Miramare Resort & Spa

The Miramare Resort & Spa perches on a hillside over Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, with simple beige buildings leading down to the water. The property includes mid-rise buildings with attractive stacked-stone pillars as well as smaller structures with clay-tile roofs and spacious terraces. Pretty stone walls and Mediterranean plants are found throughout the grounds, and the blue sea is always visible (though the resort lacks a beach). Interiors throughout the property are airy and unfussy, with white walls, hardwood or white-tile floors, and clean-lined furniture in neutral grays, browns, and cream. Although the decor is unmemorable, the natural setting is gorgeous and romantic. The resort gets some families, and offers live music and an animation team. However, it draws mostly couples, who can often be found at the three beautiful outdoor pools with views out to sea or distant mountains. Guests should be aware that while there are a few elevators on the property, some areas are only accessible by stairs -- and there are many of these throughout the grounds. 

With its stunning setting above Mirabello Bay, the Miramare offers easy access to the beach -- albeit via stairs and steps down the hillside. There are two beaches within about five-minutes' walking distance: the sandy beach of Almyros and pebbly Gargadoros beach. Water sports and boat tours are available at the beaches (provided by private companies, not the resort). There are a few tavernas within five minutes or so on foot, but for more options, guests will have to go north to Agio Nikolaos, a 15-minute walk or seven-minute drive. The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos is a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk. The charming fishing village of Elounda is a 20-minute drive away and has more cafes and bars. Heraklion Airport will take 50 minutes to reach by car.

Options include Standard and Superior Rooms, One-Bedroom Suites, and Three- and Four-Bedroom Villas. All are simply decorated and have a functional feel that doesn't stray far from the design scheme property's common spaces. Floors are wood laminate or have large beige tiles, while furnishings are clean-lined and in either light or dark wood. Drapes, bedding, and upholstery are in neutral shades of cream, brown, or slate-gray -- the look is just a bit dated. The occasional woven lamp, colorful print, or tiny flower pot lends some charm, but overall the rooms are spare. All have furnished balconies or terraces, many with direct sea views, and private pools are an option for Superior Rooms and Suites (and come standard in Villas). Each room has a sofa bed and a flat-screen TV. Mini-fridges are provided, but there are no tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms have swirly gray tile and small showers or shower/tub combos in Superior Rooms. The Suites and Villas have newer bathrooms with modern beige tiling, white porcelain sinks on simple wooden vanities, and shower/tub combos. 

There's plenty of dining and drinking available at the resort. The main restaurant, Bellavista, has sea views and serves Creten and international buffets for all meals. The Pool Restaurant Aegeon serves a la carte local and international dishes and has frequent themed menu nights, with offerings such as barbecue or seafood accompanied by live Greek music. The Palm Lounge Bar serves drinks and cocktails indoors and on a terrace above the water. It also hosts live pianists. Aeolos Pool Bar serves cocktails and other beverages poolside throughout the day. Guests can opt for all-Inclusive packages; with higher plan categories coming with a free meal at Aegeon, free water, and better-quality alcohol. The Miramare has three outdoor pools with lounge chairs and umbrellas, with beautiful sea and mountain views. One has a kids' pool and there's also a hot tub. Inside is the full-service spa for massages and beauty treatments, a sauna, and a steam room. The spa also has a serene indoor pool with wood-floored lounging area, although taking a dip costs extra. The indoor gym is spacious, if not terribly modern, and there are well-lit outdoor tennis courts available for a fee. The indoor games room has billiards for a fee. Kids can use the outdoor playground, and the Miramare has an animation team as well as babysitting (for a fee). Three sparsely decorated conference rooms are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the rooms and in some common areas. Shops in the lobby sell beauty products and souvenirs. There's also a car rental desk in the lobby. Parking is free on-site. Pets are not allowed.