My husband and I have just returned from a week's holiday in Bali Crete, (06/07/076) where we stayed at the Ormos Atalia Aparthotel on a half board basis. I must add, we purposely booked our holiday ten days before the schools broke up for holidays so were not there in peak season.

We were looking for an inexpensive holiday, surrounded by peace and tranquility, hot sun, clear blue sea, sea views, greek food, and as little commercialism as possible. I am happy to say we found it in the beautiful hillside resort that was the Ormos Atalia in Bali.
We called it a slice of heaven because for us it was idyllic. We didn't want luxury, and all the mod cons, but wanted to feel that we were surrounded by anything that represented Greece and it's culture, and we were not dissappointed.

The studio accommodation given us when we arrived was not as requested and frankly unacceptable under the circumstances, but was soon changed to what we were originally expecting and it was superb. Large clean serviced room, shuttered windows offering sea views on both sides, balcony with amazing sea views, kitchenette , and shower, basin and toilet in the bathroom.

Breakfast and supper were served buffet style in the dining area around the pool and bar. Very pretty area, with sea views, and a lovely sized swimming pool. Food was served Greek style and was basic but plentiful. Lovely selection of fresh breads, cheeses, salads, and an assortment of hot dishes for both meals. We found it quite easy to survive on just the two meals every day.

The walk to the Evita Beach below took us five minutes downhill, but was steep on the homeward journey. So be warned, you must have a certain degree of mobility and fitness otherwise, you could find it unpleasant. However, once on the beach, there are few on Crete to beat it for crystal waters, safe swimming and protected from the wind. The two tavernas there serve wonderful food at reasonable prices and the Greek gentleman who has run the main taverna overlooking Evita Beach for the last twenty years is the most charming host.

All in all, we found the local people very friendly, and hospitable, and we achieved the purpose of our holiday, which was just to relax and destress. However, we are already planning when we are going to return. It could be an annual pilgrimage!

Happy holidays.

My wife & I stayed at the Ormos Atalia during the middle two weeks of October
Unfortunately the first ten days of our stay were the worst Crete has experienced since Noah.
This hotel is sited right at the end of the village of Bali at the top of a hill and is definitely not suited to those with any walking difficulties. The hundreds of steps needed to reach the harbour were not lit and were very dangerous.
Also at this time of year many of the local restaurants, cafes and bars were being closed for end of season. There was a road train which toured the village but this was also stopped during our stay. It took a good mile of up and down walking to reach the bus stop on the national highway so the road train was definitely missed.
We hired a car to get around the island (nothing else to do in the rain). If you do the same don’t worry about car insurance, increase your life insurance. The concept of double white lines and not overtaking on blind corners has yet to reach Crete. The aftermath of many accidents was evident.
The Hotel itself was very nicely laid out with apartments and studios all on different levels and the patios beautifully decorated with numerous cacti and bougainvillea.
We had a studio but as we were on half board we did not use the basic cooking tackle.
The room had no extras, i.e. no TV, radio or heater but was equipped with aircon. It was not needed during our stay. The mattresses were rock hard.
My main complaint is that the bins were not always emptied every day (and you know what is in the bins in Greek toilets)
The food and restaurant was acceptable but not special. It paid to be early for meals or most would already be inside German stomachs.
The best thing about the bar/restaurant was Lahki the barman who gave the impression of being rather dour but really had a great sense of humour and for regulars was generous with the raki ,ouzo and Metaxa..
The pool area did not seem large enough for a full hotel but Bali has a choice of four lovely beaches the one down to the left of the Hotel being the best.
Overall the hotel was excellent value for money.
Would I re-visit - No!
I don’t want to go anywhere where the weather is worse than England.

This hotel is split in to two buildings I was put in the building down the hill, which has no flowers and is just a block of apartments. The view from my first room (No 15) was a side sea view and a rubbish tip. I asked to be changed to an apartment in the pretty part of the hotel and was told that they could change me in two days. After two days she took me to another apartment block, next to the one I was in which was called Valentino's and left me with the man there who was going to show me a couple of apartments to see if I liked any. When this man realised that I was travelling alone he said he was alone too and tried to kiss me a put his arms around me - needless to say I did not take any of his rooms! The next day I took room 6 in the block that I was already in. This was only a studio but had a large balcony with a view of the harbour. I think it was the best I could get - I was not going to get anything in the pretty part. The bathrooms in these apartments are adequate but could do with updating. The food was quite basic and could get boring if you stayed for longer than a week but there is nothing to stop you eating in the town.

Away from the Hotel Bali is very nice (if you don't look at the rubbish everywhere but this seems to be the same all over Crete). There are supermarkets and a cashpoint. The Elvi Beach is lovely and the owners of the bar behind this beach are very friendly.

Overall, I think I would go back to Bali but not the Ormos Atalia.

3 adults 4 kids arrived at 4am to find the place locked up eventually found someone who explained no rooms were available and lady would be in at 08:30 the man did mamage to find a room for the four kids and then opened the bar for the adults kept apologising and slowly plied us with beer. We had booked 3 rooms which we eventually got 2 days later and i have to say the rooms were very clean and tidy. We stayed half board the food was excellent and very traditional so if you are a fussy eater you will need to go and eat out at one of the mant lovely resturants near by.
The Ormos Atalia Aparthotel was really nice but be warned thay own 3 other buildings near by so you might be in one of them and not the Ormos.
Lakis the barman is a great guy and he made our weeks stay there a great laugh.
The beach nearby is great but very busy at weekends.