Gran Melia Daios Cove, Crete
Greece, we know was once the cradle of civilisation, but is it now the cradle of luxury? Martyn Best reports...
O
f the many sun-kissed, azure-blue surrounded islands in Greece, Crete is the largest, and befi tting that status has recently become
host to the deliciously extravagant Gran Melia Daios Cove. T is is no mere gated resort, no Pontins with
a Greek tinge, but an ambitious small village encompassing much in the way of luxury; grand private villas and seclusion for those who need it. It was highly reminiscent in a curious way of Portmeirion, steroided on sunshine. Daios Cove does not seek the Pontins brigade, but the family elite of Europe; though it may attract one or two of us who fi nd much charm in Portmeirion. From one’s arrival and greeting by the very chicly dressed concierges, in their matching light khaki dresses and shirts to the careful delivery
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by buggy to one of the 39 villas, all about Daios Cove is designed to pamper and care. Recently opened, the Daios Cove is the latest in the luxurious Gran Melia stable, just a short 15 minutes from Agios Nikolias and 40 minutes from the international airport of Heraklion. T e villas are supplemented by around 260 beautifully furnished rooms and suites and four very well serviced restaurants, off ering delicious Cretan local food as well as having an extensive international fl avour. Our visit to the Daios Cove was very much with the aim of establishing if this luxury resort was suitable for a family style holiday, and many elements of it are very much focused on this. Under the management of the Scott Dunn group the Kids Club and Teenager Club provide off spring of all ages with an excellent service
and range of activities, and of course that much sought after parental-respite. T e sailing area is much used, and tuition and activity there are a key part of the holiday. What it may be lacking in numbers of vessels, was compensated for by the cheery salty Greek professionalism and humour of Yanos and Stavros. During our visit there were a good number of
children, but as you would expect from off spring of those drawn to the Daios Cove, and able to meet their not inexpensive rates, they were all well behaved, and added a generally gentle chatter and warm boisterousness. A fair number of English families does not give Daios Cove a holiday camp feel, but rather a warm and friendly environment and the chance to make new friends. T e sheer scale of Daios Cove takes a day or two to grasp. Its dual funiculars carrying its guest
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