Zeus Eleva Ajul

We have just come back from a week at the Zeus Eleva Ajul hotel and I wanted to share my review as we read the reviews before we went and the anxiety levels were through the roof thinking what have we booked. First of all is the location - this is an approximate 1.5 hours from the airport via a private transfer and is in a very remote location so you need to take everything you need as the mini market on site does not stock much. I purchased an additional sun cream which they only sell in the boutique and it cost me 25 euro. We then got taken to our room. We had booked an Executive 2 bedroom villa but we got upgraded to a prestige villa on arrival - the main difference being the prestige villa had cooking rings. We have a child who won't eat normal food so we take a suitcase with all his food in and we had purchased a cooking ring to take so having these on arrival unexpected was amazing. We also needed a toaster in our room and the hotel were so helpful in providing this to us immediately on arrival. The grounds are beautifully kept and the rooms are very clean. Beds are made on a daily basis and bedding is changed after 3 days. You get new bottles of water daily and the mini fridge is stocked on arrival with water, cans of fizzy pop and 2 beers. Food - the hotel has a main buffet restaurant and 2 areas that they call a la carte. I wouldn't say these are a la carte. These are an Italian themed restaurant that is an extension of the bar area and a greek area that is outdoors. Food was nice but very much the same as what you get day to day. Breakfast catered for everything you could ask for - bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, salads, cereal, meats, cheeses - typical what you would see at most restaurants. Depending on what chef was working was depending on how organised it was. You could also ask for a fresh omelette to be made. Coffee and tea was available as well as juices but all self serve and tables were just turn up and find your own. For me having someone direct you to your table and ask if you would like tea/coffee would really improve service. Lunch - lunch was probably the best time for food. A variety of food from salads, meats, cheeses, soup, usual chips, pasta and bolognaise but always a fresh fish or meat or gyros. Dinner was more limited and our first night there wasn't a great deal left as we were a bit late getting food. It also seems that rather than being on top of having food readily available, they wait until things are gone then cook more. Also - you have to ask for drinks like beer and wine - we weren't told this and every other place we have been to they ask you so we seen others ordered so asked ourselves. Once you know, this is fine but it would be good to be told.

Pools - there is a pool bar which was opposite were our villa was but this doesn't open until 6pm but you can go and get drinks and sit there or take them back to your room. There is another main pool nearer reception but we never went to that one, it was busy there but there always looked to be beds. Then there is the water park on site. We spent every day here. It opens at 11am until 6pm and its on a first come first served basis for sun beds. It usually empties at lunchtime when people go for food so other people can get beds. This is great for kids and adults and the depth of the water is great for most kids - 1.25m meaning you don't have to keep an eye all the time as most kids can stand up. There is also a smaller area for younger kids. The toilets are clean down there and there is a bar for all inclusive drinks. The service down there is excellent. Snack wise there are a few bits of greek sweet treats and cling film covered sandwiches but we went to the main buffet for food. This could be made amazing if they offered some basics such as toasties etc. The beach we never went to so can not comment on this.

The entertainment on a night consists of a move night or in the bar area they usually have a singer or dancers. The kids club is just a small room and there is a room with one playstation and one xbox in for older kids. There is also different bits of activities on a night such as volleyball or football for families. The tennis courts and football courts are good but are best used early or later when it cools a bit.

This is classed as a five star hotel which I don't think it is based on previous destinations I have been to. I would however say it is 4 star. As I have said, grounds are beautiful as is the accommodation but I think some easy improvements could make it a lot better. Everyone is very laid back and a lot of the staff are young kids so maybe not what people are used to. Everything we asked for we got and speaking to some of the chefs and staff they were all great, very friendly people. All in all a lovely weeks holiday but just not the 5 star expected. List of improvements which could make the experience a lot better

1. Being shown to tables for lunch/dinner
2. Being asked what drinks you would like rather than having to ask - both tea/coffee at breakfast and drinks on an evening
3. Opening the pool bar earlier so it could be available for people to have drinks there while sunbathing but would need umbrellas next to the beds
4. Having more snacks at the bars - such as toasties (that could be freshly made) etc
5. Dedicated a la carte restaurants with different food from the usual restaurant
6. Themed nights in the restaurant would be a good idea
7. More interactive themed nights to get people involved e.g. greek nights

I hope this helps put some people's minds at rest that although there may be some floors - it is still a beautiful hotel

Vasiliki is an amazing masseuse. She was able to fit around needs of different people in our group and give her professional ideas to support needs.

The spa area itself was clean, calm and comfortable. A range of drinks were available and a variety of seating in a cool, calm environment too.

All staff were very professional, expertly trained to deliver informed opinions and advice of all the products and services offered.

A throughly relaxing way to start our holiday 😌