Our Head of The Personal Travel Agents, Sheena Whittle gives her review of the 5* Daios Cove in Crete
The story goes that a sailor stumbled across Daios Cove in a storm and whilst he sheltered there was astounded by it's beauty and calm. Thinking it a perfect spot for a hotel he started to buy up plots of land before collaborating with Mr Daios on the remaining plots to build the hotel. Finished and opened in 2010 you could be forgiven for thinking the hotel is brand new, a result of its rigorous ongoing winter renovations each year. Today the hotel is still privately owned which really shone in the service and special touches throughout our stay.
When I say "it's all about the Cove" it really is. A place to stop and stare from an infinity pool, a place to marvel and reflect at the stunning sunrises and sunsets, a place to be at one with the sea be it snorkelling in the calm waters, scuba diving, paddel boarding or just...... listening to the gentle waves lap the shore whilst your mind presses your internal reset button. The Cove watches on, encourages and welcomes you.
Add to the Cove the impressive and stylish 5* hotel and you have a winning combination, there's also plenty to satisfy today's Instagram generation with spectacular views and photo opportunities around every corner.
We stayed for a week in October 2020, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic although we felt incredibly safe in what we called our “Daios bubble” with no less enjoyment of our holiday than normal.
We opted for a deluxe sea view room with individual pool which provided us with endless hours propped up against the edges of the infinity pool just gazing at life in “The Cove”. The room itself was large, stylish and well equipped with a good sized balcony leading into our pool. A quick call to housekeeping resulted in a yoga mat delivery and the most perfect spot for morning sessions overlooking the calm waters.
You really can do as much or as little as you want with an abundance of activities to try. If a holiday for you means the opportunity to focus on fitness and wellbeing then you won’t be disappointed with everything from an outdoor circuit training area, complete with personal trainer to the gym, tennis, yoga, pilates and a tasty "wellbeing menu" in most of the restaurants. Or, if like me you're looking for complete switch off and relaxation then there’s the spa, the beach, the pool, the enticing cocktails and Red Velvet desert at The Beach House all tickling the senses and the taste buds.
If you're a foodie then get excited, the culinary standards were high in all restaurants, particularly The Taverna for quality Greek cuisine and Ocean Restaurant and we loved The Beach House for it’s relaxed atmosphere both lunchtimes and evenings. I'd recommend booking a room category with The Residents Club dining option which gives you pretty much all premium inclusive except the more specialist drinks and a range of the a la caret dishes. In our week we never got bored with the variety of food or drink and if you want to take things a step further and even learn how to cook Greek you can at one of the classes.
The range of room types and villas particularly lends itself to families and multi generational groups well and the sea front villas were my personal favourites, particularly Villa 215 the Two Bedroom Wellness Villa complete with private pool, spectacular views from every room, outdoor private shower and your own sauna, huge bath and treadmill overlooking the Cove.... the views even making the treadmill a tempting option!
For couples there's intimate rooms with individual pools and suites and villas with private pools, an adult only pool area where the depth of the sunbed mattresses induces very lazy days and cool bars.... Again all with "that view". And if you're really looking to push the boat out there's The Mansion, an exquisite villa of 800 square metres complete with your own gym, spa, pool and total luxury throughout which has welcomed many a celebrity and politician over the years, arriving of course by helicopter directly onto the hotel's helipad.
Whatever room you stay in, if you're a couple or family you will all fall in love with the beach and “The Cove”. Morning swimmers stroke their way through the calm waters in their pre-breakfast swims, many a paddel board novice learns the ropes and silently paddles their way through the tranquillity. Don't forget your snorkel.... through the crystal clear waters you'll be at one with the variety of fish or go one step further and learn to scuba dive with the hotel instructors. The beach and the sea stole the show for us and proved totally addictive.
All in all there really is something for everyone at Daios Cove. Choosing the right room and package is key and your Personal Travel Agent has the hotel contacts and knowledge to guide your decision and ensure your experience of "The Cove" is as positive as mine was.
