On a rocky beach close to the fishing village of Panormos in northern Crete, a 1-hour drive from Heraklion airport and 80 minutes from Chania.

The 187 rooms, suites and residences are beautifully put together, with muted greys, warm woods and gorgeous blue tiling in the bathrooms. All accommodation includes a private balcony or terrace, flatscreen satellite TV, air-conditioning, WiFi, Nespresso machine, mini fridge and in-room safe. Some rooms have direct access to a shared pool, while others have their own private pool or Jacuzzi on the balcony. The two bedroom Indigo Blue Residences are right on the seafront with wonderful views, while the Azure Blue Residence has a generous private garden centred on a glittering infinity pool.

Symposium is the main buffet restaurant, with themed nights twice a week, while Alati is a laid-back pool grill serving international classics and wonderfully fresh fish and seafood. Elia sits at the heart of the resort, an à la carte affair with an open oven where pizzas, freshly baked bread and Cretan specialities are prepared, and the Asterias gourmet restaurant pairs the catch of the day with the best locally-sourced wines. There are several bars, including a lobby bar and pool bar, and a private dinner can be arranged on the beach, in a poolside gazebo or in the privacy of your own room.

There are 2 outdoor pools, one strictly for adults, plus a kids’ plunge pool, and you can also enjoy the splash park at neighbouring property The Royal Senses Resort & Spa. The outdoor fitness area includes spinning bikes, TRX and group fitness classes, and there is an indoor gym, 2 multicourts, a heated indoor pool and the wonderful Pure Blue Spa, which includes a couple’s treatment room, sauna and Hammam.