Editor Claire Ridley jetted to Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay in the popular coastal town of Agios Nikolaos
Nestled on the east coast of the island with two private Blue Flag-awarded sandy beaches is this charming five-star resort that’s reached by flying directly to Heraklion International Airport. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with unbeatable panoramic views spanning the Cretan Sea and the hillsides of the Lassithi region. This resort is perfect for honeymooners wanting to get away from it all. Open from mid-April until the end of October, the luxurious yet laid-back vibe welcomes you the moment you enter.
I was excited to stay at this relaxed retreat, home to 343 contemporary bedrooms, bungalows and spacious suites, some with private jet pools. The hotel's best offerings for honeymooners include the Deluxe Junior Suite – Indoor Jacuzzi & Private Pool located in the main building and annex, and the Bungalow Junior Suite - Sea View in the Cretan-style village opposite which became my hideout. It opened on to a private sun-soaked terrace boasting beach views. The opulent two-bedroom villas, one being the Royal Villa – Private Pool & Jacuzzi are jewels in the resort's crown.
Three beachside restaurants command prime position. At the main Amalthea seaside-chic restaurant, a delicious Cretan and Mediterranean buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed overlooking the picturesque Mirabello Bay from the outdoor and indoor veranda.
I was impressed by the fashionable setting and fine dining offering at the à la carte Elia restaurant which transforms into an Italian trattoria setting at night which looks oh-so romantic lit up. Here, I tucked into the gorgonzola salad to start followed by the delicious mushroom risotto dished up with impeccable service against the beach backdrop – the popular pizzas are a must-try!
Inspired by the island's culture, Kafenion is styled on a local taverna offering Cretan mezze made using some of the freshest and finest local ingredients. Cretan Dakos and leafy salads are tasty dishes from the cold mezze selection while grilled octopus and fried squid are on the hot mezze menu – the variety of traditional syrupy desserts isn't to be missed here!
At the relaxed Bay Grill & Bar, perched under tamarisk trees and open from June until October (weather permitting), freshly caught seafood and grilled meat and delicacies can be enjoyed, with the bar service creating colourful cocktails and more – I couldn't resist the tasty pineapple-topped piña colada!
Honeymooners can enjoy a sundowner at the Thea Lobby Bar or the Marina Yacht Club admiring views of the Mirabello marina, or relax after dinner with chilled music on the Shisha Patio. There’s also nightly entertainment with live music, DJ sets and dancing – the Greek folklore and Las Vegas dancing shows are must-sees!
A highlight for me was the Wine Tasting Experience at SPILIA, hosted by Kallia Varda, where I sampled Greek wines served in a secluded cave nestled in the resort's grounds – it's the perfect pick for proposals and honeymooners with private tastings available. Beach weddings can be booked at this sprawling sanctuary, where palm tree-fringed areas host ceremonies, dining and dancing.
Couples wanting a laid-back honeymoon focussing on wellness can enjoy The Beach Club where al fresco morning yoga classes and late-afternoon pilates sessions gazing out to sea can be booked with instructor, Affid. Sun worshippers can swim up to the Sip n' Dip Pool Bar from the main pool that's flanked by fashionable floating loungers (there's also a quieter adults-only pool in the Cretan village served by the Bliss Pool Bar) or lounge on the beach with drinks, snacks and light bites. The hotel offers a daily activities programme – beach volleyball, al fresco fitness, cross training or aqua gym, anyone? Spa treatments at the luxurious Mirabello Spa aren't to be missed (www.instagram.com/aegeospas). I indulged in a Cretan Massage using olive oil with experienced therapist Fotini – an ancient Greek Mystique massage is also on the extensive treatment menu along with Flow & Glow face yoga, the Aloe Shine facial and the Sense Crete herb experience.
Thrill-seekers will love the water sports managed by George and Manos. Enjoy jet skiing, wakeboarding and windsurfing or hire a self-drive boat or pedalo. Those looking to splash out can embark on a speedboat tour to enjoy sights from the sea.
This family-friendly resort is ideal for newlyweds looking to book a family-moon in a Deluxe Family Suite with the newly opened water park on-site providing fun for all ages and the added benefit of a children's playground. The regular open-air beach cinema screenings are a fantastic way to spend time together watching your favourite flicks.
Eager to explore this quaint seaside town, I headed out on a walk which is the best way to explore the local lake, tavernas and boutiques dotted along the myriad of winding cobbled streets brimming with bougainvillea. A visit to Bioaroma Crete (https://bioaromacrete.com) saw me creating my own perfume (that I lovingly named Summer in memory of the trip) at a workshop with owner Kallia Chourdaki – what a sensational treat for couples to remember their honeymoon by!
