Picture white-washed walls with bougainvillaea climbing all the way up it and the distant sound of harbour boats bobbing around in the crystal clear waters. Sound too dreamy to be true? Mirabello Bay, on the eastern tip of Greece’s island of Crete, truly is just like something off a postcard.
Plus, without the huge crowds that sought-after locations like Santorini welcome, but with equally as beautiful blue and white sun-soaked surroundings, it's the perfect place for a romantic getaway for less money and less booking stress.
Here, OK!'s Zoe checks in for a stay at Wyndham Grand’s 5* Mirabello Bay Hotel to take a look at their new waterpark – perfect for summer holidays with the kids – and updated, airy rooms...
Where to stay
The hotel sits right on the water and offers stressed-out guests a haven of tranquillity where they can recharge and unwind. With 342 rooms and suites, you can choose your level of luxury. Treat yourself to a maisonette, where the views of the harbour and semi-private pools will make you want to leave the crisp white sheets and head straight out into the sun for a morning coffee on the terrace.
The grounds
Taking a stroll around the complex, I could see just how big it is. There are volleyball beach courts, two private beaches, a harbour, 11 restaurants and bars, four outdoor pools and a fancy fitness centre.
If you’re on a family holiday, the hotel is unveiling a new waterpark this season set to provide hours of fun for kids. I made a beeline for the Mirabello Spa where there are several treatment rooms, an impressive hammam, a tea lounge, a sauna and a jacuzzi. I opted for a 50-minute anti-stress body massage and found bliss as soon as I took a whiff of the lavender-scented oil.
Eating and drinking
Meal times were the highlight of my stay. Amalthea main restaurant has a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet and serves a mix of local and international delicacies. Elia (the Greek word for olive) has an à la carte menu featuring Cretan delights like grilled octopus and stuffed vine leaves. I loved the Marina Yacht Club, which is set on the harbour and is the perfect spot for sunset drinks.
With a chilled glass of rosé (if you’re booking as an all-inclusive guest, you can get as many of these as you want), I would watch the boats come back in to dock and wondered if anyone would notice if I just sneaked into one so I could stay forever.
See the sights
This particular part of Crete offers so much history and famous sights to see. Having read Victoria Hislop’s ‘The Island’ on my flight over, I was eager to visit the old leper island of Spinalonga, where the book is set. Go later on in the afternoon to avoid huge tour groups. You can arrange a visit via the hotel or get a taxi to Plaka (20 minutes away), where you can easily find boats to take you to the island for €10 return.
Entry to the island is €8 so have cash ready. It’s worth staying on in Plaka for the evening and having dinner at Taverna Giorgos, where you’ll experience the true meaning of Greek hospitality. Grab a seat by the waterside, order the grilled octopus and sip a glass of local wine as the sun sets.
Zoe's top travel tips
*Fancy learning to cook like a local? Just next door to the hotel is an olive oil farm where they run cooking lessons and teach you how to whip up their famous stuffed vine leaves.
*Try not to turn down the offer of raki as it’s given as an expression of hospitality. The taste of the distilled liquor is strong but it’s drinkable.
*Bring home a bottle of the local olive oil. The olives in Crete have been cultivated since the Minoan times and are some of the tastiest and best quality in the world.
Book it
Rates start from £151 per night here for double occupancy with breakfast included. Between Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024, the hotel is offering a 20% discount on bookings. See Wyndhamhotels.com for more information. Flights to Heraklion are served by Easyjet, BA and TUI Airways and start from £39 out of season. Check the best rates here.
