GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel ★★★★★

As a self-confessed history buff, I have no shame in saying that visiting Heraklion made me as excited as a child on their way to Disneyland. Crumbling ruins that have stood the test of 4000 years or so pepper the island as frequently as tavernas, a home to myths, legends and the glittering turquoise waters of the Aegean. On this deliciously sun soaked retreat I had the opportunity to stay in living, breathing history – the GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel. Planted perfectly in the middle of the capital, the oldest known European civilisation was no more than a short stroll away. How can it get any better?

Built in the 1930’s and lovingly restored in 2003, the GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel stands proud at the centre of the city. This is no ordinary Greek resort, where the grandeur can sometimes feel superficial or half-hearted – instead the design was perfectly balanced between luxurious and intimate, and the atmosphere as warm and welcoming as the Greeks themselves. My bedroom, blessed with an exquisite view of the Aegean, echoed the scenes from beyond my window with touches of deep, regal blue layered with warm neutrals and gold. It was a modern twist on Ancient Greek elegance that I couldn’t help but fall head over heels for!

Ambling through Greek ruins and fascinating galleries may be my favourite way to spend any day, but the thought of soaking my achy muscles in the sauna or the rooftop plunge jpool was too tempting to refuse – especially when spectacular views of the Venetian Fortress and the Aegean awaited me. If you can’t even tear yourself away for the view, the 5th Restaurant (on the top floor, naturally) lets you feast your eyes on the view while you indulge in fine Mediterranean dining. When it comes to holidays steeped in history and luxury, there is simply no better choice than the GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel!