Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa

Just outside Hersonissos and mere steps away from beautiful Anissaras beach, Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa is a 5-star All Inclusive dream.

Family holiday? Kids aged 4-11 are safely entertained at the mini-club, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the hotel's luxurious facilities, from the divine spa to the beachside bar. There’s also a kiddie pool, mini-disco and a playground, plus a games room (extra charge), so it’s the perfect place for making fantastic holiday memories together.

It’s just as much fun here for couples and friends. After all, you won’t find many hotels in Crete with a Champagne, wine and sushi bar, but there’s one at Mitsis Laguna, and it’s only for adults. So, spend a sophisticated evening devouring Japanese treats while sipping the bubbly (additional charge) or one of the local Greek wines.

And if that’s not your thing, there are seven restaurants at your fingertips, including a fish a la carte, a Cretan taverna specialising in local delicacies and an Italian offering a wide range of pasta dishes, risottos and pizzas. Tasty burritos and fajitas are available at the Mexican and lush steaks at the grill, while rice and noodle fans will want to visit the Pan-Asian (you must try the brunch service!).

With all this choice, it’s easy to forget about the good old buffet! But you won't want to miss this. Think authentic Greek breakfasts, fresh show cooking, theme nights and a veggie corner. With its long opening hours, you won’t go without if you’re a late arrival or have an early flight home. Planning to be out sightseeing at lunchtime? Order a snack box for your picnic. And if you’re staying by the pool all day, tuck into light bites such as crepes, hot dogs and ice cream.

Speaking of pools, there are five of them - with waterslides, aquaerobics and swimming lessons on offer. Or you could make a splash in the sparkling Med thanks to the watersports centre, which offers canoeing, pedal boating and windsurfing (certificate required).

Alternatively, check in to a world of bliss at Zeen Spa. Feel your cares float away in the seawater pool, sweat out your worries in the hammam and nourish your soul with an aromatic Greek bath experience. Or you could step up the pace at the fully equipped gym.

There’s plenty more to do at Mitsis Laguna, too, from beach volleyball and tennis tournaments to aerobics classes and yoga sessions. Come evening, make the most of the Grecian weather with shows at the Theatre Pool bar, or head up to the Night bar. Its rooftop terrace is just the ticket for stunning views of the sea.

As for your room, you’ll have a luxurious amount of space - even the standard twin rooms (sleeping up to 3 adults) are large and stylish with a balcony or terrace. Enjoy fresh coffee at any time of day with your own Nespresso machine, while your mini refreshment centre will include snacks, such as fruit and nuts, as well as wine (all restocked daily). There’s also WiFi, a safe and a sofa bed, while bathrobes, slippers and beach/pool towels are provided for use during your stay.

Other options include bungalow rooms with a balcony (for up to 3 adults and 1 child), and family rooms (up to 4 adults and 1 child), which have a separate sleeping area for the kids. There’s also a partition between the toilet and the shower/bath, ideal for preventing queues! And the two TVs give you all a bit of space for some downtime. If you’re in the mood for the ultimate upgrade, pick the Presidential Suite, perfect for honeymoons, or the two-bedroom Royal Suite - both are super sumptuous with private pools and luxe living rooms.

With so much to do at the hotel, you might be tempted to stay there all holiday, but it’s well worth dragging yourself away to explore Crete. This beautiful Greek island has so much to offer! From the cafes, restaurants and famous nightlife of Hersonissos (approx 3km away) to the family-friendly Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Star Beach water park and CretAquarium, you’ll have a blast without having to go far at all. Plus, the city of Heraklion is only around half an hour’s drive along the coast, putting you in easy reach of its quaint old town streets and the immense Palace of Knossos - one of the top archaeological sites in the whole of Greece and a total bucket list attraction.