This small and friendly family-run hotel is ideally situated in the quiet resort of Ilia, just a short walk away from pristine Malia beach. Visitors will enjoy exploring the nearby Minoan ruins, and the town’self offers plenty of entertainment options, with lively tavernas and fine seafood restaurants as well as a wide variety of bars and clubs. The sophisticated resort of Hersonissos is just eight km away and the island capital of Heraklion is half an hour by car. The bright and airy rooms and apartments all feature air-conditioning as well as a private bathroom with bath or shower and views over the garden or pool. Some are also fitted with a kitchenette and mini-fridge. Guests can relax around the outdoor pool or sunbathe in the spacious garden. The hotel’s snack bar serves light meals and snacks as well as drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Frixos, located at Odos Vergidon, Mallia, 70007, Greece, is the ideal staring point. Uniquely among Greek islands, Crete’s mountainous spine creates a sense of spaciousness, a life distinct from sea and sand. Fly-drive holidays to Crete – or simply the hire of a car for some days during your stay in Frixos, – will enable you to seek out the rugged formations of the interior, the fertile countryside and tiny chapels filled with frescoes, the mountain villages where time has stood still. Always, the authentic spirit of the islanders, their fierce independence and pride – as well as the best cooking and most delicious meals that constitute the famed “Cretan Diet” – will more likely be found where few others are looking. With so much to see, with dolphins to watch, shaded squares to paint, olive trees and wild orchids, Minoan remains and sweeping beaches, no wonder Crete holidays and Frixos are revisited so often.