Pesach 2027 with Shainfeld at CRETA MARIS, Europe’s largest and most luxurious resort, featuring the original AMERICAN PROGRAM!
Shainfeld Tours, with over 35 years of experience, is dedicated to continuously innovating and elevating each vacation. Our expertise shines through in our selection of the world’s most luxurious resorts, investment in gourmet cuisine by internationally acclaimed chefs, performances by renowned artists, and exclusive tours with expert guides to spectacular destinations. All of this combines with experience, quality, and professionalism to make Shainfeld vacations a top-notch holiday.
This year, Shainfeld Passover takes you to CRETA MARIS in Crete, Greece, and for the first time in Crete we bring you the original AMERICAN PROGRAM: a complete American hospitality experience. For a limited number of guests, the AMERICAN PROGRAM is included at no extra charge. With Shainfeld, you get so much more!
• Over 10 bars and restaurants inside the resort, with our top chefs and bars open late into the night
• Huge on-site water park, sports courts, mini-golf, bocce, table tennis and water sports (at extra charge)
• Day Camp for kids by age groups, shows and mentalists
• Prime location, right on the beach, next to the promenade and the main shopping street
• Grand dining halls with a reserved seat for every guest at every meal, all Pesach long
• 3 full-board gourmet meals daily, plus special concept evenings and barbecues
• Private beach for hotel guests and 17 pools, including two heated pools, indoor and outdoor
• ALL INCLUSIVE package with complimentary wine, open bars, and themed evenings
• Only 20 minutes from the airport in the heart of Hersonissos
• Shainfeld Tours managers on-site throughout the holiday
• Tour breathtaking sites with the best guides
• Special Guest Stars: Chaim Israel, Amit Segal, Kobi Arieli, Ishay Lapidot & More
In the Shainfeld tradition of hospitality, enjoy top-notch service during the holiday, Glatt Kosher gourmet food for Passover (Non-Gebrokts and Kitniyot-free), full board, majestic Seder night, performances by leading Jewish singers, family activities, and the opportunity for fascinating tours in Crete.
The Shainfeld professional management team will be on-site at the hotel to provide personalized care and ensure you have a wonderful vacation. Our talented professionals, master chefs, and artisans are waiting for you this Pesach at one perfect destination - CRETA MARIS in Crete, Greece.
THE RESORT:
CRETA MARIS is one of the most elegant and prestigious resorts we have ever featured. This breathtaking Caribbean-style resort is located on the seaside of Crete in an area renowned for luxury, and only 20 minutes from the airport.
Prime location: The resort sits directly on the beach, right next to the main promenade and the primary shopping street of Hersonissos. Step out of the resort and you are on the vibrant seafront promenade, in the city center, among the pedestrian streets, the cafés and the local boutiques. Everything is within walking distance, so you can combine a full resort vacation with the charm of a real Greek seaside town.
The resort features hundreds of fully equipped rooms and luxurious suites across its 37-acre property. Accommodations include spacious two-story bungalows, oceanfront rooms steps from the beach, rooms with panoramic mountain or garden views, and premium suites with private pools, sauna, and jacuzzi. The rooms have an open-space design, luxurious and spacious, meticulously decorated. Most face the sea or gardens. Room amenities include air conditioning, a television, work desk, seating area, hairdryer, minibar and in-room safe. Just choose the perfect accommodation for you.
This is where the AMERICAN PROGRAM comes to life: over 10 bars and restaurants operating inside the resort, staffed by our top chefs, so wherever you are on the property there is always somewhere to sit down for a drink, a coffee or a bite. Selected bars remain open late into the night. Alongside them: a huge water park, 17 stunning swimming pools including two heated pools, indoor and outdoor, 4 beautifully appointed synagogues, including one accessible to guests with reduced mobility, a spectacular lobby and a 6,000 sqm convention center, grand dining halls, the Shainfeld lounge serving refreshments all day, a fully equipped cardio gym and weight room, and an exclusive Spa Center with sauna, hammam and jacuzzi. Spa treatments are available at an additional charge and require advance reservation. Private helicopter pad and exclusive beach reserved solely for hotel guests.
DINING and SEDER:
Finest Glatt Kosher Cuisine - Experience culinary excellence with 3 full-board gourmet meals daily, served with fine wines and beverages. Shainfeld’s award-winning master chefs and pastry artisans will prepare grand buffets of succulent meats, fresh fish, hearty soups, creative salads, and delectable desserts including exquisite cakes, artisanal confections, and gourmet delicacies. Supporting this extensive culinary and dining operation are approximately 150 hotel staff members working alongside more than 100 Shainfeld team members.
Grand dining halls, and a reserved seat for every guest. Our magnificent dining halls are located at both ends of the resort, so wherever you are staying, dining is always close and convenient. And as part of the AMERICAN PROGRAM, every guest has their own reserved seat, at every meal, throughout the entire holiday. No searching for a table, no rushing to be seated, no splitting your family across the room. Your seat is already waiting for you.
