The high-end Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Resort and Spa is a tranquil retreat along a Blue Flag beach on Crete’s scenic northwest coast. Inviting loungers await to kick back with a holiday read around the lagoon-shaped outdoor pool.

Head to the gym for a workout, or join yoga, Pilates, or spinning classes. You can sign up for cycling and horse-riding excursions, and snorkelling and diving tours for an extra charge. The entertainment programme covers Cretan cooking classes, and wine and olive oil tasting sessions (subject to availability; advance reservations required) — check the weekly schedule with the front desk .

All your meals are included in the main buffet restaurant, Arsenali, which serves traditional Greek dishes as well as international cuisine. You can also grab a snack in between meal times from the pool bar. This deal includes one dinner at either of the two à la carte restaurants — Azzurro, which specialises in Italian cuisine, or Avra, which serves primarily Mediterranean cuisine but also features Asian dishes. Drinks are included at the main bar, which also hosts live music, and the pool bar.

Deluxe Double Garden View rooms come with a furnished balcony or terrace that has views of the hotel’s lush gardens. It has a small sitting area with a sofa, a marble bathroom with a separate shower and bathtub, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free.

The charming taverns and fishing harbour of Kolymvari and the 13th-century Gonia Odigitria monastery, on the hill above the village, are a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk along the beach. The enchanting old town of postcard-perfect Chania is just over 25 minutes from the hotel by car — rentals are available at the front desk.

The hotel features 150 accommodation units. Guests of the hotel are welcomed in the lobby, which has a 24-hour reception and a 24-hour check-out service. Amenities include a safe. Internet access (for a fee) and wireless internet access (for a fee) are available in the public areas. Gastronomic options offered by the hotel include a restaurant, a café and a bar. Shopping facilities are available. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and an attractive garden. Additional features of the hotel include a newspaper stand, a TV room and a playroom. Guests arriving in their own vehicles can park in the car park. Guests can also use the bicycle storage facilities. Among the additional services available are a babysitting service, medical assistance, room service, a laundry and a hairdressing salon.