Bonjour lecteurs! What type of holidays do you usually go on? What destinations are you yet to visit with the children? All-inclusive for no fuss? Luxury destinations? Or are you looking for the most family-friendly resorts possible? Have you ever traveled with Jet2holidays? It’s the largest tour operator in the UK. The brand invited us to test its Jet2holidays family holidays over Easter. So we took one of the flights to Crete with Jet2 for a 4-night stay at the beautiful Arina Beach Resort. Regardez if you are currently looking at holiday options for the Summer.
Jet2holidays
Have you ever used Jet2holidays Package Holidays to Greece? We’ve already traveled with the company in the past and I must say that we were really impressed with la qualité of our Jet2holidays family holidays.
After all, the brand’s motto is ‘Jet2holidays, Packages holidays you can trust‘. So we took it to the test again this year to see if they could hold their promises.
We usually stay in the UK for Easter, but Jet2 kindly invited us to go to Crete pour l’occasion.
What we like about Jet2holidays Family Packages, is the fuss-free planning. Indeed, the tour operator has it all sorted for you so that you can book the complete lot: the flights, the accommodation (all-inclusive or not, it’s up to you), and even the transport to and from your hotel.
Et voilà! It could not be easier!
Flight with Jet2holidays
We departed from London Stansted. It’s way easier than bigger airports like Gatwick or Heathrow.
Queues for check-in and security were super fast and we even had the time to get a bite before boarding our plane.
And pas de mauvaise surprise when you fly with Jet2holidays. On top of your hand luggage, you are allowed up to 22 kg baggage allowance per person. You gotta love that when you are a nightmare packer like me ?
Our plane was on time and we were off to Crete! Le plus? From the moment we checked in to our arrival at the hotel, the Jet2 team was here to help with anything we needed. You can expect to see smiling faces all the way!
The trip on the plane was straightforward without any issues. And 4 hours later, we landed in Heraklion.
The Arina Beach Hotel with Jet2holidays
When the Jet2 team got in touch to work with me on this project, we could choose from many Crete Hotels.
We carefully selected our option so that it was family-friendly. So, we opted for the Arina Beach Resort with Jet2holidays for raisons différentes.
It’s a 4-star hotel situated right on the Kokkini Chani beach.
Made of over 300 rooms, it also features a waterpark as well as a spa, so everyone is happy 🙂
We arrived late in the evening, but we still got to enjoy a light dinner made of salads. And then to discover our room.
Our Bedroom
We got a family room within the main building.
And what such a great space! On top of our main bed, Stanley had his own little bed on the side by the window.
He loved having his own space with a lot of storage to put all his things on the side.
The room was light and modern with enough space for all our things.
And the bathroom was really cool too with a large shower, a sink, and a toilet space.
No bath but I reckon it is pretty standard in Crete. Plus, who needs a bath tube when you are in the pool all day long anyway!
Ariadne Restaurant
As we wanted a stress-free holiday, we went for the all-inclusive option. The Arina Beach Resort with Jet2holidays offers many food options with 3 restaurants, 4 bars, and 1 snack bar.
For most lunches, we made it to the main buffet restaurant ‘Ariadne’. And I must say the food was really good.
With a large selection of continental options for breakfast, as well as some Cretan spécialités. Par exemple, I tried a bit of Kaltsounia, the famous Cretan cheese pie.
As for Stanley, he loved the daily selection of donuts ? It was lovely to be able to sit on the terrace with a view of the main pool first thing in the morning with a coffee and some yummy breakfast.
Other Restaurants
But if you fancy something else, you can also stop by the Avra Restaurant, for à la carte experience and a more luxurious option.
The chefs there cook for you whatever you order in a beautiful light setting with a view of the beach.
We checked it out on our last night and it was the perfect way to end our trip.
Are you a fan of Asiatic food? Then check out the ‘Sunset’ Asian Restaurant for a taste of Western-Asian fusion cuisine.
Parfait for Stanley as he is a huge sushi fan!
You also have a selection of snack bars to stop by and eat in the daytime. I had lots of yummy Cretan salad and probably too much cheese!
Swimming-Pools & Water Park
The hotel has a total of 4 swimming pools, so you have the choice for a fancy swim!
