DAY ONE

DEPARTURE

I arrived late Wednesday night at the Amirandes Grecotel and was greeted by Yiannis and a lady from the reception. She kindly showed me to my 2-bedroom dream villa with a courtyard and private pool. (This was AMAZING.) I was welcomed with various cold plates, wine, raki, and plenty of water. The room was on two levels and had everything you needed, from complimentary beach towels to flip-flops to toothbrushes. The views were out of this world, and the private pool was the best experience.

DAY TWO

Heraklion Town

I met everyone for breakfast at 9:30 am, where the hotel had arranged a table for us. The selection was great, offering everything from fresh pastries to warm dishes like scrambled eggs, poached eggs, and omelettes, alongside various teas and coffees.

After breakfast, we explored the hotel, which has a beautiful Cretan theme and a spacious layout, making it feel calm and luxurious. With six restaurants, three bars, and 212 rooms - including private villas, grand suites, and premium bungalows - there were plenty of options. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the hotel was just 10 minutes from Gouves for those wanting to explore.

Next, we toured Knossos Palace with a knowledgeable guide who shared fascinating stories about King Minos and the Earthquake that shaped its history.

In Heraklion Town, we enjoyed delicious Gyros and Mythos beer before browsing the shops and admiring the stunning harbour views.

Later, at Amirandes, we indulged in a complimentary deep-tissue massage, a truly relaxing experience I highly recommend.

The evening started with sunset drinks, canapés, and Prosecco before our meal at the Minotaur restaurant. Our table was set in a romantic outdoor space surrounded by water, where we enjoyed a four-course à la carte meal with unlimited wine. We ended the night at the beach bar with a DJ and free drinks - one of the best nights of the trip!

DAY THREE

THE TAVERNAKI

We met for breakfast again at 9:30 am, with a reserved table and access to the buffet, which offered an amazing selection for everyone.

After checking out, I transferred to Marine Palace & Aqua Park, a lively, family-friendly hotel split into three areas, including the relaxed Casa Marina. It was perfect for families, with six pools, a kids' club, and an Aqua Park open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (with drinks and snacks included). The hotel was also just a five-minute walk from the charming village of Panormos.

Next, I checked into LUXME White Palace, where I was welcomed with prosecco before Lunch at Tavernaki. We enjoyed a delicious meze meal with wine and raki, featuring the best Moussaka I've ever had while taking in stunning sea views.

Later, we visited Caramel Boutique Resort, a smaller, intimate hotel with just 69 rooms. We had an incredible eight-course meal at the outdoor à la carte restaurant, where live music created a special atmosphere. The hotel often features live performances, including a saxophonist at breakfast on Tuesdays. Just four miles from Rethymnon, it offers modern and traditional accommodation. It has villas, junior suites, maisonettes, and bungalows - beautifully designed with artwork and character.

DAY FOUR

AGRECO FARM

We started the day with breakfast, served across three areas with a great selection of continental and cooked options, followed by tea or coffee.



Our first stop was LUXME, a modern hotel with stunning sea views, six restaurants, an ice cream parlour, and two outdoor pools with kids' sections. Guests enjoy all-inclusive perks, including free access to the Aqua Park at Marine Palace and a complimentary visit to Greco Farm (transfers not included).

Next, we visited Grecotel Creta Palace, the first Grecotel in Crete. It has 567 rooms, half-board or all-inclusive options, eight restaurants, and multiple pools, including 10 private villa pools. Just two miles from Rethymnon, it offers easy access to town. Over Lunch - a delicious Greek meze with wine - we learned that Grecotels protect nesting turtles by keeping beach lights off from May to October.

In the evening, we toured Agreco Farm, learning about traditional olive oil and honey production while sampling cheese, olives, and wine. Our final dinner was a meze meal in an open-air restaurant surrounded by fields, which was a breathtaking way to end the trip!