Minos Beach Art Hotel Hotel

Crete, Greece

There are few places better to soothe a frazzled urban soul than poolside at Crete’s tranquil Minos Beach Art Hotel. Nestled between the whitewashed towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, the low-rise, 1961-built idyll is surrounded by pines and framed by the turquoise Mirabello Bay, its fragrant, contemporary art-filled gardens constituting an eclectic outdoor art gallery. It is hardly surprising that Walt Disney himself chose to holiday here.

Offering 15 room categories, the design is one of clean lines, pendant lighting, fluttering voile curtains and rustic basketry. Boutique bungalows boast sun-dappled private terraces so close to the shore that you can dip your toes while sunbathing. Inside, airy interiors are fitted with a state-of-the-art lighting and AV system, while bathrooms have walk-in rainforest showers.

When it comes to dining, there is no need to stray very far. Take ambrosial breakfasts alfresco at the main restaurant, Bacchus (whose slow-cooked pork at dinner, incidentally is the stuff of Greek legend), lunch at Terpsis (think whole grilled fish, succulent souvlaki, keftedes and baklava) and, at least once during your stay, dine at La Bouillabaisse, renowned since the Seventies for its refined Mediterranean plates. Later, the softly lit fire pit – and an array of quality craft cocktails – beckon.

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, the surrounding area has much to offer: the Cretan Olive Oil Farm for insight into production techniques ancient and modern, a clutch of high-end diving schools, and the hauntingly beautiful Spinalonga island, made famous by Victoria Hislop’s best-selling 2007 novel The Island.

Doubles from £230