Stay Here: Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas, CreteBy Angelica Malin
If I could have one weekend anywhere on earth, I would spend it in Crete. Crete is like nowhere else in the world; with incredible beaches, stunning views, oceanside restaurants and an easy, laidback culture, it makes for the perfect weekend destination. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle of the city, I cannot recommend Daios Cove more – it’s simply one of the most breathtaking, awe-inspiring hotels I’ve ever visited. Located in Agios Nikolaos, this beach resort is an icon, with one-of-a-kind architecture and chic, minimal interior design to seduce you, and 5* facilities to match. Need a sunshine getaway? Here’s what you need to know:
Daios Cove is a privately owned, five-star beach resort located on an unspoiled hillside in North East Crete. Set on the tranquil Vathi beach in Crete, the view will, quite simply, take your breath away. With sweeping ocean views that greet you from the second you step inside the hotel, it’s a little world unto itself, tucked away in a quiet cove. Small but mighty, this resort simply has it all; boasting a heated infinity pool with unparalleled views out to sea, three cocktail bars, state-of-the-art Spa by Anne Semonin with two indoor fresh seawater pools, three exquisite restaurants, two tennis courts and a variety of water sport activities. You’ll be hosted in the most incredible sea-facing bedrooms; choose one with its own private infinity pools, for the ultimate seclusion and privacy, and expect the holiday of a lifetime.
The rooms range from Deluxe Sea View Rooms and Junior Suites with private pools, to One Bedroom Sea View Suites and Premium Sea View Suites. The Deluxe Rooms are wonderful; elegant, beautiful rooms with amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea, featuring an open-plan living room, marble bathroom and private balcony for taking in the stunning sunsets in Crete. The One-Bedroom Suite with private pool is also breathtaking; you’ll be treated to the most amazing views of the cove from this room, with a private pool for your pleasure.
For something extra special, the resort has recently added ten new Premium Sea View Suites, which sleep up to four adults. The rooms feature a master bedroom with a sitting area, two bathrooms, a large open plan living and dining room with stylish Maxalto Italian furnishings, Nespresso coffee machines and double transformable wall bed. Perched on ancient hilltops with sweeping views of the cove, the suites will also house spacious verandas, ideal for outdoor dining. Along with the guests of the Daios Cove villas, the guests of the Premium suites will be offered VIP breakfast at the exclusive Ocean restaurant which overlooks the infinity pool and picturesque cove.
Of course, if you want to go all out, Daios Cove also has an incredible array of private villas. The biggest of which being The Mansion, which has a vast indoor space – 600sqm on three levels – and includes a plush open-plan living area, three bedrooms, an outdoor heated pool, staff quarters and a private spa with indoor heated pool, sauna and massage area. You can have private dining on your own balcony, a chef on request, a private personal trainer and in-suite spa treatments. The stuff of dreams, people.
The food. Oh boy, the food. Amazing food is basically a given in Greece, but Crete is a particular hotspot for foodies, boasting some of the best local produce, fresh fish and grilled meats in all of the country. Daios Cove is a total foodies’ haven, with some of the best Greek food I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.
The resort is home to three restaurants and two bars; Taverna, the traditional Greek taverna, Ocean Restaurant, for Mediterranean fine dining, and Pangea, a global-inspired buffet restaurant. Breakfast is served at Ocean Restaurant – expect an incredible spread of local cheeses, honey, thick, creamy Greek yogurt, the best fresh fruit and delicious made-to-order eggs. And mini pastries. So many delicious mini pastries.
Daios Cove is truly the place to come for foodies. The quality of the food is really second to none; I loved Taverna best (because when in Greece, eat all the mezze, right?) for its Greek dips, grilled fish and incredible baklava.
There’s also a Beach Bar that serves up fruity cocktails, fresh salads and fantastic chicken skewers, which can be enjoyed on the beach on the comfort of your own sun lounger. Simply wonderful. For cocktails in the evening, the resort has Crystal Box, which serves up amazing culinary-inspired cocktail creations. Grab a salted caramel popcorn cocktails and soak up the amazing views.
Honestly, the beach here is simply incredible – and you can lose yourself by chilling on the beach, cocktail in one hand, a good book in the other, for days on end. There’s delicious cocktails and snacks to enjoy all day, and, if you’re more of a pool person, they have an amazing infinity seawater swimming pool with views to the private cove.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, the resort has activities for all ages; from water-skiing, pedalos, canoeing and scuba diving to tennis, fitness training, yoga and pilates. There’s also a full range of entertainment available, including tailor-made excursions around the island, and wine-tasting sessions. Of course, if you just want to chill by the pool with a cappuccino, that’s totally fine by us.
When the sun goes down, there’s a programme of DJ nights, dancing and live events, with guest artists playing latin, funk, soul, jazz and traditional Mediterranean and Cretan music under the stars.
If it’s total rest and relaxation you’re after, the resort’s spa is incredible. It’s one of the leading spas in Greece, with state-of-the-art suites, a Finnish sauna, hydro-massage, Thai massage studio and Technogym. They use only the best Anne Semonin products for the ultimate spa experience; expect everything from Pure Rejuvenation Massages to Anti-fatigue Back Remedy and Marine Mineral Purifier Facial. Just, glorious.
If that’s not enough, this year Daios Cove has announced a five-day yoga retreat on the 3rd-7th October 2016. Every day, guests will take part in two yoga sessions, morning and evening, run by the hotel’s yoga specialists who create bespoke workshops for all. There’s also free access to the Wet Spa Area on a daily basis to enjoy the Finnish sauna, the soft sauna, the Mediterraneo and the Nimfea reaction showers. What’s more, there is a vast array of healthy and delicious meals, snacks and smoothies available throughout the day and night at the hotel’s three restaurants and three bars, with an emphasis on the best quality, fresh and local ingredient. Yes, please.
This resort is like nowhere on earth. It’s like a little secret, tucked away in cove, that you only tell your closest friends. With some of the finest Greek food I’ve ever tasted, a simply breathtaking beach, wicked cocktail bars and the most stunning private suites, a holiday here is one you will remember for the rest of your life. Take my word for it: Daios Cove needs to be your next island getaway. What are you waiting for?
Nightly rates at Daios Cove start from €464 half-board based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Sea View Room. To book call +30 28410 62600 or visit www.daioscove.com for more details and reservations. The five day Yoga Retreat costs £275*/€349 per person, plus room costs. To book call +30 28410 62600 or visit www.daioscove.com for more details and reservations.
