The call of the cicadas

Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Crete

Reclining in the enveloping warmth of the cretan sun on a private beach, with salted waves creeping up the stones at our feet, light dancing on closed eyelids and the soporific thrum of cicadas drifting on the breeze, i feel transported. This tranquil spot in the gulf of elounda feels like a forgotten corner of the world, with a Polaroid-perfect view around every corner.

From our balcony, the infinity pool blends seamlessly into the wild waters beyond and, ultimately, the glowing horizon in an endless stretch of blue. The uninhabited form of Spinalonga—once a fortress island, then a leper colony—is framed in great pale arches of stone.

each day, we eat our fill and then some at one of the five restaurants: translucent slivers of beef carpaccio and slippery octopus salad, courgette tzatziki and the catch of the day washed down with fiery raki and sumptuous steaks with fresh bread and fragrant oil.

As the light fades, latin music pervades the balmy air, beckoning us to the isola Beach club for salted margaritas beneath the stars. This is the place to while away a week—or perhaps even next summer. VM Seven nights from £1,645pp, based on two sharing a Superior Bungalow Sea View room on a half-board basis, Easyjet economy flights from London Gatwick with private transfers and UK lounge passes in October 2017. Elegant Resorts (01244 897515; www.elegantresorts.co.uk)