Rimondi Grand Resort & Spa

Are you looking for a place to relax in the Cretan sunshine surrounded by plenty of sightseeing opportunities? This 5 star hotel is just the ticket. It boasts a fully equipped spa, three outdoor pools, a kids’ pool and a playground. The beach is just over 1km away but you don’t need to walk as there’s a shuttle bus operating seven times a day. When you get there you’ll find a private area for guests of Rimondi Grand Resort, complete with sunbeds, umbrellas and a bar.

The Dimitra Restaurant is named after the goddess of agriculture, harvest and nourishment. Here, the chef uses fresh, local ingredients to create mouth-watering signature dishes. To accompany your food there is a selection of the finest Greek wines to choose from. Bar Lounge, with its roof terrace, is the ideal place to enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink. Or, if you’re after a caffeine fix, freshly brewed coffee is available here all day.

Standard rooms feature a bath and shower combi, a terrace or balcony plus a pillow menu. If you get peckish between meals you can order from the room service selection. Junior suites can accommodate groups of up to four (max. three adults), while the Family Room is suitable for five (max. four adults). If you like a spontaneous dip in the water, why not upgrade to a suite with a private pool?

Don’t miss out on seeing the island’s natural beauty. One way to do this is to join the organised hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge, one of Greece’s National Parks. Note that this does involve 16km of walking, so it’s only recommended for those with a moderate fitness level. Those looking for a less physically demanding challenge can join the ceramic workshop, where you’ll be given the chance to make your own pottery.

Rimondi Grand Resort is just 13km from the historic city of Rethymno. The settlement was founded by the Minoans and has been occupied by the Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Today, this means a rich and diverse Old Town is waiting to be explored. Don’t miss the castle and historic harbour. You’ll also find bars, meze restaurants and a sandy beach. Plus there’s opportunities to go on boat rides or even paragliding if you’re up for a thrilling experience.

And if that wasn’t enough you’re just 17km from Melidoni Cave, where an illuminated trail leads you around a network of spectacular chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. Alternatively, a 10km journey takes you to the hilltop 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, with its impressive Venetian Baroque facade.

As part of the resort's green credentials rooms are fitted with LED lighting, water is heated by solar power and glass bottles are returned to suppliers for reuse.