IF YOU’RE anything like me, the last thing you want to do when you’re tired after a long flight is sitting through a long car journey. Luckily, the drive from Heraklion Airport to Creta Maris was a mere 20 minutes. It was just enough time to soak up the coastal landscape, but long enough to yearn for a comfortable bed.
The resort is a large structure and stands elegantly in the Hersonissos Beach area. It invites guests in from all directions, but after pulling up to the main entrance, a man dressed in a traditional fisherman-style hat and stone linens took our bags and guided us inside the resort.
The central lobby presented a view of the crystal blue sea which was framed through glass doors. I’m told the lobby area is part of the resort’s new refurbishment, and examples of that old and new sit in comfortable contrast across the site.
Bungalow villa.
We were led down a rustic stone path, which took us to a spacious villa room. This small detour from the lobby offered a complete change of scenery. It was on the quieter side and had a homey village feel that looked like it was taken straight out of a feel-good film.
The room had terracotta tiles, wooden furniture and two airy balconies which were perfect for sunbathing or simply enjoying captivating views of the azure Aegean Sea. It felt like someone’s home, and we settled in quickly.
You’re guaranteed to get lost on your first day in the resort, but this worked in my favour. After a short nap, I left with the intention of taking a stroll, but I stumbled across a little gate which led to a tucked-away beach. A small selection of sunbeds lined the rocky beachfront and I spent my first afternoon soaking up the rays and enjoying the warm water.
Private dining with a view.
Being an all-inclusive, food choices are boundless, but a few restaurants stood out in terms of gastronomic offerings. Dinner at their new restaurant Alatsi was the perfect introduction to Cretan cuisine as we enjoyed a variety of fresh local fish, vegetarian dishes and desserts all paired with local wines with the help of a sommelier.
After a lazy morning at the beach followed by a series of strong Greek coffees, we were ready to venture further out. There’s no need to leave the resort, but if you’re a wine lover or culture vulture, a visit to Lyrarakis Winery is a must.
We took an hour-long taxi ride to the family-owned vineyard to learn more about the beautifully crisp dry white wines we’d been enjoying at the resort. The winery has gained cult status for using old vines and even saving some varieties from extinction, and we learnt about their grape harvest whilst embarking on a tour of the vineyard followed by a wine and olive oil tasting.
We stopped by the city centre to browse local shops and visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum on our route back to fulfil our inner culture vulture.
Adama Cocktail Bar (adults only).
As the sun set over Crete, we ambled over to the stylish Adama cocktail bar area for ice-cold golden hour ouzos before heading to the much anticipated Pithos restaurant for an organic-ingredient-led dinner.
The resort takes sustainability seriously and has committed to growing a small percentage of fresh fruit and vegetables on site. As for the bulk of the food, it is locally sourced from farmers and reliable sellers.
Fresh food at Pithos.
As we sipped on our favourite wine and enjoyed a rustic-style dinner at Pithos, it occurred to me how at home we’d felt with the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere in the resort.
It’s inclusive in every sense, meaning children and bigger families are welcome, however, the quiet pockets which lie in every nook and cranny will transport you to your own hidden paradise.
With its breathtaking seafront location, impeccable service, and an array of dining and entertainment options, Creta Maris is the epitome of a dream all-inclusive holiday destination and can’t be faulted.
by Katrina Mirpuri
For more information on how to book a stay at Creta Maris, visit their website here.