Cayo Elounda Hotel

Crete

The place where mountain meets sea is always magical, but nowhere more so than the birthplace of Zeus, where sparkling Aegean waters lap olive-dotted shores. And, for a slice of Cretan paradise, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in the colourful fishing port of Elounda is a safe bet. Peering towards the Spinalonga islet – which inspired Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island – suites with pools are stacked hillside. Marrying Italian and Grecian styles, sleek interiors are punctuated with handcrafted ceramics and pops of turquoise. The resort is equipped with a two-level infinity pool, fitness centre, spa and four restaurants, with Lefteris Lazarou, the first Greek chef to be awarded a Michelin-star, behind the menu at Kelari. Fresh seafood washed down with Cretan and Hellenic wine is the perfect way to end sun-filled days.

Doubles from £278. 00 30 28410 44700, cayoresort.com

Words by Megan Dickson.

This review was taken from the June 2023 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.