On my recent trip to Crete, I had the pleasure of staying three nights at the stunning Minos Beach Art Hotel.
This gorgeous five star stopover is located right on the water’s edge; it perfectly encapsulates luxury living in Greece’s largest and most populated island.
A 10-minute walk brings you into the heart of the picture-perfect town of Agios Nikolaos. A 20-minute drive brings you to Port Plaka. From here, a boat can take you across to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga.
View from a double seafront room
Back at the hotel, the charming flower-bedded pathways, marble floors and welcoming staff were just a few things I noticed upon arrival.
After a late night and long day traveling, I sat down at the hotel’s Ambrosia restaurant, where I enjoyed the most delicious meal of my trip.
A tender lamb shank with meat that fell from the bone and a chocolate fondant, oozing melted chocolate from its core. I was already in paradise and my stay had barely begun.
Firstly, my sea-view room was ginormous. The unfussy, open plan layout was styled with contemporary furniture, and a light, airy color schemes. A spacious balcony offered expansive views of the deeply cyanic sea.
Meanwhile, the stone floor throughout the room cooled my feet during the balmy nights and scorching days.
Double sea-view room
The king size bed was comfortable; the feather-light weight of the duvet and pillows made for a more than enjoyable sleep.
Mornings were my favorite part of my stay: never before have I woken up to such a breathtaking view.
View from the private balcony
Meanwhile, the facilities of the hotel were impeccable throughout.
Minos Beach has complimentary wifi, four fine dining restaurants, two lounge bars, a gym, a spa, a pool and a range of water sports on offer.
Bacchus Main Restaurant
Bacchus Main Restaurant was our designated breakfast hotspot, the perfect place to set up a day of sightseeing and exploration.
The breakfast buffet had many options: sausage, bacon, eggs, fruit, cereal or of course sumptuous Greek yogurt, meats and cheeses.
A standout feature were the friendly chefs who cook your eggs to order right in front of your eyes.
La Bouilabalsse Restaurant
Furthermore, the luxurious La Bouillabaisse Mediterranean Restaurant, which hosted dinner one evening, delivered a high-class menu and tongue-tingling wine.
It was here that I had the best scallops I’ve ever eaten in my life and juicy lamb to rival the restaurant’s stablemate, Ambrosia.
Terpis Cretan Restaurant
Finally, I spent the last night of my stay dining at Terpis. Cue yet more lamb, perfectly succulent after hours on a spit roast.
The highlight of the night was traditional Greek dancing, with six locals taking part and offering an insight into authentic Cretan life.
It’s about fun, good food and looking after one another. All three things I can tick off my visit to Crete and Minos Beach.
Minos Beach swimming pool and lounge bar
I’m inclined to choose the sea over a pool given the option and, amazingly, here you have a choice. (It has two private sand beaches in its vicinity).
However, I uncharacteristically opted for the pool, finding it irresistibly glamorous.
The chilled out staff at the lounge bar are of course at your disposal. And if the pool isn’t you choice, beach/seafront service is also on hand.
Later, I had an out of body experience during my session at the onsite Ananea Wellness spa.
Ananea Spa
The 70-minute Cretan Massage encompasses the whole body, including toes. It utilizes Cretan olive oil and also extracts of orange and raki (an alcoholic spirit).
Furthermore, my therapist was attentive, careful to check whether I was comfortable and if the pressure was suitable. My verdict on the treatment, and my stay at the hotel generally? Nothing short of amazing.
For more information on Minos Beach Art Hotel click here.
Watch the full video of my trip to Greece below:
