Location: St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is in a beautiful, secluded beachfront setting one mile from Agios Nikolaos, a popular cosmopolitan Cretan summer destination and picturesque fishing port. The resort is an hour drive (approximately 37 miles) from Heraklion airport towards the east of the island and boasts commanding coastal views.

First impressions: Following a tiring journey we arrived at St Nicolas late in the evening. However, our spirits were lifted as we took in the warm, scented air and were greeted by hotel manager Alex Glynos and his friendly staff – a nice touch given the late hour.

A moonlight drink at the Bonatsa Jetty Bar was suggested, and walking through the illuminated gardens towards the bay’s crystal-clear waters, we were met by the sight of a school of seabass swimming gracefully by. As travel fatigue set in, we were escorted to our suites via the up-lit tree-lined paths and looked forward to seeing it in its full glory and bathed in sunlight the following day.

The facts: St Nicolas Bay Resort boasts 125 spacious sea-facing suites, 30 of which have private pools. Another 14 are slated for 2023 as part of a new development. During lockdown the management renovated all the rooms, which are tastefully decorated in a mix of traditional classic and modern minimalist styling.

This satisfying blend of contemporary design and traditional Cretan decor permeates through the resort, creating an overall sense of discreet luxury, enhanced by the manicured gardens. Food lovers won’t be disappointed: – five restaurants serve dishes ranging from traditional to modern fine dining and Asian fusion.

There are also three bars, a Cretan art museum, a gallery and state-of-the-art Poseidon Spa that houses one of the resort’s three swimming pools. A fourth pool is soon to be added, alongside other additions including an outdoor gym, a yoga pavilion, a children’s nature area and a teenagers’ club.

Being on the coast, it would be remiss not to embrace some of the watersports activities on offer, such as waterskiing, kayaking and paddleboarding. For guests inclined to relax, the spa offers many programmes and treatments. Group and private yoga sessions are available and there is a well-equipped fitness centre for those with energy to spare.

Ideal for: With its range of facilities and notwithstanding development plans for 2023, St Nicolas Bay caters to both families and couples in a peaceful, sophisticated environment.

Explore: The property offers a selection of excursions both by foot and boat. Not to be missed is the walking tour of Spinalonga, which is a 15-minute boat ride from the coastal town of Plaka. Here you can learn the history of the island, particularly the tragic years from 1903 to 1957 during which it was used as a colony to isolate people afflicted with leprosy.

The following day we were treated to a hike through Kritsa Gorge, a masterpiece of Mother Nature. This involved a four-mile journey through a dried-up riverbed, taking in spectacular views of sculpted cliff faces and assorted species of plants that are endemic to Crete.

Other popular attractions that the island has to offer include the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, the pristine beaches of Elafonissos and Falassarna and the ancient Plateau of Lassithi that features the Diktaion Andron cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus, king of the Olympian gods.

Wow: During our stay the resort was at full occupancy, but not at any point did it feel crowded or overrun, and there was no shortage of helpful staff willing to assist if required. It isn’t uncommon when documenting a unique destination to heap praise on a spectacular sunset, however my lingering memory will be watching the glorious early-morning sun rise over the bay, reflecting off the glassy Mediterranean and painting the whole resort a bright golden orange.

A great way to start one’s day and wholly recommended for the small price of an early alarm.

Book it: Sovereign has a seven-night stay at St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas priced from £1,350. sovereign.com stnicolasbay.gr