The Mistral Hotel - Singles In Crete

The Mistral Hotel, Maleme, Chania, Crete
www.singlesincrete.com
Sociable
holidays for the
independent
single traveller
Welcome
For a taste of tradition and a very warm Greek welcome, join
the Gialamarakis family for our unique singles holiday
concept on the beautiful island of Crete. We provide
an easy going environment, tailor-made for the
needs of the independent, single traveller.
If you want to travel alone but not be alone, join
other like minded people at the Mistral where
you can share in the passion for our land and
enjoy the many activities that Crete has to offer.
The Mistral is a small, family owned hotel that
offers single occupancy in double rooms, traditional
Greek cuisine, good company and great value for
money. There is no single supplement and no dating
implication in what we do. We are happy to welcome single
travellers and small groups looking for a singles resort from all over
the world.
Live The
Mistral
“
My first holiday at the Mistral far exceeded my expectations
from the care and attention by the staff, to the
delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
I am already planning my next visit
Experience
We have hosted exclusively for single travellers for almost 20 years and with
a 45% repeat rate, we feel this is the best reassurance and guarantee of the
quality of our service. Our biggest strengths are:
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We make guests feel welcome and provide a personalised service, unlike package holidays.
Our traditional organic food is simply unbeatable and if you have any doubts, we invite you to view our vegetable garden.
Our local knowledge and passion for Crete make us stand out from the mass market.
Exclusive trips to places off the tourist trail, and mixing with local people,
makes the Mistral experience addictive.
Our guarantee to you is that you will be made to feel welcome and we will make your holiday a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The age range of our guests is generally between 25-70, with the majority being in their 30's, 40's and 50's. In our experience, such a cross section of age groups creates a diverse atmosphere.
After all, we are all young at heart!
"I want to thank you for what was a great holiday
at the Mistral.
I would recommend the hotel to anyone who
needs a singles holiday. I met some lovely people
there and will keep in touch with some of them.
I hope that you go from strength to strength.
I think you have a great set up".
"I had a fabulous time. My first holiday on my own and
the first 2 week break for many years. It was a great
success for me and I've come away feeling great and
having made some excellent friends.
The staff at the hotel are a wonderful asset - friendly and
attentive as well as providing excellent service.
The Hotel is lovely and I shall definitely be recommending
you - and coming back myself of course!"
What to expect on your
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Mistral
holiday experience:
A small, family owned hotel where you are known by your first name.
Meet other fellow independent, single travellers and like- minded people who wish to socialise and make new friends.
Friendly and caring staff who will ensure that your holiday runs smoothly.
A wide range of activities to choose from, both inside and outside the hotel.
Exclusive trips to places off the tourist trail, giving you the chance to meet local people.
Traditional Cretan cuisine, freshly made using organic
produce from our vegetable garden. All dietary requirements catered for.
The opportunity to relax and pamper yourself in our
exclusive Spa Therapy Room.
A unique, friendly atmosphere focused on the needs of our guests, where no one is left out.
We aim to offer a holiday where there are no hidden extras,
so the following are available, at no extra cost to you:
Two swimming pools and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
Sun loungers and colourful gardens.
Cookery demonstration every Friday.
Complimentary bottle of olive oil from the family’s own olive groves.
Pool towel, ironing board, iron, hair dryer, tea/coffee making facilities,
fridge and Olivia olive oil toiletries in all rooms.
Fresh filtered water throughout your holiday.
Courtesy room on your day of departure.
Meet the Team
The Mistral is owned by the Gialamarakis family. It is managed by
Vassilis who graduated from Syrathclyde University with a MSc in
the International Hospitality Industry, and his brother Adonis who is
a true Cretan. The rest of the team is made up of our English hostess
Donna, chef Vicky, and a team of bar staff and house attendants.
Reception Services
Breakfast is from 8am to 10am and is a cold continental style buffet which includes a
selection of fruits, cereals, breads, yoghurt, cheeses and jams.
