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Modern hotel with two swimming pools and outdoor areas under a clear blue sky.
Modern hotel pool area with sun loungers and umbrellas on a sunny day.
Modern hotel room with double bed and view of palm trees from the balcony.
Modern hotel with illuminated pool and elegant buildings at dusk.
Open dining area with wooden chairs and tables overlooking garden and buildings.
Cozy lounge with hanging chairs and wooden roof in a hotel garden setting.
Modern hotel entrance area with wooden ceiling, columns, and illuminated pathway with plants.
Poolside bar area with hill views at sunset in a hotel resort.
Modern bar area with light stools and a wide selection of drinks behind the counter.
Modern hotel with outdoor terrace, sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and pool area.
Hotel terrace with tables, chairs, and a hanging wicker swing under a clear sky.
Modern hotel pool at night with lighting and thatched umbrellas
Rooftop terrace with sun loungers and hot tub, clean lines and blue sky.
Modern hotel restaurant with wooden chairs and large windows, filled with daylight.
Modern hotel with white walls, wood accents, and palm trees under a blue sky.
Modern hotel with palm-lined driveway and atmospheric night lighting.
Modern hotel lobby with red reception desk and comfortable seating areas in a bright space.
Modern outdoor area with swimming pool, lounge chairs, and shaded seating area at a hotel.
Chef serving freshly prepared food in a modern hotel kitchen.
Modern hotel bar area with illuminated counter and wooden stools against a light wall.
Modern hotel lobby with beige sofas, large windows, and warm lighting.
Bright, modern hotel lobby with two reception desks and a seating area with plants.
Bright hotel balcony with wooden chairs, small tables, and glass walls.
Modern hotel pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas on a sunny day.
Open hotel dining area with wooden roof, tables, chairs, and view of garden and buildings.
Modern hotel terrace with sunshade sails and metal railings on manicured grass.
Three scenes of people doing yoga and fitness exercises in a relaxed setting.
Open wooden pavilion with light curtains, wood paneling, and built-in lighting.
Modern gym with workout equipment and weights in a hotel setting.
A person lies face down receiving a back massage in a spa setting.
A bright massage room with two wooden massage tables and soft lighting.
A simply furnished wellness room with massage table and towels in warm brown tones.
Modern indoor pool with wicker seating area and indirect lighting.
A wooden playground structure on grass with palm trees and buildings in the background under a clear sky.
Children's playground with colorful climbing frame, slide, and playhouse under white sunshade.
View from a balcony with table and chairs overlooking palm trees and a modern hotel building under a clear sky.
Bright hotel room with large bed, balcony overlooking the sea, and modern decor.
Modern outdoor area with pool, sun loungers, and view into hotel interiors.
Modern hotel room with double bed, seating area, and glass shower in warm tones.
Bright hotel room with double bed, chairs, glass door to bathroom, and air conditioning.
Modern hotel pool with comfortable loungers and green surroundings under a blue sky.
Modern hotel room with double bed, TV, desk, and large window with curtain.
Modern hotel room with double bed, flat-screen TV, and balcony overlooking the city.
Balcony with tables and chairs overlooking hotel pool area with umbrellas and loungers.
Modern hotel bathroom with gray tiles, bathtub, and rectangular mirror.
View from balcony with table overlooking pool and sun loungers at a modern hotel under blue sky.
Modern hotel room with double bed, wood decor, and balcony overlooking greenery.
Modern hotel room with large bed, sofa, lamps, and elegant design.
Modern hotel room with double bed, seating area, and adjoining bedroom with balcony.
Modern hotel room with wooden furniture, large mirror, and view of a bedroom with a bed.
Balcony with white table, two chairs, tropical drink, overlooking water and modern hotel.
Modern hotel room with sink, towels, glass shower, and cozy bed.
Rooftop terrace with loungers and two heated whirlpools, overlooking hotel and surroundings.
Modern hotel room with double bed, sofa, and stylish bathroom in the background.
Modern hotel room with double bed, sofa, wood accents, and open bathroom area.
Beach hotel with lounge furniture, sunshades, and a view of the blue sea under a clear sky.
Modern hotel room with loft design, wooden accents, and clear lighting.
Griechenland ∙ Kreta ∙ Gouves

Aelius Hotel & Spa-Sensus Experience ****
Tour operator category

HER008
Fitness
Wellness
WLAN
Pool
Family
Air conditioning
Unser Label "Reisen mit Zukunft" kennzeichnet Hotels, welche sich nach GSTC-Standard für eine nachhaltige Zukunft engagieren.
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Location

The quietly located hotel is situated in Gouves, approximately 600 m from the sandy beach. A complimentary shuttle to the beach is offered several times a day.
Shopping and entertainment options are located in the immediate vicinity. The center of Gouves is 450 m away. A bus stop with regular connections to Heraklion is located near the hotel. Heraklion Airport is approximately 15 km away.

