Mitsis Royal Mare

Hotel highlights

• Greek, Asian, Mediterranean and Italian restaurants

• Rooms set out in different 'neighbourhoods' for a Cretan village feel

• 29(!!) pools on offer in total, including two main pools

• Laidback beachfront bar (which we tried and loved)

Location

• Smack-dab on the beach. You can practically taste the salt air (and the rust on your door, sorry we couldn't resist)

• 25 minutes from Heraklion Airport. Almost there!

• 2.5 hours from Chania Airport. A bit of a trek, but totally worth it.

Rooms

• The Mitsis Royal Mare has such a gorge selection of bungalows and suites on offer fit for all!

  • Double Bungalow (with garden, side sea or sea views) - think traditional with a dash of elegance. Garden or sea views, your pick. Oh, and there's a large dressing table and a pretty terrace.

  • Double Sharing Pool Rooms - these rooms offer the best views of the hotel gardens and pool areas, and you've got a swimming pool just steps away.

  • Junior Suite - spacious rooms that stay true to the traditional 'Cretan' vibe, with a sectioned-off bedroom area which leads into a comfortable living area, before opening onto the terrace. You can opt for a shared pool or private pool, as well as having the option of a seafront position if you want the best of both worlds.

  • Suite Sharing Pool Rooms - you can't beat a bit of VIP treatment, and that's exactly what you'll get in these rooms. With a large bedroom, a living area, a spacious bathroom and a terrace which steps straight into the shared pool area, what more could you need?

  • Suite - stylish accommodation with more room than you'll know what to do with, complete with a huge, comfortable bed and a sharing pool terrace.

• All rooms come with some perfect amenities including:

  • Flatscreen TV

  • Safe

  • Hairdryer (thank god!)

  • Air Con

  • Fridge

  • Telephone

  • FREE Wi-Fi (slay!!)

  • Bottle of wine in the minibar

  • Upgraded bathroom amenities

  • Tea and coffee-making facilities

  • A furnished balcony or terrace

  • Bathrobes, towels and slippers

Did you know?

This hotel is known for its thalassotherapy - the use of seawater as a form of spa therapy, designed to cleanse and soothe the skin. Given how close to the sea this hotel is, it definitely makes sense to use what Mother Nature has to offer! Get yourself booked into the spa centre.

Food & Drink

• Symposio Main Restaurant - local and international dishes served at breakfast, lunch and dinner, including salads, meats fresh from the grill and a variety of desserts - with seating overlooking the sea, of course!

• Beach Restaurant Albatros - you can't go wrong with lunch by the beach, can you? We stopped here for a bite to eat and the baked feta with peppers and onions was DELISH. Highly recommend. When in Greece, right?

• Mediterranean à la carte Candia - spoil yourself silly with a generous dinner menu at this Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views. Whilst you're having your dinner, wine not have a glass of local vino alongside it?

• Italian à la carte Allegro - delicious Italian food served at lunch amongst the hotel gardens, sample handmade pizza, fresh pasta and of course... dessert!

• Pan-Asian à la carte Royal Palm - your favourite Asian dishes from the likes of Thailand, China and Japan served in the heart of Crete for a dinner you won't forget. Dishes include maki rolls, crispy duck and chicken curry (nom nom).

• Pacifico - this stunning lil' brunch spot is the perfect place for all your eggs benedict and pancake cravings. By evening it's a South American dining experience. Oh yeah, this place isn't just a one-trick pony.

• Allegria - which has all your sweet-treat cravings sorted with freshly-made crepes and waffles and all the mouthwatering toppings. Maybe don't tell the dentist about this on...

• Minos Main Bar - the place to be for fruity cocktails, coffees, beers and fresh juices throughout the day. Or if you want something strong, get a shot of ouzo and raki.

• Kalypso Pool Bar and Elements Pool Bar - because no pool day is complete without a piña colada. Help yourself whenever you fancy.

• Horizon Beach Bar - serving up your favourite drinks and tasty snacks. We recommend the Mango & Vanilla Mojito!

Sports & Entertainment

• 29 pools in total. Yeah really, 29. including a main pool and a children's pool.

• Mini club for ages 4-12. With athletic challenges, team competitions, a mini disco and a games room. No more "I'm bored"s here. Well at least between 10:00-18:00 anyway.

• 7 tennis courts, mini golf and 2 squash courts if you're a tad competitive!

• A sand and gravel beach directly across from the hotel with tonnes going on.

• Fitness centre for those who want to work up a sweat, you've got plenty of cardio and weights equipment. You do you, hun.

• Spa facilities, including the iconic thalasso treatment, as well as an indoor heated pool, massage services, Hammam and body treatments (extra charges may apply)

• Daytime and evening entertainment with activities and themed shows.

• Mini market to pick up the classic jolly fridge-magnet, laundry services (extra charge), fashion boutique, daily bus services to Heraklion, excursion desk, luggage storage and car rental.

• The Crete Golf Club is just 7km away with its 18-hole golf course, or if you prefer something a little more beginner-friendly, how about the on-site mini golf?