Tea, coffee and fruit juices are provided.
A cooked breakfast is served at least once a week.
Freshly prepared lunches are available from 12.30pm each day and
include a variety of traditional local specialities and snacks.
The bar opens at 11am and serves a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks and speciality
cocktails. After dinner, our DJ will liven the atmosphere with your choice of music.
Beautiful, lush landscaped gardens offer several pergolas giving you plenty of
shaded areas should you wish to keep out of the sun.
Internet and WiFi, extra pool towels, air conditioning, safety deposit box,
currency exchange, booking excursions, car/cycle hire, and laundry services
are all available through reception.
The Island of Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the southernmost point of Europe. It is blessed with
stunning beaches, turquoise blue sea and a wonderful climate. The high mountain ranges are gifted
with lush and fertile plateaus, mythological caves and many gorges, the most famous being Samaria,
the longest gorge in Europe.
Crete has a rich and varied history and is home to the birthplace of Zeus. Years of occupation by the
Romans, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and later the Germans, have left their mark on the island.
The geographical location of Crete, climate, variety of altitude and terrain has created an amazing
diversity of flowers, plants, trees, wildlife and marine life with many endemic and rare species.
There is an abundance of activities available such as scuba diving, snorkelllng, cycling, horse riding,
walking and parasailing to name a few.
For lovers of culture, there are many museums and world famous archaeological sites such as the
Palace of King Minos at Knossos, and the ancient ruins at Phaestos.
Crete has two international airports, Chania and Heraklion, with frequent scheduled and charter
flights on a daily basis. The international airport of Chania is just 15 kilometres outside the city, with
Heraklion airport 138 kilometres. The island of Crete has more inbound charter flights than any other
destination in Greece.
The Prefecture of Chania is the western most division of the island of Crete covering an area of 2,376
square km and with a population of 150,387 residents.
The majestic White mountain range with its dozens of peaks, the tallest of all being Pahnes (2,454
metres), constitutes the backbone of the prefecture.
The range spans west to east and finishes close to the Prefecture of Rethymno, having formed many
plateaus such as Omalos (altitude 1,080 metres) and Askifou (altitude 730 metres).
The range is divided by wild gorges and ravines of exceptional beauty like that of Agia Irini, Samaria,
Arathena, Imbros and many more along the way.
A paradise for the independent single traveller, free of
families and children (sometimes we allow the odd couple
to stay with us but they are not included in the group).
The Mistral Hotel is just 3 minutes walk from the beach in
the quiet village of Maleme, 16 kilometers west of Chania.
It has a total of 33 rooms - 12 Superior and 21 Deluxe.
There are two good sized swimming pools and an
outdoor Jacuzzi surrounded by spacious terraces.
Special Interest Holidays
Greek Easter
Easter is the biggest event in the Greek Orthodox calendar and is a chance to celebrate in
true Cretan style. You will join local people as they listen to the chanting of Easter rituals
and join street processions following an effigy of Judas. On the stroke of midnight, the
effigy is set ablaze and we rejoice in signifying the triumph of good over evil.
The Easter Day feast of spit roasted goat and lamb begins early in the day and ends with
traditional Greek dancing and smashing of plates.
During the week you will also visit the historic monastery of Agia Triada and go to a street
fair to eat snails – a traditional fasting food.
Culture & Spring Flowers
Spring is a wonderful time to be in Crete as the weather is warm, there
is snow on the mountains and the landscape is ablaze of lush green and
colourful flowers. The flora of Crete is one of the most interesting and significant in
Europe with over 1,700 different plant species, many of which are endemic.
You will drive into the White Mountains to see the tulip of Crete (tulipa baceri), pick
oranges and lemons from the vast inland groves and do a spot of nature watching at
Agia Lake.
