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WHAT WE LOVE...

The epitome of a sea view retreat nestled into mountain landscape. To reach the different levels of the hotel sprawled out over the mountain face, a funicular with floor to ceiling windows with majestic views looking out is an alternative to the stairs. Dining at the hotel is pure pleasure. Expect classic dishes turned on their head in the fine-dining restaurant with menus curated by Michelin starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, as well as fresh, in-season local produce used in all the eateries. Take a stroll or catch a ride in the hotel transfer bus to their beach where you'll find delicious sushi on offer. Sip on traditional herbal tea post spa treatment in the calming spa, after a day sunbathing next to the endless swimming pool.

Your expert reviewer

Yasemen Kaner-White
Author, Freelance Writer, Speaker and Broadcaster
An award winning author and accomplished writer, Yasemen specialises in travel, wellness and food, having written for a range of publications including BBC Travel, Metro, The Week, Geographical Magazine, Guardian and Reader’s Digest. She broadcasts her food and travel experiences for BBC Berkshire radio and speaks regularly at events www.yasemenkanerwhite.com.

THE DETAILS

Location

The Cayo beach and bar serves delicious fresh sushi, Cretan salads and more. The transfer bus is handy is you're not up for a stroll.

Elounda is a pretty fishing village on the east coast of the island. Much quieter than Crete's capital, the hotel's not far from the bustling town of Agios Nikolaos.
By plane: direct flights to Heraklion take around 4 hours from London. It's an hour's drive to the hotel. Free parking available. skyscanner.net

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Style & Character

Whilst ideal for families, it isn't geared exclusively for them and private pools with rooms means the infinity pool is often sparsely occupied, so couples can enjoy tranquillity too. The transparent funicular allowing for uncompromised views over beautiful Elounda made going to and from our room a sheer joy.

Service & Facilities

The waitress gave personal recommendations of which dishes are the most traditionally Cretan, even confessing the pasticcio is better than her mum's.

  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Beachfront
  • Swimming pool
  • Sun terrace
  • Spa/wellness
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking

Rooms

The Superior Sea View Room with private pool is just that. We loved the private pool and balcony leading straight out of the bedroom. An oasis within an oasis.

Superior Room, Executive Room, Premium Room, Family Duplex, Deluxe Villa, CAYO Grand Villa
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, air conditioning, smart TV, room service, pillow menu, free Wi-Fi

Food & Drink

The Cretan salad packed with feta, olives, capers and carob rusks at the beach restaurant is a must for an authentic light bite. The oxtail beef pasticcio was melt-worthy, unctuous meat layered with fresh pasta and a delicate cream. It was fantastic.

Ambrosia: main restaurant, buffet style. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.
Sage & Thyme: elegant terrace restaurant. Mediterranean cuisine. Open daily, 11am-7pm.
Kelari: al fresco dining. Traditional Greek cuisine, à la carte. Open daily, 7:30-10:30pm.

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Rooms available from £354.29 per night

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