Nest in peace
‘‘ The sacred site is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, king of Greek gods
HOT
VIBE
Perched on rugged cliffs on the northern coast of Greece’s largest island, overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Aegean Sea, The Nest may be less than three miles away from the lively party town of Hersonissos, but arriving at this luxurious peaceful retreat, they could have been a million miles apart.
The stunning hotel opened last year following a major makeover under the new ownership of Urbanistas, who operate hotels in the Greek capital Athens and the island of Santorini.
STYLE
Each of the complex’s elegant 18 villas and rooms feature earthy calming tones of terracotta and beige in a laid-back Boho chic style.
Four-bedroom split-level villas can accommodate up to 10 while two-bedroom villas sleep six. But all come with their own private pool, spacious lounge area and spectacular views of the sea below.
The main building is home to nine rooms with balconies offering island views. It is also where guests can find the communal pool, spa, restaurant and bar.
FOOD AND DRINK
At night the hotel’s Halcyon Restaurant delivers a fine-dining experience in a menu of ingenious twists on
Greek dishes, with the focus on traditional Cretan cuisine that uses local fresh produce.
Afternoon is the time to try out the pool menu which offers some of the most amazing pasta.
And don’t miss out on the cocktails in the Happy Hour – the Gin Fizz was a personal favourite and highly recommended.
But for me breakfast was the most
The Nest Resort, Hersonissos, Crete magnificent meal, from tasty hot dishes to delectable pastries, and served up with excellent coffee.
Well worth getting up for!
SPA
With an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub, you’ll find serenity in the Wellness Spa. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or book a hammam session, the ancient Turkish traditional method of bathing. There’s also a studio with Pilates reformers and if you fancy a morning work-out or sunset yoga session, they’re complimentary.
WHAT TO DO
It’s worth making the 20-mile trip to the Cave of Zeus, also known as Psychro Cave, on the Lassithi Plateau. According to mythology, this Minoan sacred site, filled with stalagmites and stalactites, is the birthplace of the king of the Greek gods.
If you’re looking for something more active, head to Malia town, a 10-minute drive away, for the 90-minute trek up the goat path to the mountain village of Mochos and reward yourself with a traditional Greek meal at Taverna Rodamanthis in the church square.
A DAY OUT
Hire a car and drive
around 45 minutes to the seaside resort of Plaka in the north east of Crete, and take a five-minute boat ride across to Spinalonga. The diminutive 21-acre islet is the setting for Victoria Hislop’s best-selling novel The Island. After evicting the Turks in 1904, Spinalonga was used as a leper colony, one of the last in Europe, closing in 1957.
Steeped in history, a tour of the island visiting its abandoned church, hospital and shops gives a fascinating insight into life in the colony which, at its peak, had a population of nearly 400. Back on shore, it’s a short drive to the harbour town of Agios Nikolaos the capital of Lassithi prefecture. Grab a table at Gioma Meze, overlooking Lake Voulismeni, where, legend has it, Greek goddess Athena bathed in its waters.