Castello Boutique Resort & Spa ★★★★★

Just a 40-minute drive East of the Cretan capital of Heraklion you’ll come to the quiet and laid-back village of Sissi, set away from the main road, nestled next to the curve of a deep blue bay, surrounded by olive groves and backed by carpeted bottle-green mountains.

Still a working fishing harbour, Sissi is set firmly away from the tourist trail, this is the type of place to come to see the real Crete of long ago and simply get away from it all. Comprising a smattering of local tavernas, a handful of hotels and some local shops, it’s the ideal place to come and feel at home on one of Greece’s most stunning islands.

Here in this picturesque village you’ll come to the pearly white Castello Boutique Resort, backed by an impressive Greek church and fronted by the beautiful, tranquil bay.

Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed with a drink and shown to your elegantly furnished room, decked in earthy tones and offering you every luxury from tea and coffee making facilities to high speed Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. Your deluxe bathroom provides you the opportunity to relax in the air bath or indulge in a powerful crystal cabin shower, while the highlight will surely be your glass-fronted balcony, overlooking the freshwater pool and Mediterranean style gardens.

An adults’ only resort, this is a tranquil and relaxing spot is ideal if all you want to do is sit and read by the pool, lie on the beach and revel in the indulgent treatments at the spa. The only sounds you’ll hear are the birds, the soft swish of the sea and the occasional clicking of glasses as your cup of restina is refilled.

Get to know your surroundings by exploring the village of Sissi – its small quaint shops and array of cafes and restaurants hugging the coastline, then make your way to the cute Boufos Beach. Surrounded by golden bluffs and comprising nothing but soft sand and a handful of sun loungers – just the way a beach is meant to be.

Lunch can be enjoyed in the village or back at the resort’s poolside Aroma Bar, where you can sample a range of cocktails, light bites and snacks in the open air.

In the afternoon, try out a different water experience at the hotel’s freshwater pool or Callista Spa. Relax under soft colourful lighting in the large indoor pool, enjoy the powerful hydromassage jets and indulge in a bubbly hot tub. There are also plenty of body treatments and massages, which you can enjoy indoors or outdoors in the exotic gardens, surrounded by palm fronds and bird song.

Why not really treat yourself and your partner by revelling in the Sweet Spa Suite, combining chromotherapy, aromatherapy and music therapy, with a sauna, massage table and exotic rain shower?

Cretan cuisine is known to be one of the healthiest in the world, using local and natural produce from the island itself. Think fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, plenty of dairy, such as cheeses and yogurts, aromatic herbs and honeys. Being an island, seafood also plays an important role in their recipes. One of the best places to experience gourmet Cretan cuisine in Sissi is the resort’s own Elea Restaurant, where you can dine on local dishes in the elegant environment, whilst delighting in the panoramic views of the tropical gardens and mountains beyond.

End your day out by the pool again at the Aroma Bar, where you’ll find nightly entertainment in the form of traditional Greek sounds, smooth jazz or exotic Brazilian samba.