Daios Cove, Crete

LOCATION: Few resorts manage to uphold the illusion of being secluded havens in the middle of nowhere while in fact being less than 15 minutes from the centre of town.

LOCATION: Few resorts manage to uphold the illusion of being secluded havens in the middle of nowhere while in fact being less than 15 minutes from the centre of town. But Daios Cove is one of them.

This luxury seafront resort overlooks the picturesque Mirabello Bay, about an hour from Crete’s Heraklion airport. Despite the supreme tranquillity and privacy on site, with the bustling centre of Agios Nikolaos only 15 minutes away, exploring the local area is not off the cards if clients are that way inclined.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: We were greeted by friendly and attentive staff, who took our bags, gave us  the tour and led us to our room. And when I say led, I mean drove. Guests are chauffeur-driven around the resort in noiseless buggies, which can be ordered from rooms or reception. After we’d been dropped off and left to have a dip in our private pool, I had a moment of complete happiness. It was then I decided that I never wanted to leave Daios Cove.

A GOO D BASE FOR: Ultimate relaxation.

Whether it’s enjoying an Anne Semonin spa treatment, taking in the stunning views out to sea from the infinity pool or having a glass of wine on the resort’s private beach, R&R is the name of the game at this Greek beauty.

THE FACTS: The hotel has 285 rooms, suites and villas, all with floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning views across the bay. The spacious standard rooms feature balconies with sea views, seating areas and marble bathrooms – perfect for clients looking for a romantic getaway – and fast, free Wi-Fi. Deluxe suites have private terraces, while larger suites and villas also have living rooms, which are ideal for large families. The breakfast buffet is expansive and can be eaten on the lawn outside the Pangea restaurant with the seascape as backdrop. Traditional Greek food is served at the beautiful à la carte restaurant Taverna, which receives fresh fish every day by kaiki boat. The other dining venue, Ocean Restaurant, puts an interesting twist on modern Mediterranean cuisine and served, what was for me, the best meal of the trip. Once the sun goes down the DJs come out, spinning ambient dance tracks from the Crystal Box cocktail bar.

WOW: It’s hard to choose a single wow moment, but being driven from the airport in one of Daios Cove’s luxury limos with a bottle of Moët & Chandon on ice was a special standout experience.

HOW MU CH: From €239 per night for a Deluxe Room with a sea view including breakfast, based on a summer 2017 stay.

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