Facilities

The family-friendly, high-quality, and stylishly built hotel complex will have partial renovations in the summer of 2026.
The hotel consists of several buildings, divided into the two areas Aelius & Sensus, with a total of 200 rooms. It features a 24-hour reception, lobby, lifts, the buffet restaurant "Erontas" with an outdoor area, the à-la-carte restaurant "Kritamos" (Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine), and a mini-market.
In the beautifully landscaped outdoor area of the Aelius section, there are 2 freshwater swimming pools with 2 separate children's pools, a sun terrace, and the pool/snack bar "Agiazi". Sun loungers and parasols are included at the pool, and available for a fee at the beach. Pool towels are provided free of charge.
The new Sensus area features its own pool/snack bar "Aura" as well as its own swimming pool, and is reserved exclusively for guests staying in "Sensus" rooms.
High-speed internet access is included throughout the entire complex and in the rooms.
Modern hotel lobby with red reception desk and comfortable seating areas in a bright space.
Modern outdoor area with swimming pool, lounge chairs, and shaded seating area at a hotel.
Chef serving freshly prepared food in a modern hotel kitchen.
Modern hotel bar area with illuminated counter and wooden stools against a light wall.
Modern hotel lobby with beige sofas, large windows, and warm lighting.
Bright, modern hotel lobby with two reception desks and a seating area with plants.
Bright hotel balcony with wooden chairs, small tables, and glass walls.
Modern hotel pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas on a sunny day.
Open hotel dining area with wooden roof, tables, chairs, and view of garden and buildings.

Accommodation

View from a balcony with table and chairs overlooking palm trees and a modern hotel building under a clear sky.
Bright hotel room with large bed, balcony overlooking the sea, and modern decor.

Double room

The comfortable double rooms (D/DA; bookable under hotel code HER808) are equipped with a double bed or 2 single beds, 32" satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (free bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, bathroom with bathtub or shower/WC and hairdryer, as well as a furnished balcony or terrace.
Also available for single occupancy (DE; bookable under hotel code HER808).

Double room private pool

With otherwise identical facilities to the double rooms, these feature a terrace with sun loungers and a private pool, as well as additional amenities such as bathrobes and slippers (PPZ).
The private pool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We ask for careful conduct and special attention when using this area.
Rooms with direct pool/sea access present an increased potential danger for small children.
Therefore, for safety reasons, Schauinsland-Reisen applies a minimum age of 6 years for bookings of these room types.

Modern outdoor area with pool, sun loungers, and view into hotel interiors.
Modern hotel room with double bed, seating area, and glass shower in warm tones.
Bright hotel room with double bed, chairs, glass door to bathroom, and air conditioning.
Modern hotel pool with comfortable loungers and green surroundings under a blue sky.
Modern hotel room with double bed, TV, desk, and large window with curtain.
Modern hotel pool with comfortable loungers and green surroundings under a blue sky.

Double room Superior private pool

The comfortable Double rooms Superior private pool (U2P) are equipped with a double bed or 2 single beds, 32" satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (free bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, bathroom with shower/WC, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, and hairdryer, as well as a furnished terrace with sun loungers and a private pool.
The private pool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We ask for careful conduct and special attention when using this area.
Rooms with direct pool/sea access present an increased potential danger for small children.
Therefore, for safety reasons, Schauinsland-Reisen applies a minimum age of 6 years for bookings of these room types.

Double room Deluxe

The comfortable Double rooms Deluxe (DD2/DDA) are equipped with a double bed or 2 single beds, 32" satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge, coffee and tea-making facilities, bathroom with bathtub or shower/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, as well as a furnished balcony or terrace.

