Mitsis Royal Mare

When it comes to VIP Greek hospitality combined with luxe facilities, Mitsis Royal Mare Thalasso Resort takes the crown. An oasis of tranquillity with its private beach set-up and award-winning spa, this 5 star hotel is your gateway to escaping reality. And did we mention it's a foodies’ paradise? Think fresh Mediterranean dishes served with fine wines - just one of its six dining options.

When you want to relax in premium comfort, you’ve got your pick of rooms. From sprawling superior bungalows to suites with private pools and executive numbers featuring hot tubs. As standard, you can expect a flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, beach towels, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. Plus complimentary bathrobes and slippers. Upgrades may include additional facilities such as sunloungers, Aegean sea views, welcome cocktails and VIP breakfast at La Pergola. And families, there’s plenty of space for you too, with sleeping options accommodating up to four with a separate bedroom for added privacy.

You’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to gourmet dining. Inspired by classical recipes and turning them into healthy alternatives with fresh local produce, the cuisine is Aldemar’s trademark. If you opt to go All Inclusive, you can take advantage of its four a la carte options at least once during your stay without footing the bill. Alongside unlimited access to drinks, snacks and a duo of buffets for 12 hours per day.

Albatros is your go-to lunch spot open between 10 am and 6 pm serving the tastes of the sea and traditional Greek fare. Meanwhile, El Greco lies among the bougainvilleas in the hotel’s cobbled yard, whipping up hearty Italian eats from 7 pm until 11 pm. The Royal Palm is a sushi bar bringing you the best of Oriental flavours between 7 pm and midnight. But when you simply can’t decide, Sympossio is made up of international buffet spreads for breakfast and dinner. As for milkshakes, smoothies, herbal teas and cocktails, there are four drinking venues at your fingertips. If you want to experience Crete’s dining scene away from the hotel, Half and Full Board options are also available.

When you’re not filling your face, you’ve got two large freshwater pools daring you to take a dip. There’s also a paddle-friendly option for your mini holidaymakers to splash around in. Plus the toe-sinking sands of Hersonissos leading you directly to the sea. If you can pull yourself away from the sunlounger, the mini-golf course and volleyball court will bring out your competitive side. Or get your blood pumping in the fitness centre with its free weights and top-of-the-range cardio equipment. When it comes to detoxing, you’re in award-winning territory. Think body scrubs, hydro-jet baths and massages with organic essential oils. No wonder the Royal Mare spa is listed among the top 10 Thalasso Centres worldwide!

After dark, everything from DJs to dancers and live musicians take to the stage while you’re sipping free-flowing drinks from Minos Bar.

Location-wise, you’ve got the lively Hersonissos, AKA the ‘King of Crete’, around two kilometres away. Combining waterfront bars, a trio of beaches with two exhilarating waterparks and Minoan ruins, this resort gets top marks for fun things to do. And you don’t have to go that far to experience grilled Greek eats with a line-up of traditional tavernas just outside the hotel.