Our Values
Philoxenia, meaning “guest-friendship”, is the Greek concept of hospitality – the generosity, and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and need a place to rest. We embrace this concept and strive to extend genuine hospitality by recognizing and anticipating the needs of our guests. Authentic smiles and heartfelt greetings by each of our caring hotel staff member heighten our values that rest on our desire to provide an unforgettable personalised holiday experience with impeccable attention to detail.
“In Crete, the stranger is still the unknown god. Before him all doors and all hearts are opened.”
Nikos Kazantzakis, “Report to Greco”
Awarded with the Green Key which stands for the promise to its guests that by opting to stay in the Green Key establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental level.
Sustainable initiatives we embrace :
- High-tech insulation, double-glazed energy-efficient windows in all rooms.
- Use of eco-effective professional cleaning and care products.
- Water consumption management system, which ends up in the gardens of the hotel.
- Major part of the consumed energy generated by our privately installed photovoltaic panels
- Solar assisted heat pumps contributing to the production of hot water.
- Low energy consumption cooling systems for rooms.
- Saving energy with insulation materials in all buildings.
- Ultra-energy efficient LEDs providing 100% of the hotel’s lighting.
- High quality organic products are used for cooking and come from local producers.
- Saving water and preserving electricity practices.
- Recycling scheme
Inspired by the idea of the philosophy “Farm to table” and Zero km we choose handpicked ingredients straight from our “bostani”, the Cretan term of a vegetable garden, and other products from selected local producers. Our chef Karen Kroehn believes that the only way to appreciate and understand the cuisine of such a special place is by instinct and emotion creating a culinary journey into the Cretan cuisine, complemented by excellent wine labels from local vineyards.
In ancient Greece, EF ZIN was the greatest wealth. It involved achievement of mental and physical well-being for the best quality of life leading to happiness and a way of living that empowers body, mind and soul. Exercise close to nature, indulge the spirit and create positive thoughts with our wellness services. Only if you feel it, can you truly realise what EF ZIN is…
We at Irida believe in the power of wellness, so for the 2024 season we have decided to make the Yoga group sessions FREE for all our guests.