Imagine whitewashed walls adorned with climbing bougainvillea and the distant sound of harbor boats gently rocking in crystal clear waters.

Too idyllic to be real? Mirabello Bay, located on the eastern tip of the Greek island of Crete, is truly a picture-perfect destination.

Unlike popular places like Santorini which attract large crowds, Mirabello Bay offers an equally stunning blue and white environment bathed in sunshine, making it a great place for a romantic getaway without the stress of overbooking or spending excessive.

ALL RIGHT! ReviewZoe Cripps recently stayed at the five-star Wyndham Grand’s Mirabello Bay Hotel to explore its new water park – perfect for summer holidays with kids – and its spacious, renovated rooms…

Where to stay

The hotel, located directly on the water’s edge, provides a haven for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

With 342 rooms and suites, guests can choose their preferred level of luxury. Opt for a maisonette, where harbor views and semi-private pools will tempt you to leave the comfort of your crisp white sheets for a morning coffee on the terrace.

The reasons

A walk around the vast complex reveals its size. Facilities include volleyball courts, two private beaches, a harbor, 11 restaurants and bars, four outdoor swimming pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

If you’re planning a family vacation, the hotel is set to unveil a new water park this season, promising hours of fun for little ones. I couldn’t resist heading straight to the Mirabello Spa, which has several treatment rooms, an impressive hammam, tea room, sauna and hot tub .

I chose a 50-minute anti-stress body massage and was instantly transported to a state of bliss with the scent of lavender fragrance oil.

Eat and drink

The meal times were definitely the highlight of my stay. The main Amalthea Restaurant offers buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a delicious mix of local and international dishes.

Elia (which translates to “olive” in Greek) presents an a la carte menu of Cretan delights such as grilled octopus and stuffed vine leaves. My favorite place was the Marina Yacht Club, perfectly located on the harbor and ideal for sunset drinks.

With a chilled glass of rosé in hand (as an all-inclusive guest, you can enjoy as much as you like), I watched the boats return to the dock, wondering if anyone would notice if I slipped subtly to extend my stay. indefinitely.

See the tourist sites

This particular region of Crete has a rich history and many famous sites. After devouring Victoria Hislop’s “The Island” on my flight above, I was eager to visit the old leper island of Spinalonga, where the novel takes place.

I recommend visiting later in the afternoon to avoid large tourist groups. You can arrange a tour through the hotel or take a taxi to Plaka (just 20 minutes away), where you can easily find boats offering a return trip to the island for €10.

Be prepared to pay an €8 entrance fee to the island and consider extending your stay in Plaka for dinner at Taverna Giorgos. Here you will get a taste of authentic Greek hospitality.

Enjoy a waterside seat, order the grilled octopus and savor a glass of local wine as the sun sets. Zoe’s top travel tips include learning to cook like a local at an olive oil farm next to the hotel, where they offer cooking classes on how to prepare their famous stuffed grape leaves .

Zoe’s best travel tips

Do not refuse the offer of raki, as it is a gesture of hospitality. The distilled liquor has a strong taste but is drinkable.

Consider taking home a bottle of local olive oil, grown since Minoan times and among the tastiest and highest quality in the world. Room rates start from £151 per night in double occupancy with breakfast included.

From April 2024 to October 31, 2024, the hotel is offering a 20% discount on bookings. Visit Wyndhamhotels.com for more information.

Flights to Heraklion are offered by Easyjet, BA and TUI Airways, with prices starting from £39 out of season. Check the best rates here.