Cove Retreat

Finding luxury as a couple with small children in Crete

By JESSICA SHALTOUT

Daios Cove is a bit of a hidden gem - whether a family or couple, it caters for all. We went as a family of four - our first trip with the baby. Our holiday didn’t start particularly well and with a rather stressful journey, I started to wonder if we had made a mistake. We were novices at travelling with an extra child. However, as soon as we pulled up to Daios Cove, my anxiety was lifted and we started to feel excited as we were greeted by a friendly but smart team who offered cool flannels and a drink, as well as a stroll onto the 360 viewing deck overlooking the resort.

The resort is set in a secluded private cove, overlooking the sparkling azure Mediterranean. The intimate layout creates an instant feeling of serenity. The showstopping signature piece is the funicular railway, which smoothly slides up and down the clifftop, transporting guests around the resort while allowing them to admire the stunning views. At the bottom of the hill cove is a private beach that’s particularly popular with families. It isn’t huge, but the sea is warm and shallow, there are plenty of beds and a well-stocked beach bar for snacks and refreshments. For those that prefer to keep the sand at bay and relax by a pool, there is a sizeable one, complete with infinity view and bar. The only downside to being in the cove is that it can be a bit windy, and we happened to be there during a particularly windy period when all the umbrellas had to be down, so shade was limited.

In terms of accommodation, rooms are very spacious. I had been slightly concerned about us all squeezing into a family room, but our deluxe sea-view room did not feel compromised with two cots and king-size bed. It had an outdoor area with private pool, marble fitted bathroom, sofa area and even an audio system in the bathroom. The hotel has 300 rooms, villas and suites, most of them featuring a private pool and large decking area, perfect for privacy and for letting your little one take a few tentative strokes if, like ours, they’re still a bit nervous in the water.

In terms of entertainment, you don’t need to leave the resort (and we didn’t), with a spa that includes an indoor saltwater infinity pool with sea views, fitness studios, a second pool with hydro jets, a Finnish sauna and chromatherapy showers. There is a hairdressing salon, some shops, a cinema and a beauty studio. There are also sporting options ranging from water activities (water-skiing, pedalos, canoeing, scuba diving) to Pilates, yoga and fitness classes. You can be as active or as inactive as you like. Should you wish to venture out, Crete has many more stunning beaches, unique heritage sites and bustling towns – plus at Daios Cove you are only a short drive away from Agios Nicolas in Lasithi, home to the fortress of Spinalonga.

Back at the resort, we started to wonder about entertainment for the little ones. That's where the kids club comes in. All young guests are invited to attend the resort’s Creche Club (from four months to four years) or Children’s Club (four to 12 years), both of which are run by a team of childcare experts qualified to UK standards and regulations. They offer morning or afternoon sessions that cost 40 euros each. On day two we (rather guiltily) dropped off our two-year old at the creche for the morning session, keeping the baby with us. We took it in turns to spend a bit of time in the spa (25 euros per person), while one of us had the baby. Three hours later, feeling very relaxed, we went to pick up our daughter. Having won over the staff at the creche, she was a happy camper, and we immediately booked the creche again. Having the opportunity to get just one or two mornings to relax while on holiday is a game-changer and was definitely needed after the fraught plane journey.

The showstopping funicular railway slides smoothly up the clifftop

In terms of food, there is an impressive buffet breakfast served in the Pangea restaurant. It includes cooked staples and Cretan specialities such as syrupy local jams, plus all the international hot dishes, cereals, pancakes etc. There are separate dining rooms for families which means your baby can happily drop all her food on the floor while the child-free sit in peace. Those travelling without children may prefer Ocean, which offers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine, and Taverna, a Greek restaurant with the most spectacular views over the cove. High chairs are available in all three and staff will happily heat milk or modify dishes should you need. Snacks and cocktails are also served in the Beach Bar. If an evening drink is what you are after, the best place is the glass-walled Crystal Box bar, or we would often sit on our private outdoor area, sipping on wine or indulging in room service and enjoying the stunning view.

As our time at Daios Cove drew to a close, I reflected on my initial anxieties. Although holidays can be a challenge with young children, this unique resort combines top facilities, extraordinary beauty and luxury supported by complete family friendliness. You can’t hope for more than that.