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Sprinkled across a hillside above the secluded and idyllic Vathi bay, it is love at first sight at Daios Cove. The setting is sublime: lush gardens tumble down to a private crescent of golden sand and from every angle the turquoise sea twinkles under the Mediterranean sun. For beach lovers who don’t want to travel too far, this Cretan gem is a little piece of European paradise.

HILLSIDE HAVEN

Sculpted out of the hillside, every stone has been reclaimed, giving Daios Cove excellent green credentials as well as blending it seamlessly into its picturesque setting. While the exterior ticks the authenticity box, inside is a picture of modern minimalism, loved by the design savvy. With their bespoke service Daios Cove offers a choice of spacious rooms, suites and villas (many with private seawater pools) to give accommodation options for everyone. Couples love Daios Cove’s romantic location and breathtaking views but also rave about the beach bar with its sun lounger service, the hotel’s vicinity to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda area for local action, the magnificent Anne Semonin spa with two indoor pools and range of excellent restaurants. Pangea is an international food bazaar while Taverna is a Cretan à la carte venue and Ocean the fine dining venue. A special ambience makes this an evening favourite, a great precursor to Crystal Box where baristas shake up a signature cocktail and chill-out music floats into the early hours.

While couples slink off to the sun lounger, spa, bar or town, families can have buckets of fun on the beach. There is a brilliant water sports centre offering everything from water-skiing and pedaloes to canoeing and scuba diving; the tailor-made yacht trips come highly recommended while back on dry land there’s floodlit tennis, yoga, Pilates, cookery lessons and wine tasting. The 39 villas cater brilliantly for families and come in one-, two- and three-bed form. For parents seeking some time-out, there are excellent crèche and children facilities (from 4 months to 12 years old). There’s also Cove Club, a range of services exclusively created for villa guests including breakfast at Ocean Restaurant, a private section of the beach, a children’s welcome gift, a pillow menu and a dedicated concierge. Location, luxury sophistication and leisure are topped off by wonderful Greek hospitality. Five-star with all the trimmings, Daios Cove - Luxury Resort & Villas is a masterclass in short-haul beach bliss.