Best food & drink

1. Amar

Overlooking the sea, Amar is where health-focused fine dining meets unpretentious ingredients. We had the seabass ceviche – delicate and citrusy – followed by the grilled prawns, which were smoky, sweet, and impossibly fresh. Dessert was a highlight, the deconstructed baklava was sticky with honey and pistachio but light enough to enjoy without the usual post-dessert slump. The menu is cleverly peppered with antioxidant boosters, gut-friendly dishes, and local superfoods, a nod to Crete’s reputation as a longevity hub.

2. Nama Pool Bar

Set around the hotel’s dreamy infinity pool, which shimmered peacefully in the sun, this was our spot for vanilla milkshakes between lazy dips. By evening, we’d sip their signature non-alcoholic Mai Tai while watching the sun melt into the horizon. The bartenders here are true artists, blending tropical freshness with local botanicals to create cocktails that are just as good, whether alcohol-free or full-strength.

3. The Blue Door, Phaea Blue

Just a short drive away, The Blue Door is worth a visit if you feel like venturing from the hotel. Sitting right on the water, with the perfect view of historic Spinalonga Island, we started with a Greek dip tray — the freshest tzatziki, smoky aubergine, and fava — before sharing a salt-baked seabass, expertly filleted at the table. It’s one of those places that we’ll never forget, with its simple Aegean-blue furniture, sea breeze, and unfussy service.

Stay

The hotel offers a wide range of suites and rooms to choose from, including the Zen Double Rooms and the Waterfall Suite, which features a private pool. We opted for one of their Infinity Blue Rooms, and it was hard to imagine ever leaving. The interiors are sleek and calming with muted tones, stylish woven furniture and perfectly framed views of the azure blue waters.

The mini bar was impeccably stocked, and the bathroom was simple and luxurious, complete with organic Cretan products. Our favourite spot was the peaceful balcony – ideal for slow morning coffees and evening wind-downs.

Explore

While the resort makes it tempting to do absolutely nothing, Minos Palace offers a menu of unique experiences for when you’re ready to explore. Private yacht cruises whisk guests to secluded coves and hidden bays, while wine tours introduce you to Crete’s flourishing vineyards and organic wineries.

Back on site, the Vitality Cooking Workshop was a highlight — a hands-on session where we learned to create nutrient-rich dishes using local herbs, olive oil, and garden-fresh produce. There are also breadmaking classes, as well as Bioaroma workshops, where you can craft your own natural products using organic Cretan botanicals. It’s the perfect way to connect with the island’s culture while embracing its slower pace of life.