St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Crete, Greece, Mediterranean

Sleep

There are over 100 rooms at St. Nicolas Bay but it certainly doesn't seem like it, given the resort's village-like feel. What's great about St. Nicolas Bay is that there are plenty of options for both couples and families, so you have plenty of choice to pick from depending on your needs. Even the smallest rooms are spacious.

In the main part of the resort, rooms are divided into 'Classic' and 'Club' categories, with each one light, contemporary and airy in its feel and minimalist style in its design. Locally made furniture is used throughout and the walls are adorned with Cretan artwork, so you always retain a sense of place. Every room has its own outside space, whether it's a terrace or balcony, to ensure that the stunning Mirabello Bay feels like an extension of your room. Some even come with their own private saltwater pools.

The Club suites are closer to the sea, with most hemmed in by traditional Cretan stone walls, so your outdoor space is like having your own local walled garden. They either come with balconies or terraces as well, with some also featuring an outdoor Jacuzzi or large private pool, so you could spend most of the day soaking up those gorgeous Mirabello Bay views if you wanted! The top Club rooms are huge in size and are approriately named after Ancient Greek gods. But where the Club suites really come into their own are the added perks they offer, with thoughtful touches sprinkled throughout your stay. It could start include a bottle of Champagne and bunch of flowers upon arrival and if you wanted a lazy morning, you could order your breakfast to your room free of charge. If you're honeymooners or a couple looking for something extra special to celebrate a big occasion, ask us about Rock 1 and Rock 2 – they're the closest suites to the water's edge and both have big private pools.

Next door to the main resort are the Thalassa Villas, a sister collection of luxury villas owned and managed by St. Nicolas Bay. Comprising six villas and two suites perched on a hillside looking out at Mirabello Bay, they're lavish in their appearance. All come with generously sized private pools and their interiors effortlessly combine traditional Cretan touches with contemporary flair. Privacy is paramount here and with cocoons with one, two, three or four bedrooms, there are options for couples right up to large families or groups of friends. All have expansive outdoor areas so the spectacular bay views never leave your gaze, with some of the villas also having direct access to the water, tempting you for a sea swim. Even though those staying here can also use all of the facilities and restaurants at the main resort (it's just a minute's walk away), the six villas also come with fully kitted kitchens, giving you the option of whipping up your own Greek meal. There are plenty of in-villa experiences on offer as well, including hiring your own private chef, wine tasting and spa treatments.