Special Interest Holidays
Walking
Crete is a beautiful island and there is no better way to experience the
wonderful flora, fauna and stunning scenery than on foot, in the company
of like-minded people.
During this very popular week, you will learn about the culture, history,
myths and legends of the Real Crete and feel the genuine "filoxenia" (hospitality) of the local
people. You will see and smell the aromatic wild herbs and plants of the White Mountains such
as thyme, oregano, chamomile, Cretan Dittany and marjoram. There will also be many native
buzzards, vultures and migrating birds to watch. The walks are classed as easy to moderate
and range from 2 to 4 hours. Some involve a degree of rocky terrain so walking shoes/boots
are essential as is a reasonable level of fitness.
There are four scheduled walking days and here are some of our favourite walks:
Agia Irini Gorge (Moderate/Difficult – 4 hours)
West of Samaria is the gorge of Agia Irini which makes up part of the world famous E4 European Walking
Path. The entrance to the gorge has high mountains on both sides and rocky terrain with plane trees,
pine and cypress trees, and many different wild herbs and spices.
Deliana Gorge (Easy – 2 hours)
Deliana gorge provides another very scenic walk and is not too strenous. You walk downhill surrounded
by towering cliffs on either side with Hawks and Griffon Vultures overhead.
Sirikari Gorge (Moderate – 2.5 hours)
The valley floor of this rocky gorge is full of lush vegetation. Steep cliffs surround us on this gentle walk
which finishes at Polyrheneia, an ancient city dating from 300BC.
The restored village of Milia (Easy/Moderate – 3 hours)
Milia is a lovely little village up in the hills where all local produce is organic and you can sample the
wonderful food and local wine provided by the taverna. Stop at a tiny whitewashed Byzantine church
before the walk downhill through the flower-filled chestnut and olive groves.
Special Interest Holidays
Photography Week
Join us at the Mistral for our hugely popular Photography week which is aimed at
beginners and improvers (no previous knowledge required). Learn how to take more
interesting photographs with simple ideas and tips that you can use immediately
and on all future holidays.
During the week long course, you will learn how your camera works, the basic rules of
composition, exposure, storing and manipulating your pictures using a PC. Start seeing
creatively by enhancing your "photographer's eye" and looking for different subjects to
photograph.
Our relaxed environment and positive approach to learning will encourage you to
develop new photographic skills. No technical jargon – GUARANTEED!
Your experienced tutor for the week will be Harvey Smith BA (Hons) who lives in
Crete and has many years experience in teaching adult education courses.
Harvey has been a professional photographer for over twenty years and has been
commissioned by clients such as P&O, ICI, Toyota and Bosch as well as exhibiting
at the Natural History Museum (London). Harvey has run a number of adult
education courses in the UK, and he will provide the motivation and inspiration to
improve and simplify your photography.
At the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of your camera,
composition, exposure, focusing, lenses and perspective and use of flash.
Special Interest Holidays
Watercolour Painting
Join us for a week's watercolour painting course to experience the inspirational painting opportunities this
beautiful island has to offer.
Your tutor for the week will be Anne Urquhart (MARCA) who lives and works in Crete after many years
teaching in Art colleges and Universities in London.
The course will involve painting trips to ancient country villages, beaches, and Chania old town.
Demonstrations, discussion groups and tutorials will also feature, as part of the course and group lunches
will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas in an informal setting.
The course is suitable for all levels of competence from the absolute beginner to the more experienced
artist and all the materials necessary for the course will be provided.
Meet the Artist
Anne has been living in Crete since 2005 after many years working and exhibiting in London as
a professional artist and lecturer. In addition to her teaching work at the Univeristy of the Arts
London, she taught on adult education courses teaching both complete beginners and gifted
amateurs alike. She will provide the practical and theoretical information necessary to ensure
the success of your painting holiday.
Here in Crete, Anne holds weekly adult painting and drawing classes which take inspiration
from the rich and varied Cretan landscapes and seascapes allowing the students the
opportunity to paint in the sunshine.
