St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas

St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is a village-style, stone-built resort with lawns, mature gardens, and spectacular sea views towards a string of little islands. Conveniently situated in Eastern Crete, on the way from Agios Nikolaos to Elounda, and close to the island’s most renowned sites and attractions – including the archaeological museum and ‘bottomless’ lake of Agios Nikolaos. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the entrance resembles an old Greek home with white plastered walls and antique furnishings. Low stone walls fringed by plants and flowers lead to the main pool and a small private sandy beach.

There are 107 rooms in several categories. Standard doubles are similar to Junior suites in size and amenities, with Korres and Molton Brown amenities in the bathrooms. The 30 suites have oversized showers and saltwater infinity pools, balconies or terraces. The Poseidon Spa has a jet pool, there’s a sauna and steam room and treatments with Elemis and Cinq Mondes. Two medium-sized pools overlook the beach. Breakfast is served on the tree-shaded pool terrace. The Minotaur restaurant serves tasty international fare, and the Greek Kafeneion café is in a lovely spot next to the church. This is the epitome of sophisticated island luxury.