I stayed at a family-friendly luxury resort tucked into one of Crete's most beautiful bays

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, has long captivated travellers with its heady mix of sun-drenched landscapes, ancient history, and laid-back charm. On its northeastern coast lies the serene Mirabello Bay, a crescent of sapphire-blue water framed by olive-strewn hills and golden beaches. Along its shoreline sits the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where whitewashed buildings tumble down to a lake-like harbour.

This part of Crete is a haven for those seeking both culture and hazy beach days. It has hidden coves, crystal-clear swimming spots, and a scattering of refined resorts, including the recently reimagined (part of the Zeus International collection).

The resort, which has been part of the coastline since 1972, underwent a renovation which included redesigning guest rooms and villas. Additionally, new amenities such as private and jetted pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, and a revamped seafront area were introduced.

Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort offers a mostly all-inclusive experience with a touch of indulgence, while still keeping families front of mind. With luxury amenities and kid-friendly facilities, it's a great spot for those wanting the perks of a stylish stay without leaving the little ones behind. It's also worth noting the resort can be booked as a package with easyJet, TUI and Jet2holidays, though all-inclusive options may have some restrictions.

Grown-ups can retreat to the chic "adults-only" pool (though little ones don't seem to be entirely banned), where floating daybeds and a sleek bar set the tone for a day of relaxation set to panoramic views of the bay. Younger members of the family are more likely to be excited by the dedicated children's pool, home to its very own waterpark, alongside a lively kids' club and outdoor play area. While children are kept happily entertained, adults can slip away to the spa or sample Cretan wines during dedicated tasting sessions.

Two secluded Blue Flag-awarded sandy beaches frame the resort, offering serene, sun-soaked stretches of coastline perfect for unwinding in style. The resort is split between the main hotel building and a newer village-style enclave across the road, where villa accommodations-some with private pools or hot tubs-offer a more secluded stay. Though the road can be busy (especially for those with children), a footbridge has been installed to allow guests to bypass the occasional bustle of traffic below.

The resort has recently unveiled a collection of luxury hilltop villas, each with private pools, garden areas, and sweeping views, designed for guests seeking added exclusivity. These villas come with VIP perks like private check-in, reserved beach spots, and exclusive dining areas. While we didn't stay in the new villas ourselves, our accommodation was in the resort's village area, separate from the main hotel. Though our split-level villa didn't feature a private pool, it did include a spacious balcony with postcard-perfect views over the bay (but more on that later).

Arrival at the hotel was a breeze, and we seamlessly checked in. With its comfy sofas and open, shaded space, the marble-clad lobby served as somewhere to soak up a quiet moment or to map out the day ahead during our stay. Come evening, the lobby bar came to life as a popular place for guests to enjoy a post-dinner drink.

Rating: 4/5

Mirabello Bay Resort is home to 434 accommodations: a mix of classic hotel rooms and villas. For our stay, we were handed the keys to a two-bedroom Maisonette, a breezy, split-level retreat with panoramic views over the shimmering bay below.

Step inside and you're greeted by a shady, ground-floor living space where muted neutrals and soft natural light provide a sanctuary to hide from the midday sun. A sofa bed doubles as an extra sleeping nook, while a spacious room with a rainfall shower adds a touch of modern indulgence.

But it's upstairs where the Maisonette truly comes into its own. The master bedroom is a modern boho haven flooded with sunlight during the day. The space has been freshly refurbished in a palette of soft blues and pale greens, with blonde wood accents. At its heart, a cloud-like bed practically begs you to enjoy a pre-dinner nap.

Despite its close proximity to its neighbours, some of which have private plunge pools, the Maisonette is blissfully quiet. The soundproofing is so effective, you'd think you had the entire hillside to yourself.

There's a dedicated dressing area housing a large wardrobe and in-room safe, while a full-length mirror helps with those pre-dinner outfit checks. Inside the wardrobes, we also discovered two dressing gowns and matching slippers - a small touch that signals a high-end stay.

The bathroom was spotlessly clean and surprisingly spacious, with everything you need to freshen up in comfort. A large waterfall shower added a touch of luxury, and the magnifying makeup mirror was a handy bonus for getting ready, especially before heading out to dinner.

The only downside? One of the lights had a fault and flickered when turned on, creating a bit of a strobe effect. It wasn't enough to spoil the experience, as there were other working lights in the room. For those less forgiving of such details, a quick call to reception would no doubt have seen it swiftly resolved.

The pièce de résistance, however, lies just beyond the sliding patio doors. Step outside and you'll find a spacious private terrace that offers the kind of views that make you instantly reach for your camera. From here, you can take in the rolling hills dotted with olive trees, the bright blue waters of the bay, and the sandy curve of the beach. It's the perfect spot for a morning coffee or evening glass of wine.

Our villa was perched at the top of a steep incline - a location that rewards with sweeping views, though it may prove a bit of a climb for some guests. Thankfully, the resort's staff are on hand with golf buggies to whisk you wherever you need to go.

