Daios Cove

One of Crete’s most exclusive addresses, DAIOS COVE is a sprawling, modernist complex carved into the hillside above a ravishingly pretty bay near the upbeat town of Agios Nikolaos. Yet despite the designer trappings and its sleek good looks, DAIOS COVE is famously family friendly.

The advantage of being cut into the hillside is that every room here has sweeping sea views. The only question is how much space and how big a pool are you going to need. With private balconies and marble bathrooms, even entry-level rooms are places to linger. From here things only get more lavish, with almost every suite and certainly every villa benefiting from its own private pool.

King Minos himself would be proud of the labyrinth of tunnels and corridors on each of the five levels that descend towards the cove and the resort’s sandy beach. Each level is linked by stairs and a funicular that zip guests between the lobby, the spa, the six restaurants and the show-stopping outdoor infinity pool. The spa is immaculate and the six restaurants are well spread out, ranging from the shoreside Beach House to the traditional Taverna and the contemporary cuisine of the Ocean Restaurant.

However, it’s in catering to families that DAIOS COVE shines brightest. Babies and toddlers are looked after in the creche by British and local staff, while older kids and teens are treated to a wide range of games and activities, including watersports. All restaurants cater well for children, offering healthy meals, variety, and quick and friendly service for impatient youngsters. The beach is nicely protected and safe for swimming, and with pools in most rooms plus the giant infinity pool, it’s an arm-bands-on and goggles-at-the-ready kind of place.