Aldemar Knossos Royal Villas

Plan your escape to Aldemar Knossos Royal Villas for the 5-star luxe treatment. Think world-class spa services, an array of gorgeous pools, and a private beach that’s just the ticket for sunbathing, volleyball and watersports.

Perfect if peace, privacy and incredible sunsets are your thing, these glam villas are in a secluded area of the Aldemar Knossos Royal Resort. Arranged prettily around shared swimming pools, they house an impressive choice of suites and maisonettes. So, you’ll have all the tranquillity you could want, but with the restaurants, bars and entertainment of a top-notch beach hotel only steps away. And if you’re into racquet sports, book that holiday right now! The tennis club’s incredible, with seven international-standard clay courts - it’s used as a base for the world-renowned Sunball Academy.

Food’s a key part of the experience on any Aldemar holiday. You can look forward to delicious gastro delights, with fresh local ingredients at the heart of every menu. Enjoy breakfast at the Knossos Villas Restaurant, where an American-style buffet is served, or order a la carte room service for a morning feast in your PJs. Lunch, dinner and snacks are available at the Knossos Royal - take your pick from the main restaurant, gourmet dining, traditional Greek taverna and snack bar. Alternatively, push the boat out with one of the mouthwatering private dining options.

Travelling as a family? If you thought idyllic holidays were a thing of the past now you’ve got kids, you couldn’t be more wrong! The Knossos Villas are exactly what you need for a blissful break, even with kiddoes in tow. You can borrow a baby monitor and buggy, so that’s less to pack for a start! Plus, there’s tons to help your mini-me’s feel at home, whether they’re following the twists and turns of the 45m waterslide, getting up to all sorts at the kids’ club (4-12 years) or filling those hungry tums at the children’s restaurant.

When it’s time to put your feet up, each of the suites, maisonettes and full-size villas is a dreamy retreat. You’ll have views of the gardens, pool or sea from your own balcony or terrace, king-size or twin beds and a sofa bed. Swish comforts are part of the experience too, with a VIP bath set, bathrobe, slippers, whirlpool bath, satellite TV with sound bar, tea and coffee facilities (including an espresso machine) and a safe. Plus, free Wi-Fi comes as standard.

Settle in for a romantic evening with room service delivered to your 45 sq.m. Junior Suite (sleeps 2 adults and 1 child). Snuggle up for a film with the kids in a 60 sq.m. Knossos Suite, which has a separate bedroom and a sitting/dining room (sleeps 2 adults and 2 children). Or stretch out across the two floors of a 72 sq.m. Knossos Maisonette (sleeps 2 adults and 2 children), with a sitting/dining room and a shower room/toilet on the ground floor, and a bedroom and bathroom upstairs.

For added luxury, choose the Royal Maisonette, giving you a sea view, a wine cooler, your own beach gazebo and two storeys with a roomy 115 sq.m. The seafront Royal Suites are even more spacious (129 sq.m.), with two bedrooms and bathrooms and room for up to 4 adults and 2 children. And how about splashing out on star-style living with butler service and in-room massage treatments, available only for Royal and Imperial guests.

If you’re looking for the ultimate upgrade, treat yourself to the plushest of hideaways with a stay in one of the two Imperial Villas on the seafront. As well as an entire villa to call home, you’ll get your own private pool, an included minibar and exclusive services fit for a celeb! Ideal for older, larger or extended families, the Imperial Villa Phaedra (227 sq.m.) can host up to 6 adults and 2 children, with 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, a lounge-diner with fireplace, an exercise bike and panoramic views. While Imperial Villa Evropi (sleeping up to 4 adults and 2 children) has an impressive 235 sq.m. of space, two bedrooms and bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, a lounge-diner with fireplace, fitness room with sea view and a sauna.

When you’re not joining in with a dance contest, floating in the saltwater pools or checking out the view from a pedalo, you’ll find all sorts to do in and around Hersonissos (2km away). Explore the fascinating Cave of Zeus, ride the chutes at Aqua Plus Water Park or hire a car to go beach hopping around Crete. Don’t miss your chance to visit the jaw-dropping ruins of the Palace of Knossos, too. The supposed home of the mythical Minotaur from the Ancient Greek stories, it’s only 30km away at the edge of the island’s capital, Heraklion.