FOOD Editor Kirsty Spence and fiancé Ross recharged in Greece.
Because sometimes kid-free getaways are a must…
They visited the Acro Suites, Crete.
The pad
If Bond had a holiday home, this would be it.
Cave-like minimalist suites with private plunge pools are carved into the cliff, the bartender insists on whipping you up a cocktail (try the Gaia, £11 – a mix of rum, passion fruit, tangerine, orange and coffee), and breathtaking views of the Aegean sea are on tap – not least from your bedroom.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023
Egg chairs, gorge eco-friendly toiletries, Bluetooth speakers and even a dedicated “relax” light switch complete the setting.
There’s a tennis court and gym on-site, but don’t miss the free sunset session of yoga with Jenni – or the spa’s 80-minute Bath House Ritual, £120.
You’ll be scrubbed from tip to toe, slathered in masks, then massaged amid a mass of soapy bubbles.
I left feeling like I was on cloud nine.
Explore
There are beaches, cute coves and tavernas aplenty at Agia Pelagia, a 10-minute drive away, plus the ruins of Minoan palace Knossos are 30 minutes further.
Fast-track entry costs £9.70 per person (Knossos-palace.gr). Pebbly Mononaftis beach sits just below Acro Suites, and cocktails at Sea View taste like a ’90s holiday in a glass – order the Special, £7, a mega-hit of Malibu, peach liqueur, gin, vodka, juice and grenadine – complete with mini Greek flag.
First, though, go hunting for starfish and moray eels on a 45-minute introductory scuba dive, from £60 per person (Staywet.gr).
Round off the day with a 15-minute hike to the aptly named Sunset Cliffs to watch the sun go down as waves crash below you.
Refuel
Among the fruit and usual European cooked and continental treats, you’ll find epic cakes, macarons and Cretan pastries at the hotel’s breakfast buffet.
Come lunch, tuck into a meze of calamari, £13, and dakos – think Greek bruschetta – piled with feta, tomato and herbs, £8, at the hotel restaurant, Cremnos.
I'm a nutritionist - here's the 10 best diet trends to help lose weight in 2023
For dinner, head to Umi in neighbouring Sea Side resort for beautifully presented Japanese dishes, such as coconut shrimp with stir-fry veg, bao buns and sushi platters, £60 for three courses.
Pair with a deliciously moreish tea-infused cocktail, £9 (Seaside-hotel.gr).
- Compiled by: Catherine Bennion-Pedley
