Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort, 5*

Designed in keeping with the grand palaces of the Minoan kings, Amirandes is an exclusive beachside resort that epitomises Crete’s most inspiring features: beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and stunning land and seascapes. Just 20 minutes from Heraklion Airport, the Resort also offers good sea links and is just a short drive from attractions including the Palace of Knossos and Crete Golf Club.Themed around the lagoons that swirl through its centre, the Resort’s 70,000 sq meters expanse comprises six restaurants, private beaches, Elixir Spa with indoor pool, outdoor Olympic-size seawater pool, over 60 private pools and extensive children’s facilities. The 212 guest rooms feature indulgent details such as private gyms, home cinema and state-of-the-art bathrooms with colour-therapy and aromatherapy Jacuzzi bathtubs. The Amirandes dining experience offers six restaurants with a diverse array of cuisine, decor and ambience including old world glamour and a taste of the Med at the ‘floating’ Amirandes restaurant contemporary Far Eastern fusion cuisine at the Blue Monkey succulent seafood at the waterfront Petrino and relaxed Cretan fare in the Xasteria garden restaurant.