Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - August/September 2024 (Issue 108)

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! MADE FOR ROMANCE 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. MEDITERRANEAN BEAUTY 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. THE MUST-SEES OF CRETE 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! WISH YOU WERE HERE Rates start from £331 per night on a B&B basis in a Deluxe Room Sea View. Many UK cities have direct flights to Heraklion, including from London (Gatwick and Stansted), Luton, Manchester and Birmingham. www.wyndhamgrandmirabello.com www.facebook.com/WyndhamGrandMirabello www.instagram.com/wyndhamgrandmirabello Scan to view video 85 HONEYMOONS

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=