Elpis Studios & Apartments

2 readers found this review helpful

I went in July with my boyfriend and liked it so much we booked to go back in August 08, with 2 of my children (15 and 21) in a separate room. Demitri and Poppy the proprietors were wonderful as were the bar staff Penny and her friend. Nothing was too much trouble. The resort was devoid of drunks and we had a wonderful time on both occasions. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a quiet, relaxing holiday. he beaches were safe, the restaurants were friendly and the food good. What more can you ask.

3 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from two weeks of gorgeous sunshine in Bali. It is a lovely resort with plenty to keep you occupied for two weeks. Three beaches within walking distance and a further beach which you can get the little train to. They are all safe and sandy. Some of the beaches have watersports. Some of the beaches were a little crowded and we found Livadi to be the best, which was one of the closest.
Wide range of restuarants but all with similar menus. We loved Porto Paradiso (Italian) , fabulous pizzas and even their Greek dishes were lovely. We also enjoyed meals at the Greek taverna, sorry can't remember the name next door. Panorama restaurant is also well worth a visit. The only meal we were disappointed with was at Mythos. The chicken was so dry that even my cat would've turned his nose up at it. The owner was not prepared to do anything about this so we never returned.
It is worth hiring a car from Dimitri. He can give you lots of tips about places to visit. We visited Rethymo, Chania (Lovely shops), Ag Nik and Knossos and Therissa canyon over three days. This worked out far cheaper than trips offered by Kosmar which seemed really pricy. Most of the roads are like motorways so driving was easy.
The Elpis studios seem reasonably new and are in a good, quiet location, about 10 mins walk into the main resort area but we enjoyed eating at resturants closer to home. There is a supermarket next door to the studios and a cash machine and bakery in the village. There is a night club on the hill facing the studios and it was open most nights. It didn't bother us at all. Bali does not seem to be a night clubby place so I don't know how well it does.The Kids club next door does play loud music but it is only for a few minutes each day and we were usually up before it started.
On arrival the room was spotless. Towels and beds changed twice a week and rubbish was taken daily. The kitchen is basic. We have visited Greece many times and have often had kettles and toasters but here you just get two rings. This was the only downside of the studios. The rep Kathryn was really helpful and not pushy at the welcome meeting.
The pool area and bar is nice but a little on the small side. The bar staff are lovely, especially Penny and their cocktails are a must! There appears to have been sunbed wars in the weeks prior to our arrival and there were little notices about not reserving sunbeds. We had no problems at the pool in the first week but the second week was dominated by lots of families whose parents were obviously also taking a holiday from disciplining thier children. After being hit by a football for about the 3rd time in 5 minutes we abandoned the pool and took to the beach. But I suppose this is all to be expected when travelling in August! The joys of being a teacher I suppose.
All in all a lovely holiday and we would go again.

1 reader found this review helpful

We stayed in the Elpis studio for 1 week, we had a ground floor app. nearest the pool. The rooms were kept clean, and although basic, it had everything we needed. Only fault that can be made about the room is the beds- we had two singles pushed together (usual in europe) however there was a frame around the beds so they didn't quite touch! This was fixed by stuffing towels in the gap! The bathroom/wet room was really clean. There was a large balcony which was perfect for sitting out in during the evenings and eating breakfast. There is aircon in the rooms for a charge, which we found worthwhile.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and we had no problems during our stay. The pool is a fair size, and there were sunbeds available around the pool, although it did get fairly busy. There is a bar next to the pool which serves lots of ice creams, hot food and drinks, during the evening cocktails are a must. Music is played loudly in the evening, however our room was directly next to the pool and we had no trouble with it being too noisy.
Bali itself is a very quiet secluded resort. This was our first holiday as a couple and it was a perfect getaway! The area is very hilly which may be a problem for younger children or anyone that has a disability, however there is a small yellow and blue train that runs through the main roads in Bali, which would make it easier to get around.
There are three main beaches in bali, two of which are small and the other (which of course would be the furthest away!) is the nicest and largest. There are lots of watersports and a large variety of cafes, restaurantes and bars along the beach front. There is also the oppotunity to book boat trips from the port to the other main resorts on the Island.
The restaurantes are all much of a muchness, serving the same food and at very similar prices, but all serve delicious food!
We had a really lovely time in Bali, but be aware that there isn't much to do in the actual resort, so hiring a car would be a good idea for those who want to adventure around the island. It is a perfect place if you want to getaway from the hussle and bussle of everyday life!

