On the quieter southeast coast of Crete, close to the town of Ierapetra, 90 minutes’ drive from Heraklion airport.

The hotel’s 132 rooms and suites feel cosy and calming, with a harmonious blend of warm, earthy tones and pleasingly tactile materials. Your room opens onto a private balcony or terrace, and includes a bathroom with rain shower, air-conditioning, flatscreen satellite TV, WiFi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini bar and in-room safe. Higher suite grades feature a larger outdoor living area with a private plunge pool, and there are several two bedroom options available for larger parties.  

Tamarisk is a beachfront all-day-dining venue, bringing flavours from across the Mediterranean to your table, while Menoa channels the current vogue for Peruvian-Asian fusion and Marè Marè features small plates, cool cocktails and a resident poolside DJ. Private dining by the beach can be arranged, and there is also a lobby bar, a quieter and more reflective space with its own library. 

There are 2 freshwater pools, an outdoor fitness centre, tennis court, Pilates and yoga classes, and the inviting Etherea Spa, which includes 2 couple’s treatment rooms. The outdoor cinema screens movies every night, there is a beachwear boutique, and numerous watersports are available nearby.