As someone who spends every day talking about dream holidays, I know a good resort when I see one—but travelling with three boys under the age of three takes “holiday” to a whole new level! We recently returned from a magical family trip to Crete, and I couldn’t wait to share a little bit about the experience—because yes, luxury and little ones really can go hand in hand.
We spent our first four nights at Porto Elounda, and honestly, it’s a fantastic setup for families. The main pool is huge, with a toddler splash pool right next to it, and in front of that are lovely wooden sun decks overlooking a calm, sandy beach. The sea is beautifully clear and shelves so gently that even my youngest felt safe paddling. It's set in a sheltered cove, so there are no big waves—just peaceful, warm water and happy little feet!
We stayed in one of the Premium Collection One-Bedroom Suites, which had been newly refurbished and was full of light, space, and sea views. It’s a short walk to the beach (uphill on the way back, but thankfully golf buggies are always available!).
One of the highlights at Porto Elounda was the kids’ club, which is honestly one of the best I’ve seen. It’s set in a giant wooden ark with fantastic outdoor play areas, water slides, and a warm, caring team. They even have a crèche for babies from four months old, which was a game-changer for us!
We also loved the traditional Greek Opa Night—live music, dancing, plates being smashed, and food cooked on an outdoor grill. It was so full of energy and fun, and the boys were completely mesmerised.
After soaking up the sunshine and sand, we moved on to St. Nicolas Bay, and this is where things got really special. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Alex, the GM, is one of the most genuinely kind and hands-on hotel managers I’ve ever met. He made such an effort with the boys—there were high fives, golf buggy rides, even piano duets with the hotel musician. It’s those little touches that make a stay unforgettable.
The resort itself is stunning, with layers of terraces leading down to the sea, an infinity pool, and loads of private corners for sunbathing. The beach is small but full of character, and while there are a lot of steps, the charm of the place more than made up for it.
We stayed in a Club One-Bedroom Suite with an outdoor jacuzzi, right by the sea. Every room here is unique, which I loved, and I’d absolutely recommend chatting with the team to make sure clients are booked into the right one. There’s also a teen zone and a smaller kids’ club here, which is great for older families.
A real surprise highlight for us was Labyrinthos Restaurant, where dinner is included in the half board. I’d heard mixed things before we arrived, but I was honestly impressed. The restaurant itself is gorgeous and set just right to catch the sunset—perfect for a pre-dinner drink at the Astra Bar just above. Dinner is a lovely mix of buffet-style starters (think fresh seafood, salads, even lobster and octopus—both of which the boys tried for the first time!) followed by a choice of beautifully presented à la carte mains, and a great dessert buffet to finish. It felt relaxed but elegant, and the quality was spot on.
For me, this trip was such a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to stop when kids come along—it just evolves. Both Porto Elounda and St. Nicolas Bay offered something unique: thoughtful service, space to breathe, and moments of joy for all five of us.
