Radisson Blu Beach Resort Milatos Crete

Set on the edge of the Aegean Sea, Radisson Blu Beach Resort Emerald Bay in Milatos, Crete, is surrounded by turquoise waters. You’ll find a private beach just a few steps away, begging you to soak up that warm Grecian sun. And it’s a showstopper, with soft white sands and crystal clear waters, perfect for a spot of snorkelling. And when you’re not kicking back on the seafront, you’ve got five glistening swimming pools, including one for kids, complete with a pirate ship and water slides, as well as an elegant hotel spa to enjoy. Or you can take part in the hotel-run activities, including tennis, yoga, beach volley and basketball. There’s an action-packed kids club and playground to keep tiny tots happy. After dark, you can watch the family-friendly entertainment, with live shows, dancers and DJs bringing the good vibes.

When it comes to gastronomy, the hotel pulls out all the stops. Start your day with their signature breakfast buffet in Brasserie Mosaic, with show cooking stations to get your mouth watering. The brasserie is open again for lunch and dinner, serving local dishes and around-the-world favourites. Those arriving in the early hours of the morning can top up on coffee and cookies at the Grab & Go from 4am-7:30am. And if you want to delight in regional flavours, make your way to the Greek Breakfast Corner for traditional pies, speciality teas and its tasty omelette station.

As for evening meals, there are four a la carte restaurants to choose from (three if you’re staying for 7 nights). For waterfront eats, check out On the Rocks BBQ (open from June), dishing up charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, while you take in the magnificent sunsets. For a taste of Crete and homegrown dishes, pile up your plate in the Ariadni buffet. There’s also an Italian deli open for lunch and dinner when you fancy rustic pizza, pasta and Mediterranean Cuisine. More light bites, burgers, salads and tasty cocktails can be found at Payot during the day.

The only restaurants not included in the All Inclusive deal are the Bellavue and Miraval Deck. Although if you do want to treat yourselves, Bellevue is the perfect spot for a romantic evening. Here you can sip champagne and tuck into show stopping recipes designed in collaboration with Michelin-star chef Yves Mattagne.

As for beverages, you can top yourself up with cold coffees, fruit juices and ice cream, over at either the Oilvia or Beach Bar (open from June). And when you really want to unwind, make a beeline for the adult-only Chill Out, complete with plush sunbeds and yoga mats.

When you’re ready to see the sights, you have two picture-perfect villages on either side of the hotel, Milatos and Sissi. Stroll through the vineyards, explore the ancient cave, or soak up the history at the Minoan Palace of Malia. For day trips a little further afield, you could visit the Lassithi Plateau, aka Zeus’ birthplace, one of the most memorable attractions on the island. Steeped in Greek mythology and offering plenty of photo opportunities, you’ll see thousands of towering white windmills, the stalactite-laden cave, Psychro, and the beautiful Dikti Mountains in the foreground. Once you’ve explored the landscape, there are twenty Cretan villages to explore, most notably Agios Georgios and Agios Konstantinos for their famous monasteries and churches.

If the kids are looking for thrills and spills, just a 30-minute drive away is the largest water park in Crete, Acqua Plus Water Park. You’ll have 50 different slides, as well as games and a scenic lazy-river cruise to keep the whole gang busy.

All well-appointed rooms feature a 42”-65” interactive satellite television, high-speed Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and modern amenities. Whether you opt for a Junior Suite or treat yourself to a Premium Swim Up, you’ll be met with fresh Mykonian interiors and comfy beds. If you want to push the boat out, book a villa with your very own private whirlpool.