Candia Park Village, Agios Nikolaos, Crete

Overlooking Mirabello Bay, the hotel is in a lovely setting. Perched on a hillside, there's a path down to the sandy beach, lined with pine trees.

The resort is just off the Elounda-Agios Nikolaos main road and you can reach both by bus.
By plane: London to Heraklion takes around 4 hours, after which, a taxi takes 50 minutes. Free on-site parking available. Book flights to Heraklion.

The resort is designed like a traditional Cretan village - and there's even a square and clock tower overlooking the main pool. The gardens have palm and fruit trees, the private beaches are pleasant and the stone walkways are attractive. Overall, there's a lovely laidback feel. Rooms are sleek and modern.

Facilities include two restaurants and two bars, swimming pools, the private beaches with watersports (at an additional cost), sports courts, a gym, kids' club and boutique shops. There's entertainment and live music. Service is generally good.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Beach
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms that haven't been revamped have vintage furniture. The more contemporary rooms have expanses of light wood, light décor and striking bathrooms. All rooms have self-catering facilities. For privacy, choose a Serenity Suite.

Room types: One-bed Suite, Serenity Suite, Family Studio, Family Apartment, Superior Family Apartment

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, kitchenette, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

The large buffet restaurant and bar varies in quality. There's an à la carte taverna, a beach bar and a small, traditional-style café. The fresh baklava, whitebait and grilled chicken at the main restaurant were our favourites.

Agapi: Cretan and international buffet. Open for breakfast and dinner.

To Fili Taverna: Cretan cuisine, à la carte menu. Open for lunch and dinner.

Kafeneion: traditional Greek café, serving meze, coffee and raki. Open 5-11pm.