If you are interested in DRAWING or WATERCOLOUR PAINTING but have never had the time or
courage to try, this is a great way to start.
Spa Therapy Room
Our therapist, Aris Stratakis is fully qualified in the art of Shiatsu and Aromatherapy Massage and
has been practicing for more than ten years, as well as teaching Tai Chi in Chania for over eighteen
years.
Aris offers a wide range of treatments for both men and women providing an amazing experience
with positive results.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a gentle but powerful Japanese form of healing art meaning "finger pressure". It is based
on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy known as Chi.
This form of massage brings about deep relaxation and can help with physical ailments such as
back, neck or joint pains, stress and anxiety
Aromatherapy Massage
The use of fragrant oils for therapeutic beneft. When applied during massage, the oils are
absorbed into the skin producing a combination that can soothe, revitalise, uplift the spirit,
encourage positive thinking and boost the immune system enabling the body to heal itself.
Balancing – Geranium, Sandalwood and Clary Sage
Detox – Sweet Fennel, Geranium and Juniper
Intense Muscular Blend – Black Pepper, Rosemary, Ginger and Lavender
Uplifting – Frankincense, Geranium and Pettigrain
De-Stress – Lavender, Frankincense and Marjoram
Excursions & Activities
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Watersports are available on the beach which is a short 3 minute walk from the Mistral
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There are tavernas, supermarkets and shops within walking distance of the Mistral
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Recall the Battle of Crete: take a walk to the
German War Cemetary (20 minutes) to appreciate the view of the WWll aerodrome
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Shopping in Chania (30 minute bus ride) or Platanias (10 minute bus ride). Other villages and beaches are easily reached by bus
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"Little Train" rides from nearby to inland orange groves, mountain villages and stunning gorges
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Traditional fishing village of Kolymbari and 17th Century Gonia Monastery (10 minute bus ride)
Things to do at the Mistral
Things to do at the Mistral
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Exclusive Mistral trip to the sandy beach of Falasarna
with our famous fish lunch at the tiny cove of Sfinari.*
Occasional Greek night with traditional dancers and
live music.
Visit our organic vegetable garden to see where much of the food you enjoy is grown.
Learn how to make stuffed tomatoes, tzatziki, and Cretan
small cheese pies at our weekly cooking demonstration.
Wine tasting lunch – enjoy Cretan meze and sip on the
best Greek and Cretan wines.*
Snorkelling at the local beach – snorkel and fins available.
Two hour watercolour painting class for beginners and
improvers.*
There are many festivals and cultural events throughout
the year and where possible, we will take you to
experience a true taste of Crete.
* Payable locally
Excursions (payable locally)
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Scuba diving at a 5 star PADI centre in Platanias.
Samaria Gorge walk – the longest gorge in Europe at17km.
Good walking boots/shoes required and a determination
to finish!
Discover Elafonissi Island – the blue lagoon of Crete.
Boat trip to Gramvousa Island with its Venetian Fortress
then onto the crystal clear waters of Balos Lagoon.
Minoan Palace of Knossos with a visit to the
Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.
Horse riding – join the dawn beach ride and swim
with the horses.
Restored village of Milia where the spirit of Crete lives on.
It's easy to book
use the online "booking facility" on our website.
www.singlesincrete.com
t email us directly on: [email protected]
t Telephone us directly on: 0030 28210 62062
or 0871 990 2070 (Crete direct at UK national rates).