Modern hotel room with double bed, flat-screen TV, and balcony overlooking the city.
Balcony with tables and chairs overlooking hotel pool area with umbrellas and loungers.
Modern hotel bathroom with gray tiles, bathtub, and rectangular mirror.
Modern hotel room with double bed and view of palm trees from the balcony.
View from balcony with table overlooking pool and sun loungers at a modern hotel under blue sky.

Double room Premium

The Double rooms Premium (PDZ/P2I/DAS; renovated in 2025; bookable under hotel code HER808) are equipped with a double bed or 2 single beds, 32" satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (filled with a bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, bathroom with bathtub/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, as well as a furnished balcony or terrace.

Double room Executive

The Double rooms Executive (EXD/SXE/E2I; renovated in 2025; bookable under hotel code HER808) are equipped with a double bed, 32" satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (filled with a bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, bathroom with shower/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, as well as a furnished balcony or terrace.

Modern hotel room with double bed, wood decor, and balcony overlooking greenery.
Modern hotel room with large bed, sofa, lamps, and elegant design.
Modern hotel room with double bed, seating area, and adjoining bedroom with balcony.

Family room 2 bedrooms

The spacious Family rooms 2 bedrooms (2FZ) feature a combined living/sleeping area with 2 single beds and a sofa bed, 32" satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (filled with a bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, and a separate bedroom with a double bed, 32" satellite TV, and individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), as well as a bathroom with bathtub or shower/WC, hairdryer, and a furnished balcony or terrace.

Double room Superior Swim Up

The comfortable Double rooms Superior Swim Up (SWD/YU2) are located in the "Sensus" area and are equipped with a double bed, 43" Smart satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (filled with a bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, Nespresso coffee machine with 2 capsules refilled daily, bathroom with shower/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, as well as a furnished balcony with direct access to the Sensus swimming pool.
The swim-up pool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We ask for careful conduct and special attention when using this area.
Rooms with direct pool/sea access present an increased potential danger for small children.
Therefore, for safety reasons, Schauinsland-Reisen applies a minimum age of 6 years for bookings of these room types.

Modern hotel room with wooden furniture, large mirror, and view of a bedroom with a bed.
Balcony with white table, two chairs, tropical drink, overlooking water and modern hotel.
Modern hotel room with sink, towels, glass shower, and cozy bed.
Rooftop terrace with loungers and two heated whirlpools, overlooking hotel and surroundings.
Modern hotel room with double bed, sofa, and stylish bathroom in the background.
Modern hotel room with double bed, sofa, wood accents, and open bathroom area.
Beach hotel with lounge furniture, sunshades, and a view of the blue sea under a clear sky.

Double room Superior Roof Garden

The comfortable Double rooms Superior Roof Garden (CRD) are located in the "Sensus" area and are equipped with a double bed, 43" Smart satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (filled with a bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, Nespresso coffee machine with 2 capsules refilled daily, bathroom with shower/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, as well as a furnished balcony with pool view.
Exclusive access to the roof garden, which is equipped with hot tubs and sun loungers, with exclusive availability of a private hot tub. The hot tubs are arranged side by side.

Maisonette

The comfortable Maisonette rooms (M2) are located in the "Sensus" area and are equipped with a double bed, 43" Smart satellite TV, telephone, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm), mini-fridge (filled with a bottle of water upon arrival), coffee and tea-making facilities, Nespresso coffee machine with 2 capsules refilled daily, and a visually separated sleeping area with a single bed, 43" Smart satellite TV, and individually controlled air conditioning (cold/warm) on the upper level, bathroom with shower/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, as well as a furnished balcony with a view of the Sensus pool.

Modern hotel room with loft design, wooden accents, and clear lighting.

Meals

Half board

Rich breakfast and dinner in buffet form. Theme evenings take place regularly during dinner. Drinks are not included with dinner.
Proper attire (smart casual) is requested for dinner.

Modern hotel lounge with large counter, decorative wood design, and set table.

All Inclusive

Buffet featuring various dishes in a modern hotel restaurant with wood accents and white walls.

