The Royal Blue

Name: The Royal Blue
Address: Rethimno, GR

passover 2025 on the beach in Crete!

✡ Rav Eliyahu Rottenberg

Location: Rethimno, Greece

Organizer: VIVALUX ESCAPES

Dates: 10-21 April 2025

About

The ultimate kosher culinary experience in Greece at The Royal Blue in Crete. Five-star hotel

Join us for a Pesach program filled with unforgettable moments! From gourmet meals by Israeli chefs to a top kid's club led by Louise Leach, managing Dancing with Louise in UK. Indulge in our American daily tea room and majestic Kiddush experience.
Many daily entertainments, Zumba and shiurim for women, sports, daf Hayomi and activities for men, and tailored programs for teens with a special night program. Explore the beauty of Crete during Chol Hamoed, with jeep, quad, and yacht rentals. Enjoy nightly entertainment with themed dinner, singer DJ and kumzitz inspiration. Your perfect Pesach experience awaits!

About the provider

At VivaLuxx, we specialize in creating unforgettable moments where luxury meets family, tradition, and togetherness.
With a passion for excellence, we craft personalized experiences that leave lasting memories.

Rooms & accommodation

Luxury rooms, villas, some with private pools.

many options to choose from

Kashrut & dining

GLATT KOSHER LAMEHADRIN, NO KITNIOT, NO GEBROKTS; CHOLOV YISROEL

A Culinary Journey with Israeli Chefs
Get ready to indulge in exquisite meals crafted by our talented Israeli chefs, ensuring a gastronomic experience like no other.

Shabbat and Yom Tov Dinners
Enjoy beautifully served meals with full table service, making every moment special.

Tea Room, Open All Day Long
From 10 a.m. till late into the night, our Tea Room is here for your snacks, drinks, and sweet cravings.

How do you like your seder? Choose between communal, family-style, or private settings "“ we cater to all preferences.

Religious life & Shabbat

Ashkenazi & Sefardi Minyanim
daily shiurim for men and woman

Activities & entertainment

Every evening brings a new theme to add excitement to your nights.

Mentalist
musical artists
Dj
kumzits
hookah lounge
games
gym and wellness
zumba
pool
beach
pool games
football
tennis
yoga
morning hikes

For children & families

For the kids, we're proud to offer the best kids' club, led by none other than Louise Leach from the UK.

Louise is bringing her incredible team of dedicated young professionals who have planned an exciting program for little ones,

tweens, and teens alike. From tailored activities to unforgettable teen nights, surprises await them at every turn!

Location

Address: The Royal Blue Resort, Geropotamos, Greece

Getting there

Direct Flights from Europe.

The nearest airport is Heraklion Crete HER, you have also the option of Chania airport CHQ.

Contact

Organizer: VIVALUX ESCAPES
Phone: +44 7764 495838
Phone: +33 1 77 50 70 20
WhatsApp: +972586682122
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://vivaluxescapes.com

Explore More

About this listing

The Royal Blue in Rethimno, Crete, hosts a comprehensive Passover 2025 program that combines five-star luxury with strict adherence to halachic standards. Situated on the northern coast of Greece's largest island, this resort provides a secluded setting for families seeking a Glatt Kosher Lamehadrin experience. Under the guidance of Rav Eliyahu Rottenberg, the program ensures a high standard of kashrut, including Cholov Yisroel and the absence of kitniot and gebrokts. The retreat is designed to cater to a global Jewish audience, offering both Ashkenazi and Sefardi minyanim and a culinary journey led by skilled Israeli chefs.

This Pesach retreat focuses on providing a holistic holiday environment where guests can balance religious observance with relaxation and recreation. With a dedicated tea room open throughout the day and majestic Kiddush celebrations, the culinary aspect is a central pillar of the experience. Beyond the dining room, the program integrates educational shiurim, daily entertainment, and a structured youth program, ensuring that every family member finds engagement during their stay in Crete.

About the area

Located in the Rethimno region of Crete, The Royal Blue enjoys a prime Mediterranean position. Crete itself has a deeply rooted Jewish history, centered primarily in the towns of Chania and Heraklion. While Rethimno does not currently house an active permanent synagogue, the historic Etz Hayyim Synagogue in Chania—the only surviving remnant of the once-thriving Romaniote Jewish community on the island—is a significant cultural landmark located about an hour's drive to the west. This proximity allows guests to connect with the historical narrative of Greek Jewry while remaining in a modern, luxury resort environment.

The resort’s positioning on the beach offers direct access to the Aegean Sea, providing a serene backdrop for the holiday. Rethimno is strategically located between the island's two major airports, making the location accessible for international travelers arriving for the Passover program. The surrounding area is known for its blend of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, offering a culturally rich atmosphere for those who choose to explore the local town during the intermediate days of the holiday.

Nearby Jewish landmarks

Rethimno serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse landscapes of Crete. The region is characterized by its 16th-century Venetian fortress (Fortezza), narrow cobblestone alleys, and a vibrant harbor area that reflects the island's storied past. Guests can organize excursions to the White Mountains or visit the iconic Samaria Gorge for hiking. For those who prefer coastal activities, the program facilitates yacht rentals and boat trips, providing a unique perspective of the Cretan coastline. The proximity to local nature trails also allows for quad and jeep safaris, which are popular activities during Chol Hamoed. Additionally, the traditional villages scattered across the hillsides offer a glimpse into local Cretan life, away from the typical tourist paths.

What to expect

Guests can expect a highly organized hospitality schedule that prioritizes both spiritual and physical comfort. The culinary program is a highlight, featuring gourmet meals prepared by Israeli chefs. Dinner service on Shabbat and Yom Tov is provided as a full table service experience, emphasizing a refined atmosphere. For more casual needs, the American tea room serves as a central hub for snacks and beverages from late morning until midnight. The Seder experience is customizable, allowing families to opt for private, family, or communal arrangements.

The program is particularly focused on family dynamics. A professionally managed kids' club, led by UK-based specialist Louise Leach, provides structured activities for younger children, while a tailored teen program includes social events and a dedicated night program. Adult programming is equally robust, featuring traditional shiurim, Daf Yomi, and specialized fitness sessions like women’s Zumba. Evenings typically transition into communal entertainment, ranging from themed dinners with singers and DJs to inspirational kumzitz gatherings by the sea. For adventure seekers, the concierge can facilitate the rental of yachts, quads, and jeeps for self-guided or group tours of the Cretan landscape.

Frequently asked questions

What are the specific kashrut standards for the Pesach program?

The program is Glatt Kosher Lamehadrin, under the supervision of Rav Eliyahu Rottenberg. The kitchen operates without kitniot and without gebrokts, and all dairy products are Cholov Yisroel.

What options are available for the Passover Seder?

Guests may choose between a communal Seder, a family-style setting, or a private Seder to accommodate their personal traditions and comfort.

What type of entertainment and childcare is provided?

The program features a comprehensive children's club led by Louise Leach, alongside dedicated teen programming and nightly entertainment for adults, including kumzitz sessions and themed dinners.

Are there religious services and separate activities for men and women?

Yes, gender-specific programming includes daily shiurim and Zumba for women, as well as Daf Yomi and sports activities organized for men. Both Ashkenazi and Sefardi minyanim are held daily.

Is there food available between the main meals?

An American-style tea room is available daily from 10:00 AM until late at night, providing continuous access to snacks and refreshments throughout the holiday.