After leaving a wet and cold morning in Manchester, I landed at Heraklion Airport in Crete and was swiftly taken to my first hotel, the Grecotel Amirandes. Greeted with cold towels and refreshing homemade lemonade, I was delighted to be in the 30-degree heat.
My accommodation was a 2-bedroom suite with a private pool overlooking a wonderful sandy beach. The hotel boasts two coves of fine golden sand, an Olympic-size seawater main pool, a children’s freshwater pool, and an indoor freshwater pool heated in April and October.
Dining at Grecotel Amirandes is a treat with up to seven restaurants and two bars, including four A’la Carte options. I enjoyed a meal at the Minotaur Italian fine dining restaurant on their floating deck, surrounded by water and an impressive collection of genuine Picasso ceramics.
Next, I moved to the Grecotel LUX ME White Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This hotel offers open-style public spaces, beautiful pools, and great sea views. The Luxe All-Inclusive Dining includes six restaurants, four bars, a patisserie, creperie, and gelateria – perfect for grabbing a cool ice cream or sorbet in the intense Greek heat.
A standout experience was the dine-out option at Agreco Farm near Rethymnon. This unique culinary adventure was the highlight of the trip for me. I learned about traditional olive pressing and tasted seasonal dishes based on the land's produce.
I also visited the Knossos Palace Archaeological Site, marvelling at the intricate carvings on the walls and wandering through courtyards, imagining life in this ancient city. It’s a must-see when staying in Crete.
Overall, the trip perfectly blended luxury, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience.
