic Cretan architecture of the Junior Bungalow Suites on the beachfront combine Gracefully furnished, these main building Deluxe Suites consist of two bedrooms and a spacious living traditional detail with up to date technology to ensure superlative service and comfort for the guests. room with a dining area and two bathrooms lined in marble. A large terrace with wooden furniture The suites boast fine decoration at the indoor open-plan spaces and comfortable outdoor furniture provides wonderful seascapes to the beach. some of them with a private swimming pool. Type A • No. of bedrooms: 2 • No.