Bali is a gorgeous little port in crete, it is totally ideal for young families and older couples so long as you have no disabilities there are a lot of hills to climb. The apartments are clean and spacious however they get very hot and the aircon is 8 euros a day very expensive if you are there for 2 weeks. If you have no aircon you have to leave the balcony door open and are kept awake by the disco boogie up on the hill pumping music in the distance until 5 am. Then at 10 am on the dot you are woke up by the dutch kids club loud music in the next apartments. These minor issues did not spoil our holiday, the kitchen facilities in the apartments are very basic no kettle no toaster and two rings to heat water up on. There is a pool which is very very deep so make sure you pack arm bands for the kids. The girl who ran the pool bar was called penny she made you feel very welcome and I couldnt fault her, happy hour every night between 7.30 and 8.30. Unlike other holidays you didnt have to get up at silly oclock to get a space at the pool. You have the choice of a couple of beaches the one closest to the apartments 5 minute walk was lovely, beds cost 2 euro each and brollies 2 euro also. Eating out isnt that cheap the food is lovely for the first week until you realise that every single restaurant has the same menu. Try the greek plate or gyros these dishes are lovely. We took a trip to the water city park, the kids loved it the sun loungers were free, plenty to do was worth the 34 euros per adult 20 per child. Im not sure what else I can say we really had a good time on this hol 10 days would have been enough we found 14 to long. If you like a stroll at night along a promenade and shops this is not the holiday for you there are not that many shops they all sell the same things. You take your life into your hands walking on the roads especially if you have little ones. Take lots of money with you on the plane as it cost my family the guts of 60 pounds for food and drinks, rip off!! Happy holidays

1 reader found this review helpful

have just come back from the elpis apartments in bali we loved it .very relaxing and quiet ,ideal if you want to get away from hussle and bussle of life..i will say it is hilly so could be a problem for some people.penny and koula at the pool bar were good fun .apartments were nice and clean.close to two of the beachs abit of a walk to the other two beachs.you can pay 2 euros and have a train ride there.at one beach plenty of water sports .another is a fishing harbour with tavernas surrounding it .lovely to see in the evening.would have liked to see more greek entertainment around.would recommend this holiday.

In no way can the comments by Mr RW Judd be taken serious.
We have have stayed at the Elpis on 3 separate occasions which I feel speaks volumes for the apartments and the resort. Clean, tidy and pleasant. Yes music is played but if you ask they'll knock it off. Bar area is great and very good sunbeds.
Our stay in July was very very hot and yes the nightclub on the hill side had reopened but never did we really hear the sound of it or did affect us.
Also THE bar on the front does play euro trash but also has a large screen showing sport and no way is it loud. Best cocktails are made there please try a Pink Panther if you go.
All the tavernas are great value but a big recommendation is the Pizza place on the beach front. Best value food you could wish for.
All in al Bali is a QUIET resort in noway club 18-30. I feel Mr RW Judd has got Malia and Bali confused.

1 reader found this review helpful

I am only really posting any comment at all because I feel the earlier one about noise is so far wide of the mark.
The night club referred to is quite some distance away and although if you wake up you can hear it it is by no means "belching out".
I cannot fault in any way - either the quality of the apartment or the friendliness of the staff and owners.
We enjoyed wonderful weather and will most definitely return again - 10 out of 10.

1 reader found this review helpful

Hello... I would firstly like to announce that Elpis, Crete, Bali is a lovely place and is not at one bit noisy!! I have been going there for now 6 years with my family, and this includes of a brother at now the age of 10!
The apartments are lovely, run by a lovely caring family, of whom me and my family are very close to, also due to the fact my mother and step father got married in Bali 3 years go now, with the loving help and consideration of MOST of Bali's help, it is such a wonderful place, with such friendly people!!
If I had never gone there.. I would to be fair.. have missed out on A LOT of memories!
But one thing for sure.. is that I can guarantee you on my LIFE, that the comments about the music being too loud are total rubbish! Niko's the Ex bar man, is my little brothers friend, and he is the best bar men you could ever find, he plays music to a level of enjoyment! so is therefore loud enough to hear, but not too loud!
And may I just add.. that ELPIS AND THE WHOLE OF BALI... are... FAMILY RESORTS!
So to all these 'older' people. I would think twice about complaining, because very clearly in the resort catalogues it states that it is a family resort!
THANK YOU

Just got back from a week at Elpis. We had a good time and I agree with what others have said about the accommodation and the resort - though some pictures would help brighten the spartan decor of the rooms.
However, though last week (19-26 Oct), being half term in England was high season in regard to Kosmar pricing, it is the last week of the season in Crete.
The resort was quiet - a benefit for most things - but some Kosmar and other excursions were not running (we had two cancelled after we had booked), restaurants were beginning to close, not all amenities were available, some museums in Heraklion and elsewhere had closed early for the winter, etc.
It was still a good holiday and to be recommended, but be aware you may not be able to do everything you want if you go at this time.

Bali is a very noisy resort. Set above the Elpis Studios cut into the hillside is a nightclub that belches out club music until 3.00 am.
All the bars in the harbour and Lavardi Beach pumped out loud club music from mid-day to past midnight. The Elpis Pool Bar also played loud club music during the day. It was no place to sit and relax in the sun and read.
The only quite place was Evita Beach which was a 35-40 minute walk up a steep hill. Both my wife and myself had two weeks of constant noise and we both came back exhausted.
We would never go there again. If your 18-30 and love noisy bars, motor bikes, and boy racers cruising round the town at night looking for girls you will love Bali.
If you want a quite relaxing holiday don't go to Bali.