First look at the reincarnation of a popular all-inclusive resort in Crete

“We’ve enhanced our balconies and added Jacuzzis in 14 of our sea-facing rooms. We know that our customers appreciate these little perks and extras. The fashion was different for old hotels. It wasn’t important back then to have big outdoor spaces. You really have to give it all the love and soul that the customer expects when they come on holiday. We have reset the service level of this property and have moved it from four to five stars,” Ackerman adds.

The moment I walk into my room; I am instantly drawn to the semi-private pool with a view of the distant Aegean Sea. Though the pool snakes past a few other rooms, I am thrilled to have a fair chunk of it to myself. I also peek inside the presidential suite, which boasts two spacious bedrooms, a bright living room and kitchenette, and best of all – a terrific private pool and garden that are well positioned for a magnificent view of the sunset.

Responsible dining

Iberostar’s strength and focus has always been on sustainability which is evident in the lack of single-use plastic throughout the resort and the use of native ingredients across menus.

The size of the buffet desserts has been reduced as the cakes are often left unfinished, and they hope to tackle leftovers in the kitchen soon as well. Ackerman explains: “We are very much invested in reducing food waste from a carbon footprint and an ethical standpoint. In most hotels we have the Winnow System rolled out. It is used to recognise, weigh and measure food that is meant to be thrown away. It predicts how much food you need and it really prevents wasting.”

Settling in for lunch at Vegghera, the name of the taverna is inspired by its concept. Vegghera is an old Cretan custom which means sitting together talking, eating, drinking or even playing cards till the late hours. This spacious spot serves top-notch Cretan fare paired with local wines. I fall in love with the xerotigana served here, a traditional dessert made with fried dough drizzled with honey. This year, Vegghera will be teaming up with the Masterchef UK winner from 2019, Irini Tzortzoglou, to introduce some signature dishes.

Relax and explore

Ample daybeds line the pool and beaches, giving your clients time to take in the beauty of the Mediterranean – which I certainly do. The cocktails by the beach are marvellous, ranging from Aperol Spritz to Ouzo-based concoctions – all delivered with humour and heaps of genuine hospitality.

There are also options for clients who wish to immerse themselves in some local culture. A bus runs frequently from outside the hotel taking visitors to Cretan cities nearby like Rethymno, which is ideal for a day trip. “The most popular excursion for our guests is a train that takes them [from the hotel] to Margarites, a traditional village that specialises in ceramics and pottery,” says Julia Stefanakis, general manager at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine, who has been with the company since 2002.

As well as the aquatic playgrounds of three private beaches and four swimming pools, with the refreshed Star Camp children’s entertainment programme, little ones are given projects and treasure hunts to make their holiday an enjoyable learning experience too.

However, I am visiting the resort without children, and am drawn to the revamped spa, which includes a brand new hammam and indoor pool. My most memorable experience turns out to be a traditional Cretan full body massage by the sea. Under the shade of a tent, surrounded by lush greenery, I am pampered with an aromatic orange oil infused with local raki. The sound of the sea is definitely preferable to your standard spa music.

There’s more to come from Iberostar in this Greek idyll. Next year, it plans to refurbish sister hotel Iberostar Creta Panorama with a water park in the pipeline, which guests at Creta Marine will have the option of utilising once complete. Just another tool at agents’ disposal to attract their clients to this charming resort.