In May 2026, Darren and I finally made it to Crete for the first time. I have planned so many Cretan holidays for my customers over the years, but there is nothing quite like seeing it through your own eyes. We based ourselves in the pretty village of Sissi, fell in love with our ultra‑instagrammable hotel, and I combined the trip with some invaluable hotel visits in Elounda and Chania so I can now share even more personal recommendations

We stayed at the stylish  Enorme Santanna Island  in Sissi, and it was the perfect choice for our first visit. The hotel has a modern, minimalist look with soft natural tones, sleek lines and pops of greenery that really come alive in the Cretan sunshine. It almost feels like its own little village, spread across several low‑rise blocks that step down towards the sea. Despite its size, it never felt crowded, and there were plenty of quiet corners to retreat to.

Dining is a real highlight. There is a huge buffet restaurant with great variety, plus several à la carte options so you can mix big, sociable meals with more intimate evenings. The bars are beautifully designed and ideal for a pre‑ or post‑dinner drink. A particular favourite of ours was the Aperol Spritz pop‑up bar, which quickly became our sunset ritual.

We chose a Superior Swim Up Sea View Room and we honestly could not have chosen better. The interiors are fresh and calming, with floor‑to‑ceiling glass making the most of the views. Our terrace led directly to our own stretch of pool, complete with loungers, so there was absolutely no rush for a sunbed. It was wonderfully peaceful and the sunsets were incredible: rich oranges and pinks mirrored in the water right in front of us.

Location‑wise, Enorme Santanna Island is just a short walk from Sissi’s charming harbour, tavernas and bars. For anyone who loves contemporary design, good food and a relaxed atmosphere with a traditional village on the doorstep, it is a fantastic option.

A Cloudy Day in Elounda: Domes Hotel Visits. We had just one cloudy day on our holiday, which for me is the perfect excuse to explore. We hired a car and drove along the coast to Elounda, one of Crete’s most sought‑after areas, where I had arranged show rounds at two Domes properties.

Our first visit was to Domes Aulus Elounda All‑Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton  an adults‑only, all‑inclusive resort with spectacular views over the Bay of Elounda.This hotel has a chic, grown‑up feel, with stylish pool areas and fresh, contemporary rooms. Many feature sharing or private pools to make the most of those views. Being adults‑only, it feels peaceful and relaxed, ideal for couples who want a refined all‑inclusive without it feeling too formal.

There is an excellent choice of restaurants, from generous buffets to à la carte venues showcasing Cretan and international flavours. The bars are equally impressive, serving creative cocktails and local wines with a backdrop of sea and sky. Facilities include multiple pools, a spa, gym and easy access to a pebble beach just a short stroll away. It is also within easy reach of Agios Nikolaos, making it a great base for exploring this part of the island.

I also visited Domes’ beachfront property in Elounda, which has a more laid‑back, toes‑in‑the‑sand feel. It combines the brand’s contemporary styling and high service levels with a prime position right by the water. For clients who want to wake up and wander straight onto the beach, it is a very appealing choice.

Back Again So Soon:  Chania & Three More Domes

Just five days after we returned home, I was back on a plane to Crete, this time for a FAM trip based around Chania. This region has a very different feel to the north‑east, with a charming old town, Venetian harbour and easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. During this visit, I was invited to see three more Domes properties.

Aulus Chania: Bringing the Aulus concept to western Crete, this resort offers stylish, great‑value all‑inclusive with a relaxed, contemporary vibe. Think generous pool areas, fresh interiors and plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink. Perfect for couples and friends who want a fuss‑free beach break with a design‑led edge.Domes Noruz: A cool, adults‑only, lifestyle‑driven hotel that feels more like a chic beach club with rooms. Sleek architecture, statement pools and a sophisticated soundtrack give it a trendy, boutique atmosphere. Ideal for those who enjoy artisan cocktails, beautifully presented dishes and a sociable, grown‑up scene.Domes Zeen: A gorgeous, boho‑luxury retreat where natural materials, muted tones and lush planting blend seamlessly with the landscape. It has a calm, restorative feel, with family‑friendly facilities but a very boutique atmosphere. I see this working beautifully for style‑conscious families and couples who want space to unwind.While in Chania, we also enjoyed a wonderful day on the water, exploring the coastline by boat and stopping for swims in the clearest turquoise sea. We rounded the day off with a superb dinner at Canale in Chania, which really showcased how effortlessly Crete combines city charm, beach life and great food.

Why These Trips Matter to You

Being invited on FAM trips like these is invaluable. Seeing hotels in person means I can move beyond the glossy photos and tell you what they are really like: which room types are worth upgrading to, how easy it is to walk into the nearest town, where the quietest pools are and which properties suit which type of traveller.

After these visits, I now have first‑hand insight into:

• How Sissi, Elounda and Chania each feel on the ground.
• The key differences between Enorme Santanna Island and the various Domes resorts
• Which hotels are best for romantic couples, style‑loving friends or relaxed, design‑conscious families.

If you are considering Crete for your next holiday and are not sure which area or hotel is right for you, I would love to share my experience and help you choose the perfect match for the way you like to travel.