t
2013
2015 Dates and Prices in £ Sterling Dates
30-Apr
2015 Dates 28th April – 11th May Superior Room 7 nights 560 Deluxe Room 7 nights 630 12th May – 15th June 16th June – 28th Sept 29th Sept – 20th Oct 575 595 575 645 665 645 Superior
Room
7 Nights
Deluxe
Room
Superior
Room
Deluxe
Room
Special Interest Weeks
7 Nights 14 Nights 14 Nights
2015 Dates and Prices in £ Sterling £682
£745
£1216
£1321
Greek Easter
Culture & Spring
07-May
£682
£745
£1007
£1111
Superior Deluxe Special Interest Flowers
Room Room Weeks 2015 Superior Deluxe Superior Deluxe Special Interest 14-May
£525
£587
£850
£954
Walking*(optional)
14 nights 14 nights Room Room Room Room Weeks 21-May
Painting*(optional)
940 1,059 Walking W
eek* Dates 7 nights 7 nights 14 nights 14 nights th
th
th
th
28-May
5
–
1
2
M
ay 560 630 940 1,059 Walking Week* 28 April – 11 May £535
£597
£880
£985
5th – 12th May 04-Jun
966 1,084 11-Jun th
th
575 645 966 1,084 12 May – 15
June 18-Jun
1,000 1,117 2013 Dates and
Prices in £ Sterling
th
th
25-Jun
595 £545665 £608 1,000 £891
1,117 16 June – 28 Sept £996
966 1,084 Painting 02-Jul Week* th
th
th
th
–
1
3
O
ctober 6
575 645 966 1,084 Painting Week* 29 Sept – 20 Oct 09-Jul
Photography Week* 6th – 13th October 30-Apr
£682
£745
£1216
£1321
Greek Easter
13th – 20th October Photography Week* th
13Culture
– 20th& OSpring
ctober 07-May
£682
£745
£1007
£1111
Flowers
16-Jul
Alternative dates are available with flights both to Chania and Heraklion airports from 14-May
many regional £525
£587
£850
£954
Walking*(optional)
23-Jul
UK airports. See our "Flights" section for m
ore i
nformation. Alternative dates are available rom many regional 21-May with flights both to Chania and Heraklion airports fPainting*(optional)
30-Jul
UK airports. See our "Flights" section for more information. 28-May
Optional special interest weeks: 06-Aug
£535
£597
£880
£985
04-Jun
Optional special interest weeks: 13-Aug
£555for Walking £618 Week £902
May): £160 (includes four guided walks with lunch) *Supplement (5th to 12th £1007
11-Jun
20-Aug
*Supplement for Walking Week (5th to 12th May): £160 (includes four guided walks with lunch) th
th
materials) *Supplement for Painting Week (6 to 13 October): £160 (includes tuition, trips and 18-Jun
27-Aug
*Supplement for Painting Week (6th to 13th October): £160 (includes tuition, trips and materials) th
th
25-Jun
*Supplement for Photography Week (13 to 20 October): £250 (includes two lunches, trips, tuition, 03-Sep
£545
£608
£891
£996
th
th
02-Jul
and p
hotographic m
omento b
ook) t
o 2
0
O
ctober): £
250 (
includes two lunches, trips, tuition, *Supplement f
or P
hotography W
eek (
13
10-Sep
09-Jul and photographic momento book) 17-Sep
Extras: 16-Jul
24-Sep
£535
£597
£880
£985
Extras: Ø Air Conditioning 5€ per day 23-Jul
01-Oct
Ø Additional pool towel 4€ Ø Air Conditioning 5€ per day 30-Jul
08-Oct
Ø Mistral exclusive trips/agency excursions/car & bicycle hire Ø Additional pool towel 4€ 15-Oct
Photography* (optional) Ø 06-Aug
Mistral exclusive trips/agency excursions/car & bicycle hire £555
£618
£902
£1007
13-Aug
* Supplement for Walking week is £150 (including lunches and four guided walks)
*Supplement for Painting week is £150 (including trips, tuition and materials)
20-Aug
The Mistral Hotel
Maleme, Chania, Crete, Greece, GR73100
Tel: 0030 28210 62062
Fax: 0030 28210 62161
UK Line (national rates): 0871 990 2070
www.singlesincrete.com
email: [email protected]