A LOVE AFFAIR WITH GREECE SHELINA BEGUM RETURNS TO THE GREEK ISLANDS

wanting to go back and explore some of the other islands, and Crete provided the perfect winter sun getaway.

In many ways Crete is exceptional. It is the largest Greek island, has the most diverse mix of landscapes, and stands far to the south of most of the rest of the country. Bits of it are reminiscent of other parts of Greece, but on the whole it stands alone and has its own unmistakable culture and atmosphere.

The north coast of the island is the most populated area, and most well known to tourists.

Heraklion is the island’s capital – and where we landed. To the east of the Island is Agios Nikolaos, one of the island’s major resort, and not far from our destination Elounda.

Once a simple fishing village, Elounda has become an upmarket tourist destination – though it has managed to retain its charm that originally drew visitors to this tiny resort in the first place.

It is an ideal destination for people who want a seaside holiday in a place that is neither too busy, nor too isolated, having a spectacular coastline, shaded beaches, crystal clear seas, archeological interest.

Visit the harbour, and you can still see fisherman bringing in the day’s catch, children playing while elderly ladies sit by and mend nets, with plenty of traditional tavernas where you can enjoy ouzo or tsikoudia.

Our Cretan accommodation was at the five star luxury Elounda Mare Relais & Chateux, which is part of family-owned Elounda Hotels & Resorts complex – three low-rise sister hotels that share facilities including a nine-hole golf course and sumptuous Six Senses Spa, but have their own distinct area, with an olive grove between them. A complimentary golf cart shuttle runs between the hotels and around the resort.

This is a secluded five star resort with spacious, whitewashed rooms and suites which are elegantly decorated in soft tones creating a serene atmosphere. We stayed in a suite in the main wing with a sea view balcony.

On arrival it was great to see that they had a cot set up for our two year old son, and there was plenty of space for him to run around, although he spent most of his time on the balcony, where, like his mum and dad, he wanted to admire the view across to Mirabello Bay.

Staff were friendly and welcoming from the moment we stepped in with welcome drinks on arrival and plenty of advice on how to keep our toddler entertained.

They offer plenty of children’s activities in the neighbouring complex, but our little one was content playing on the resort’s private beach.

There are not many holidays we go on where we end up staying in the resort for a full week, but that’s exactly what we did. And for midOctober, the weather was glorious at 27 degrees.

The private golden beach was only a few minutes walk through the hotel’s gardens, and was perfectly set up for a small family.

The enclosed bay was small, but as it was October and off-peak, it wasn’t too crowded. There were plenty of beds and I didn’t have to once worry about my son wandering off.

The golden soft sand and clear water was a winner for us. Most mornings we were able to spot tiny fish swimming right up to the shore and circling our toes.

Bar and food service at the beach is also available. The beach menu is simple offering everything from paninis, salads to burgers with a range of cocktails.

However, just a few steps away is also the Yacht Club, which overlooks the sea and offers a range of fresh sea food – the seafood platter of chargrilled shrimp, octopus and calamari tossed in an olive oil, lemon and oregano dressing – is a must.

While sunbathing was my forte, my husband was up for something more adventurous. Again just a few yards away was the resident watersports instructor.

After watching other hotel guests take a ride on the jet ski, my husband finally took the plunge. At 60 euros it was pretty much a bargain, and he went back the following day.

I preferred to treat myself at the resort’s award winning Six Senses Spa. Treatments include the Aegean Breeze treatment (a scrub using local island salt and olive oil) and a Sense of Greece (a 2.5 hour-long hydrating and nourishing