DESTINATIONS CRETE | GREECE & CYPRUS
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Paralos Lifestyle Beach; lunch in Armonia; Junior Suite Mountain View Sharing Pool, Paralos Irini Mare; fam trip attendees; Agia Galini; Paralos Irini Mare PICTURES: Yannis Fais; Alice Barnes-Brown; N Fragomanolakis
verdict verdict AGENTS’
“My highlight was the incredible food and the attention to sourcing
its 1970s hippy heyday, with steps in the blue-and-white of the Greek flag and steep streets sprinkled with blooming bougainvillea leading down to a fishing harbour. After a 10-minute walk along the beach, we reach Irini Mare. While we admire murals painted by local artists and sip a refreshingly cool drink, managing director Antonis Milolidakis explains: “The pomegranate juice you are drinking is from our fields. We pick them in October then freeze them, so there are no preservatives.” This farm-to-table ethos extends
to the buffet, where I spy a fresh pasta machine, home-baked bread and even local honeycomb and homemade goat’s cheese ice cream. Like the hotel I visited as a child, this is a family operation. Executive management assistant – and Antonis’ sister – Marili Milolidaki is drizzling peppery olive oil onto carob bread. She says: “This is from my grandfather’s olive trees. We produce enough to cook with it, sell it to our guests and use it in our houses in the winter.”
travelweekly.co.uk
There is a mix of couples and families chatting over a long, lazy lunch in the à la carte restaurant, Tomatini, where all guests are entitled to one free dinner a week. When asked about the property’s guest profile, Marili says: “Britain is a new market for us. We attract people who want to discover a new destination – and we have a very good repeat rate.”
NEW SUITES Next season, there will be even more for agents to entice clients, as 23 new suites with private pools are set to open, as well as
BOOK IT
The Greek Specialist offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Paralos Kosta Alimia from £899 per person, based on two sharing. Includes luggage, transfers and Sky Express flights from Gatwick to Crete via Athens on May 6, 2026.
thegreekspecialist.co.uk
Discerning Collection sells a seven-night stay at Paralos Irini Mare from £1,245 per person, half-board, based on two sharing. Includes luggage, transfers and flights from Luton departing on May 2, 2026.
discerningcollection.com
a suite that offers the opportunity to sleep on the rooftop under the stars. “We have zero light pollution in south Crete, and many guests suggested these stargazing rooms in questionnaires,” says Marili. With a wholesome meal under my belt and a bottle of olive oil in my bag, I leave satisfied in more ways than one. Despite concerns of overtourism on the island, Paralos offers a Cretan experience as generous and genuine as it was 20 years ago. Whether clients are based in a resort or a boutique hotel, they’ll feel like part of a big, fat Greek family here.
TW
locally. Paralos would appeal to lots of different clients, but certainly those who are looking for something unique and people who appreciate good service.” Markus Kendall-Young, director, Auria Travel
“Kosta Alimia is all about relaxation and would appeal to clients in their 40s and
50s. The beach is spread out and doesn’t feel overcrowded, plus it’s very chilled.” Nikki Stanfield, manager and franchise director, Premier Travel
“Sustainability and authenticity go hand in hand at Irini Mare. It’s a thoughtful
choice for both couples and families seeking Crete at its most grounded.” Holly Matthews, product development manager, Discerning Collection
30 OCTOBER 2025
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