Hotel Review: Candia Park Village, Crete

The resort has a lovely setting on a hillside leading to a sandy beach lined with pine trees and overlooking Mirabello Bay. Just off the main Elounda-Agios Nikolaos main road, there are buses to both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos which are both around six kilometres away.

By plane: flights from London to Heraklion take around 4 hours. A taxi will take 50 minutes from the airport. Free on-site parking. Book flights to Heraklion.

The design throughout is very impressive. The resort is designed like a traditional Cretan village, complete with village square and clock tower overlooking the main pool. The rooms are sleek and modern but neutral enough for all to like. The à la carte Greek taverna has a lovely laidback beachside feel and walkways are attractive. The little beach areas are pleasant and the small garden areas well kept, with palm and fruit trees.

Service is good. There are two restaurants, a bar and a beach bar, two outdoor swimming pools, a children's pool, a beach, watersports (at an extra charge), tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a kids' club, babysitting, bicycles, a spa, small gym and a shop. There's live music, DJs and entertainment.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Beachfront
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The Serenity Suites are best for privacy and have a contemporary look, with light wood, neutral décor and striking designer bathrooms. Accommodation that hasn't been recently revamped has an older look with vintage furniture. All have self-catering facilities.

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

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

There's a large buffet restaurant, Agapi, but dishes vary. It has a small bar too. There's a more pleasant, à la carte taverna, a beach bar and a small, traditional-style Kafeneion.

Agapi: buffet restaurant, Cretan and international cuisine. 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.