EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience

Stunning hotel in mountain location. Perfect for unwinding and relaxing. Hotel owners and staff are extremely pleasant and welcoming, it's just like staying with family. They will give you every assistance needed and are extremely knowledgeable about the island, helping you plan any days out you might like to do. I would recommend prearranging Stelios from the hotel to collect you from the airport as it can be difficult to find. He is then happy to organise a hire car for you which again is recommended to get out to villages, restaurants and beaches. There is a lovely taverna very close but does involve an uphill walk so take appropriate shoes.

…from Heraklion, (Google the route first) after ten minutes or so you will pass a Shell garage on your (right) side of the road. After 1.2km take the right uphill on a winding country road. After 1.5km at the T-junction take a left and follow the road for another 3.5km. You should then see a right turn with a sign for Vergis Epavlis! Follow the slightly more paved road and do not head up to the village. At the end of the road you’ll see a gate and voila, you made it! In Stella and Stelios your could not find two warmer or more caring people, the apartments are stunning and the perfect location for a break from it all or a base from which to explore the island. We stayed for eight nights and loved every minute. The breakfasts are plentiful and the taverna in the village provides fantastic fare at exceptionally good value (for the same food you would pay almost double in a tourist area). If the steep walk up to the village puts you off then a lift is also always available. We’d highly recommend a stay at Vergis Epavlis if you’re coming to Crete. While we were there other couples were celebrating a 30th anniversary, enjoying a honeymoon or simply having a relaxing holiday like us. Writing this makes the office seem all the more depressing today! Happy holidays 

Plutôt une chambre d'hôtes qu'un hôtel, très difficile à trouver. Cependant, les propriétaires sont sympathiques, de bons petits déjeuners, une belle piscine. l'appellation "luxurious et spa" ne convient pas à cet établissement qui peut être considéré comme une bonne chambre (presque un appartement) d'hôtes à la campagne. A recommander aux amoureux de la nature et aux âmes solitaires.

wir wurden sehr verwöhnt von den warmherzigen Gastgebern Stella und Stelios

Wenn man eine Auszeit vom Alltag braucht,, ist hier der ideale Ort. Das Hotel liegt traumhaft zwischen Olivenhainen und Weinbergen. Das Hotel ist uns ein wundervolles zu Hause gewesen. Wir wurden sehr warmherzig empfangen und bis zum Ende unseres Urlaubs umsorgt. Jeden Morgen haben ein neues sehr leckeres kretisches Frühstück kennen gelernt. Auch das Abendessen sollte man unbedingt (leckerer Fisch) im Wintergarten buchen. Das wurde aber nur möglich durch die Perfektion unserer Gastgeber Stella und Stelios. Wir kommen bestimmt (bald) wieder.

Wonderful property with a wonderful staff! The rooms are clean and homely. They breakfast was amazing and they make you feel right at home. They are so nice that you can't find anything to complain about. It is a little tricky getting there, but once you are there it was all worth it!

Stella and Stelios and the team of local ladies work extremely hard to make the stay memorable and pleasing - which it was when we went at the end Oct/beg November. We changed rooms, had hire car arranged, taxis booked etc and nothing was too much trouble. We had been the couple's first guests in 2005 and I can confidently say that standards were still high if not higher... A different hot dish every morning at breakfast was a lovely touch as were the desserts as well - but after Day 2 we couldn't eat them at breakfast as we were full and they became a wicked lunchtime or afternoon treat. I was bowled over by Cretan hospitality, from tavernas that give you free desserts and raki, to shopkeepers giving away local firewater and cookies - and even the baker throwing in free fruity buns - they are a delight and it is refreshing to see... You can contrast the relatively simple exprience of life in the villages to the sophistication of Heraklion - restaurants like Ploto and Marina on the waterfront were fabulous and new additions since our last visit.. We will have happy and fond memories of our stay (not of the local driving though which ranks alonside Cairo and Athens as not for the faint-hearted!) and the sun and warmth we experienced will surely sustain us through the Winter!! Efkaristo poli (thank you very much in Greek) Stella & Stelios - King and Queen amongst hosts....

We spent 8 days at the Vergis Epavlis, a lovely small 4-suite inn located in the small village of Agios Mironas. The owners, Stelios and Stella, go well beyond what is expected in order to make the stay truly memorable in the absolute best sense. Our suite was immaculately clean, the service left nothing to be desired, and the location was serene and provided spectacular views of the surrounding valley. In fact, staying here was very much like a warm and welcoming visit to the home of dear friends. Highlights include: the breathtaking scenery overlooking a picture postcard view of the valley below; discussions with Stella about sites that were “must see” and the ones that could be omitted from a crowded itinerary; the wonderful breakfast that included traditional Cretan cuisine. The number of items included in the breakfast selection was large and it was obvious that much care and skill went into preparation and presentation. Particularly noteworthy were evening meals in the local taverna in the village which is a short walk away. The food served in the taverna is simple, traditional, and delicious – a “do not miss” experience. The upstairs is open air and provides a view of the valley below. We were thrilled with our experience and highly recommend the Vergis Epavlis for anyone lucky enough to visit the wonderful island of Crete.

We really enjoyed our stay here. The beautiful geographical setting of the hotel, which comprises four luxury suites, is outstanding, with great views. The owners, Stella and Stelios, make you feel extremely welcome, and Stella cooked wonderful Cretan dishes for breakfast. Dinner at the hotel was good value and substantial, and the taverna in the village was very reasonably priced, with good quality, fresh food. There are good road connections and you are well placed for the main archeological sites.

The greatest place I have ever stayed in my life. The owners Stella and Stelois are the greatest host and friends on earth. There are no words to describe the treatment we received while on our holiday. The views are fantastic but Stella and Stelois are more fantastic. A home away from home. We left there in tears to be so at home in a foreign country is to die for. The small town outside the villa is so charming. The people of Crete are as beautiful as their country. I will never exceed this vacation....only hope to come close. We are from Louisiana and feel like we are visiting family here. I will cherish this vacation for the rest of my life. Thank you Stella and Stelois for coming into our life. Your friends forever Genie and Gary