Plus as we visited in the low season, it was not extremely busy. We always easily found a sun lounger for us to relax.
Ma préférée? The heart pool bien sûr!
But we spent most of the time at the water park on one of the fancy leather loungers right by the bar.
While Stanley was splashing about with a friend he made there. It’s super family-friendly!
We had such a blast.
Arena Beach
And because we always fancy a bit of aventure, we also made it to the beach one afternoon.
The hotel is right next to it, so you pretty much get your own plage.
That’s rather cool! And yet again, it was less busy in April so pas de difficulté to find a spot.
I even made it into the water (unlike Grumpy Boyfriend! Now who is a real babe…). It was a bit fresh given that it was the start of April. But not impossible.
And you can also just laze about on the beach with a good book and get a tan!
The Spa & Indoor Pool
The main reason why we selected the Arina Beach Resort was because of its heated indoor pool.
We knew it could be colder at the start of April, so we did not want to take any risk. And we did well!
The first day was overcast so we could not make it to the beach or the outdoor pools.
But we still had lots of fun at the indoor heated pool. For hours of splashing.
Le plus? There is also a fully equipped gym (not for moi!) and a spa with a sauna and a steam room.
I really enjoyed it, especially the steam with its light experience.
Family-Friendly
On top of all the facilities listed above, you can also use a kids club with thematic days for your little ones to have fun.
And the team is on board to entertain the children every evening.
With music, games, and even Bob, a Minion très spécial. Let them have fun while you enjoy one of your fave cocktails.
And you can also play tennis if you fancy or stop by the colourful play area.
Above and Beyond The Resort
We were only there for a couple of days, so we stayed at the resort to fully relax.
Plus Stanley was more than happy to play all day in the water park. However, you can rent a car and explore the area.
Compared to Stella Palace where we stayed 3 years ago, the Arina Beach Resort felt a bit more isolated.
We walked a bit into the town, but there was not much there and the nearest bus stop is probably 10 min away. I reckon your best option would be to rent a car.
We have already been to all the iconic places like Heraklion and the fameux Palace of Knossos last time, so we were not that bothered.
But Jet2holidays offers all kinds of packages and excursions for you to book and you can go and see the Minotaur if you dare… I really recommend it if you stay in the area. It’s a classic from la mythologie grecque!
Easter Family Break in Crete With Jet2holidays – Le Verdict
Would I recommend traveling with Jet2holidays? Can you book family holidays with Jet2holidays you can trust? A million times ‘Oui!’
Once more with Jet2holidays, everything was smooth and easy. Exactly what you want to relax with your family.
It was so straightforward and the Jet2holidays team was present anytime we needed it. Its family packages are of great value to exploring new countries.
We also very much enjoyed our stay at the Arina Beach Resort. The staff was very helpful and the service was excellent.
Where to Next Easter?
Now, the question is, would I book again a holiday in April? C’est encore oui from me! Compared to our last Cretan trip (in July when it was baking hot), the weather has not been as fabulous.
The first day was overcast and we even got some rain when leaving. But we still got some good sun and temperatures up to 19°C. So we did really well compared to our folks in the UK.
Family Packages Holidays are so simple. You don’t have to worry about transfers etc. For a true and relaxing time.
We usually stay in the UK for the Easter Weekend but I am already looking at other destinations for next year. So that’s to say it was a Frenchie succés in Crete With Jet2holidays!
Where would you recommend going? What was your best adventure abroad? Have you booked a summer holiday yet? Book now your next family holiday with Jet2 ?.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Jet2holidays. We received a complimentary stay. All opinions are my own.
How lucky are you – looks an amazing place for families to recharge and unwind
Looks like a great holiday!
It looks amazing there and the food looks so delicious!
That hotel looks amazing, Stanley’s face looking at all those doughnuts is like he is in heaven! Looks a perfect family hotel, will consider it for our next multi-generation holiday!
An amazing holiday and lovely photos, perfect weather at this time of the year
Beautiful photos 🙂
Looks like you’re having a lot of fun.
Looks wonderful and all that food to choose from too!
Aw this looks amazing! Have not been to Crete before, but it looks lovely and the hotel looks really nice. I dont think I would ever get my children off the water slides!!