All Inclusive

Breakfast (7:30-10:30 a.m.), lunch (12:45-2:30 p.m.), and dinner (6:30-9:30 p.m.) in buffet form in the main restaurant. Cretan specialties and live cooking are available at breakfast and dinner. Choice of breakfast (Mon, Wed, Fri) or dinner in the à-la-carte restaurant (included once per week, reservation required). Snacks are included from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., coffee/tea, pastries, and ice cream are included at the pool bar. Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, water, juices, draft beer, wine (white, red, rosé), raki, ouzo, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and some cocktails are included at the pool/snack bar from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sports included

"Warm-up-Box" gym, open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., equipped with a treadmill, an elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, and some weights, as well as an outdoor calisthenics area and yoga area.
Daily workout programs with an instructor, yoga, table tennis, darts, and water aerobics.
Modern hotel terrace with sunshade sails and metal railings on manicured grass.
Three scenes of people doing yoga and fitness exercises in a relaxed setting.
Open wooden pavilion with light curtains, wood paneling, and built-in lighting.
Modern gym with workout equipment and weights in a hotel setting.

Sports for a fee

Billiards as well as water sports at the beach offered by local providers.

Children's program

A wooden playground structure on grass with palm trees and buildings in the background under a clear sky.
Children's playground with colorful climbing frame, slide, and playhouse under white sunshade.
2 children's pools as well as 2 playgrounds (4-8 & 6-12 years).
Babysitting service upon request (for a fee). Baby cots and high chairs are available upon request free of charge.

Wellness

Spa area with heated indoor pool (April-October; subject to change) and sauna, as well as a wide variety of treatments such as facial and body massages, facial and body beauty treatments, scrubs, body wraps, manicure, and pedicure (spa services for a fee).
A person lies face down receiving a back massage in a spa setting.
A bright massage room with two wooden massage tables and soft lighting.
A simply furnished wellness room with massage table and towels in warm brown tones.
Modern indoor pool with wicker seating area and indirect lighting.

Entertainment

Versatile evening entertainment such as Cretan dances, karaoke, or live music several times a week.

Hotel service

Ironing and laundry service for a fee.
***
High-speed internet access is included throughout the entire complex and in the rooms.
Hotel app available (iOS & Android).
***
Daily room cleaning. Towels changed 3x per week and bed linen changed 2x per week.

Credit card

The hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Diners Club.

Hotel features

  • Family-friendly
  • Fitness
  • Indoor pool
  • Hotel safe
  • Internet
  • Children's pool
  • Children's playground
  • Air conditioning
  • Massages
  • Sauna
  • Wi-Fi
  • Spa
  • Enhanced hygiene concept

Sustainability

"Reisen mit Zukunft" provides guidance to make conscious decisions. Our label identifies hotels that are certified according to internationally recognized standards for sustainable operating practices and are actively investing in a more sustainable future. These standards encompass social responsibility, environmental awareness, as well as cultural and economic aspects of sustainable tourism, as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Further information on the topic of sustainability at Schauinsland-Reisen can be found at: https://nachhaltigkeit.schauinsland-reisen.de/reisen-mit-zukunft

This hotel holds the following certification:
  • Travelife

Hotelhinweis

***
Check-in: from 3:00 p.m. on the day of arrival.
Check-out: until 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure.
***
Parking spaces at the hotel are available subject to availability.
***
Dogs up to 5 kg upon request!
***
Disabled-accessible rooms are available upon request.

Zusatzhinweis

Hotel contact:
Aelius Hotel & Spa ex Lavris
Phone: 0030 2897041101
Fax: 0030 2897041174
Email: reservations@lavrishotels.com
In the "Greece · Cyprus" summer 2026 catalog on page 131.

Destination information: Climate resilience tax

For stays starting from January 1, 2018, the Greek government levies a climate resilience tax, which is to be paid by the guest on site, comparable to a tourist tax. The amount is based on the type/category of the accommodation and is tiered from 0.50 Euro to 15 € per day and room effective from January 1, 2025.
For stays in the high season April 1 - October 31:
Land category 1-2 stars: 2 Euro
Land category 3 stars: 5 Euro
Land category 4 stars: 10 Euro
Land category 5 stars: 15 Euro
For stays in the low season November 1 - March 31:
Land category 1-2 stars: 0.50 Euro
Land category 3 stars: 1.50 Euro
Land category 4 stars: 3 Euro
Land category 5 stars: 4 Euro

Tour operator category

4 Suns ****

Country category

4 Sterne
Last updated: 11.06.2026 11:22