I’M SITTING on the wing deck, below the blue and white sails of a catamaran heading back from dry, rocky Spinalonga island, off the coast of Crete. Every so often the smoothness of the ride is interrupted and I chuckle light-heartedly as the Aegean sea’s waves spray me unexpectedly. The water feels cold, but the sun is shining in mid-20s temperature. Our charter comes to an end as it enters a secluded bay, flanked by two rocky mountains, and docks at my temporary home for the weekend, the five-star Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas.
View from the beach at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Crete
As I look up, dozens and dozens of rooms and villas terrace down the hillside and I try to guess which of them is mine. The resort’s aesthetic is undoubtedly modern but it appears to be carved out of the mountains themselves, blending with its surroundings. To me, an architect, it’s obvious that this is a carefully meditated design decision, evident in other parts too: restaurants that open up to terraces overlooking the bay, a sea-salt infinity pool that brings its edge to the cove’s waters, a reception space surrounded by glass (seemingly floating over the mountain) and a hotel room with a glass wall that opens to a private terrace and, perhaps most impressively, to my own private pool.
The sunset is different from what you might expect. This evening, the sky doesn’t change to warm colours, but instead morphs into a deeper, more atmospheric shade of blue. Intensely relaxed from a day of sailing and a soothing massage at the resort’s spa, I waver between floating in the water looking up at the sky and peeking my head over the edge of the pool to take in the view, and am overtaken with joy. And hunger. But luckily one thing Daios Cove does extremely well is offer guests a variety of restaurants with their own particular menus.
Those looking for an authentic Mediterranean experience will revel at Taverna’s cuisine, along with its ambiance, inclusive of Greece’s rempetika music playing in the background. Or for a wide selection of international cuisine, Pangea’s buffet-style selection has something for everyone. Ocean Bar boasts an impressive selection of cocktails and food for sunbathers who don’t wish to leave the poolside (I highly recommend the Cove Prosecco – citroen vodka, cucumber, almond-rose syrup and champagne prosecco; it’ll change your life); but it’s Ocean Restaurant that I’m most looking forward to tonight.
Sunset at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Crete
Ocean is as sophisticated as it is contemporary, featuring an à la carte dinner which blends Mediterranean cuisine with fine dining. The meal begins memorably, with a private all-Greek wine tasting experience hosted by the hotel’s sommelier, setting the tone for what’s to follow. Course after course, Ocean delivers in more ways than one. It takes the simplest ingredients and creates unlikely hybrids which explode in your mouth. Perhaps the best example of this was dessert consisting of a peach that tasted like rich, natural smoke paired with ice cream infused with whiskey. Every bite works wonders on the palette. To end the experience at Ocean, I find myself saying “yes” to the last surprise the sommelier offers. Vintage wine.
Vintage wine is on the menu at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas Crete
I’d heard of the nearly nirvana-inducing qualities that come with drinking vintage wine, but had never tried it. This 2007 Visanto vintage pops my cherry, makes me merry and leaves me extremely impressed. With a bottom-of-my-heart efcharistó, I thank the staff, who have been working all day, afternoon and evening, their kind disposition and friendly smiles never dithering from their faces, including the buggy driver who ushers me back to the room. Sinking into the king-sized bed’s comfort, I doze off, and before I know it, I open my eyes to a bright blue sky all over again.
Suite at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Crete
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas is a secluded oasis amid a dry, hilly landscape where guests can quite literally escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The place exudes tranquility through its natural setting as well as through the special treatment offered by its staff, its architectural design features and its peacefully therapeutic amenities – snorkelling, yoga, sailing and massages, to name a few. In this popular Cretan retreat, even though you find yourself among other guests, you’re left feeling like a VIP – for the time you’re here, each man is treated like an island. And, in all honesty, it’s a wonderful feeling.
by Regner Ramos
Sovereign (01293 762 003, www.sovereign.com) has a seven night holiday to the five star Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas on a Half Board basis, from £1,229 per person– saving up to £899 per couple. The offer includes one complimentary breakfast in bed, an exclusive Sovereign welcome gift, a 20 EUR a la carte dinner credit, security fast passes and access to N°1 Lounges (where available), private airport transfers and return international flights from London Gatwick with easyJet. Based on departures 15 October 2017. Book via http://www.sovereign.com/hotel/118431
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