Discover the Ultimate Adults-Only Greek Getaway at Momi Slow Living
Discover the Ultimate Adults-Only Greek Getaway at Momi Slow Living
Momi Slow Living Hotel is the perfect retreat for tourists seeking an escape from the daily grind. Imagine basking in the glorious Greek sunshine, cocktail in hand, with nothing but relaxation on your mind. For me, it was my first ever adults-only getaway, and it truly exceeded all expectations.
First Impressions
Flying into Crete’s Heraklion airport from dreary London in October was a soul-soothing experience. The small airport, overlooking the Aegean Sea, processes tens of thousands of visitors during peak season. We were greeted by a friendly local taxi driver sent by the hotel, who shared his pride in the island’s laid-back lifestyle. The half-hour drive to the hotel reminded me of Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals, evoking a sense of a gentler pace of life.
The scenery was breathtaking, with the crystal blue sea on one side and rugged hills on the other. Olive trees are everywhere, a testament to the island’s rich agricultural heritage. Nestled among the olive groves of Hersonissos, we arrived at the luxury Momi resort, just a short walk from the town’s main high street.
Warm Cretan Hospitality
The staff at Momi were exceptionally kind and accommodating, showcasing the best of Cretan hospitality. The manager went out of his way to meet our every need. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of local Raki, a strong grape pomace brandy that is both invigorating and traditional.
The Apartments
Each apartment at Momi features a neat open-plan setup with an upper bedroom overlooking the living room area, complete with comfortable L-shaped sofas that can double as beds. Many apartments also have balconies with small pools, offering a private space to enjoy the stunning views of the sea or olive groves.
Momi has two communal swimming pools: the main one next to a lively bar and a second, more secluded pool for those seeking privacy. Both pools have loungers for guests wanting to soak up the sun.
Dining at Momi
The best feature of the Momi resort was undoubtedly the food. Every day, we were treated to a sumptuous banquet. While breakfast is all-inclusive, I highly recommend opting for lunch and dinner as well if you plan to stay at the resort all day.
Each mealtime, guests are served a wide-ranging buffet of traditional Cretan dishes made mainly from local ingredients. For the first time, I tasted fresh and creamy feta cheese, unlike the supermarket variety. My top five dishes at the taverna were: artichoke with prawns, grilled white fish, chicken souvlaki, beef stifado, and lentil salad. The dessert selection, especially the sweet phyllo pastries, was equally impressive.
Exploring Hersonissos
For those interested in sightseeing, the local area of Hersonissos offers a shopping strip with tourist knick-knacks just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. A further 5-minute walk leads to a parade of bars, restaurants, and clubs along the coast.
You can enjoy a one-hour land-train ride that tours the new town and the old town up in the olive hills. For a more educational experience, hire a taxi to Crete’s capital, Heraklion. Must-see attractions include the prehistoric remains of the Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses a mind-blowing collection of artefacts dating back to the Minoan civilisation. Don’t miss the prominent Koules fortress in the harbour of Heraklion.
For a longer excursion, you can catch a 2-hour ferry to the island of Santorini, famous for its iconic blue domes and white-washed buildings.
For more information, visit the official Momi Slow Living website.
