Filion Suites Resort and Spa

Set in the Cretan countryside, surrounded by olive trees, Filion Suites provides the ideal location for a relaxing holiday. With over 100 rooms including Superior Doubles, Family Suites and Villas, there’s something for everyone.

At the spa you can reset your body and mind. It’s equipped with a sauna, indoor pool and a private Jacuzzi® suite. For a personal touch, there’s a masseuse, manicurist, hair stylist and coiffeur. As well as rest, there’s opportunities to play basketball or tennis, or to go for a swim in one of the three outdoor pools. The children can have fun in the playroom or splash around in one of the two kids’ pools.

The main restaurant dishes up Greek and Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Between meal times ice cream, crepes and waffles are available from the poolside snack bar, alongside a large variety of drinks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample the local wines including Dafni, Kotsifali, Vilana and Vidiano. The All Inclusive option includes all meals, plus a breakfast basket if you have an early departure. International brands and bottled alcoholic drinks may incur a surcharge.

Would you describe yourself as a foodie? If the answer’s yes then make sure your stay includes a Thursday. This is when the chef gives a cookery lesson, allowing you to learn how to make Greek specialities yourself. At the onsite shop you can buy local products to take back home including olive oil, soaps and sweet treats.

Superior Doubles are available with twin or king-size beds and include a fridge, safe, sofa bed, TV (with satellite channels) and veranda. Family Suites have a separate lounge area with a DVD player. These can accommodate four adults, meaning they’re suitable for clans where the children want to sleep apart from their parents. The Villas boast two bedrooms and a lounge area, with enough space to sleep six. Book one of these and you’ll also get your own coffee machine, fireplace and private pool. There’s just three of these, so reserve early to avoid disappointment!

As Filion Suites is nestled away inland, it’s 3.5km to the beach. If it gets too hot for your liking make the 16km drive to Melidoni Cave, where an illuminated trail leads you around a network of spectacular chambers with stalactites & stalagmites. Alternatively, a 16km trip in the opposite direction takes you to the 17th-century Vossakos Monastery, where a restoration project to return the site to its former glory is more than two-thirds complete.

The island’s capital (50km away) has a history dating back to 824 AD. Look out for buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman eras. Even older discoveries can be viewed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.