The Best Hotels in Crete

"In the unspoilt eastern side of the island, nestled between the town of Agios Nikolaos and the fishing village of Elounda, where local fishing boats pootle about the marina, life at St Nicolas Bay Resort feels simple. It’s hard to put this blissfully soothing cliff-side hotel into words: a hidden Greek far from the madding crowds, with twinkly sea views in every direction, teamed with a comforting, relaxed vibe that will see you and your brood scooped up, set down and looked after. Families can’t get enough of the chic new Olives & Sea suites, with separate bedrooms for the sprogs, private terraces and a pool so you can do laps and drink rosé, gazing across the spectacular Mirabello Bay, while they nap peacefully inside. The hotel is scattered about its six acres, with a rustic, authentically Grecian style, all-white stone walls fringed by blossoming pink oleanders and olive trees, with its own sandy beach and oodles of tucked-away spots under the fragrant bougainvillea or beside the ancient church, ideal for diving, nose-deep into a book. There’s a brilliant kids’ club run by the kind-hearted Roula, a baby and Olympic-sized infinity pool and no shortage of tempting food - from the Greek Kafeneion, where a bouzouki band serenades as you tuck into wood-fired souvlaki to the fine-dining Minotaur and its famed sushi. However, this place is all about the people. Eleni remembers every child by name with a high-five, Nikos happily picks up a tantruming toddler for a whirl around in his hotel buggy, and manager Alex treats every family coming here like his own. So very different from the run-of-the-mill resorts that Greece has become synonymous with, you’ll feel clever for finding this spot. —Annabelle Spranklen Price: from $315 per nightAddress: Thesi Nissi, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00, Greece"