Beyond the daily meals, the holiday is filled with special concept evenings and barbecues, each one designed around a different theme, with surprising gourmet dishes and a festive atmosphere that makes every evening its own event. On Shabbat and holidays, we’ll treat you to a spectacular Kiddush prepared by professional chefs from Shainfeld Tours who specialize in the authentic cooking traditions of all Jewish communities. Our elegant hotel lounge serves complimentary beverages, light refreshments, and kosher-for-Passover treats throughout the day.
KASHRUT: Glatt Kosher - Non-Gebrokts and Kitniyot-free, under the strict supervision of HaRav Yaakov Gluskin Shlita from Bnei Brak.
Join and celebrate with our magnificent communal traditional Seder, led by our distinguished Rabbis and cantors, with Ashkenazi or Sephardi Seder available.
On the second night we hold a Second English Seder, following Ashkenazi nusach.
You have the option to make your own private Seder in dedicated rooms upon request.
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT:
The Jewish program includes daily Shiurim and lectures in our 4 synagogues, which serve guests throughout Pesach for prayer, Torah study and inspiring presentations by renowned speakers and Torah scholars. One of the synagogues is accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
NEW THIS YEAR: a full-time Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Marc and Lisa Levene.
Rabbi and Rebbetzen of Hampstead Garden Suburb since 2022, previously the senior Rabbinic couple of Belmont United Synagogue for nearly six years. Rabbi Levene studied at Darche Noam in Jerusalem and sits on the Executive of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue.
The first two nights of Passover are exceptionally social and festive, a true celebration of Jewish Pesach tradition!
We have incredible special guest stars this Pesach: Chaim Israel - one of Israel’s greatest singers, in the biggest show of Yom Tov, Amit Segal - Israel’s leading political analyst and commentator, Kobi Arieli - beloved actor from “Shtisel” and creator of “In the Spirit of the Times”, Ishay Lapidot - renowned composer and lead performer of the Oif Simchas band, Israel Gottesdiener - co-founder of the Duo Re’im, Dudi Leibovich - maestro and conductor of the “Bat Kol” children’s choir, Moshe Roycher - acclaimed cantor and member of prestigious cantorial choirs worldwide, Maestro Ruli Mendelzon - premier musical arranger and conductor, Ben Kale - master mentalist in a spectacular telepathy show, and Ishay Yerushalmi - international photographer and social media personality.
Enjoy performances by top artists as well as seminars, cultural evenings, fascinating lectures, and themed concept nights. There will be special activities during Chol Hamoed, and a full program in English for our international guests.
New this year, as part of the AMERICAN PROGRAM: a full Day Camp for kids, divided by age groups, running throughout the day under experienced counselors, so every child is with children their own age and in activities suited to them. For the first time we are also opening a dedicated, protected area for toddlers under 3. The program includes workshops, creative activities, games, shows and mentalists, alongside a playground, babysitting options, special activities for teens, and other surprises.
*Lineup subject to change
EXCURSIONS:
The island of Crete is considered ideal for exploration, with everything nearby and accessible so that you can venture out independently to discover beautiful and diverse sites. A team of professional tour guides will prepare amazing Passover excursions to explore Crete, tour the beautiful cities, charming archaeological sites, and experience the local culture and stunning natural beauty.
Among the places to visit are charming Elounda fishing village on Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos coastal town, Spinalonga Island (historic leper colony), authentic Sissi Village, Milatos Cave, Knossos Palace (ancient Minoan civilization), Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, Heraklion with its seafront promenade and leading fashion brands, and more.
Those interested in taking an organized tour accompanied by guides will be able to pre-register at the hotel. The four-day organized excursion package, including admission to attractions, is not included in the holiday package.
*Tours subject to change based on weather conditions or guide’s decision, without prior notice.
FAMILY FUN & ACTIVITIES:
Crete and our spectacular resort offer endless activities and exciting experiences for the entire family.
The crown jewel of the AMERICAN PROGRAM: our huge water park, open and operating inside the resort, exclusively for Shainfeld guests. 4,000 sqm of family fun with 5 of the world’s most advanced slides, from winding routes to high-speed drops, an Aqua Tower with over 50 water games in a giant splash pool, waterfalls, jets, water cannons and a huge tipping bucket. There is a safe, protected area with slides and a water volcano for the little ones, and comfortable shaded seating for adults.
Alongside it, a wide variety of attractions: 17 stunning swimming pools including two heated pools, indoor and outdoor, a massive children’s playpark with indoor and outdoor areas, a fully equipped fitness center, tennis, football and basketball courts, a mini-golf course, a bocce area and table tennis tables, plus a grand golf course just minutes away.
Adjacent to the resort enjoy thrilling water sports: water skiing, wave surfing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. All water sports activities are available at an additional charge. Adventure lovers can embark on jeep tours, ride ATVs and motorcycles, go horseback riding, explore hiking trails, try mountain climbing or enjoy mountain biking.
Like shopping? The resort is right next to the main shopping street of Hersonissos. Visit Mall Hersonissos, the Summertime Shopping Center in Analipsi, and Chersonissos Market for fashion, souvenirs, and local finds.
*Activities at additional charge. Subject to change based on weather or guide’s decision.
Limited rooms available - Early Bird special price, book now!
A gratuity of €35 per person is payable at the hotel.
Flights are not included in the package. Crete is easily reached with direct flights from London and affordable connections from New York.