Rating: 4/5

Mornings begin at Amalthea, the resort's primary buffet dining venue. The spread is generous and varied - think fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, local cheeses, and all the continental classics. Warm dishes include Greek favourites like spanakopita, alongside eggs cooked any way you like (I was particularly impressed by the self-serve poached eggs, something you don't find everywhere) and a range of hot breakfast staples.

A selection of juices is available, though queues tend to form at the ever-popular self-serve coffee station. Guests can choose to dine indoors or opt for the shaded terrace, where tables overlooking the coastline are the most coveted thanks to their sweeping views of the bay.

Amalthea also serves as the main venue for lunch and dinner, where there's a huge range to choose from, including pizzas and fresh Greek salads, hearty local dishes, and plenty of international options. A dessert and ice cream station adds a touch of fun, especially for families with children.

At dinner, soft drinks and wine are available on tap, though it's worth noting that drinks are self-service only. While the dining hall can feel a little crowded at times, particularly early in the evening, we found that arriving a bit later offered a calmer, more enjoyable experience.

For those looking for a different dining experience, the resort has four à la carte restaurants. These aren't included in all packages, and staff informed us we weren't able to try them during our stay due to our package type unless we paid extra, so it's worth checking the fine print if you do book a package stay at the hotel. Depending on the length of your stay and package type, you may be able to dine at one of them without an extra charge.

Kafenion, the traditional Cretan restaurant, particularly stood out to us, and it's the one we would have instinctively opted for. We found ourselves often wandering past just to admire the setting-a charming courtyard with pastel chairs, rustic stone walls, and olive trees casting dappled shade overhead. The menu highlights Mediterranean tapas, wild vegetables, and Greek pastries, promising a local taste of the island.

Other a la carte options include Elia, an Italian restaurant; beachfront Bahia Mar Grill, and Mezedaki, a casual Greek-style taverna.

During the day, one of our favourite spots was the Sweet Corner, a snack bar tucked just off the beach. We often skipped a sit-down lunch in favour of a picnic-style offering on the beach. Despite its name, the Sweet Corner offers much more than just sugary treats-think warm spanakopita, freshly sliced pizza, and scoops of ice cream, of course. As it's all self-serve, it's ideal for a quick, tasty break between dips in the sea.

There's also a pool bar and a beach bar perfect for mid-day sips (though premium drinks are not included in all packages).

Rating: 5/5

Tucked in a tranquil bay, the hotel promises stunning views of the sparkling sea. A standout feature is its exclusive Marina Bay Yacht Club, where guests (for an additional fee) can enjoy a range of water activities including snorkelling, diving, sailing, sightseeing boat tours, and fishing excursions.

Just beyond the resort lies Agios Nikolaos, a charming coastal town partially built upon the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara. While taxis can be booked from reception, the town is easily reachable on foot. We enjoyed the scenic 20-minute walk along the curving shoreline, stopping to take plenty of photographs along the way.

At the heart of Agios Nikolaos is Lake Voulismeni, steeped in mythology and said to be the bathing place of goddesses Athena and Artemis Britomartys. The town is alive with boutique shops, waterside tavernas, café-bars, and a generous scattering of gelato and ice cream shops that are hard to resist. There are also a series of quieter streets offering a more intimate glimpse into local life.

If you prefer to stay within the resort, there's a weekly schedule of entertainment, including traditional Greek music and dancing, as well as screenings at the outdoor cinema.

For our visit, we flew into Heraklion Airport. From there, the transfer to the resort takes approximately 50 minutes by car.

Rating: 4/5

Rooms start from £174 per night, including breakfast. However, prices can vary based on booking dates and length of stay. Book directly via the or compare prices and read reviews at .

You can also book a package holiday via the or

Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort
Havania, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00, Greece

Telephone:+30 2841 028400

Website:

With a wide range of accommodations - from sleek double rooms to hilltop villas complete with private pools and jacuzzis - the resort caters to nearly every kind of traveller, whether you're after a grown-up escape or a sun-soaked family holiday.

Families are especially well served thanks to the lively on-site waterpark, but this isn't just a place for little ones. Adults will find plenty to enjoy too, whether lounging poolside with a cocktail, treating themselves to a spa treatment, or getting a workout in at the indoor-outdoor gym. That said, be aware that the main restaurant can get quite busy during peak dining times. This is likely to be especially true in school holidays.

And while the resort offers plenty to keep guests entertained, a stroll into the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos-where lakeside tavernas and boutique shops await-is a must for those seeking a dose of Cretan charm beyond the resort walls.

However, the real showstopper is the view: a glittering expanse of Mirabello Bay.

A stay at the resort can be booked as part of a package holiday through and , which makes it accessible. Still, it's worth reading the fine print-some food and drinks, activities, including water sports, and certain excursions, come at an additional cost.

Staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive, and there was always someone available to assist when needed.

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