Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
By
Kerene Barefield
on
3rd December 2024
Nestled along the pristine northeastern coast of Crete, Daios Cove has earned its reputation as a haven for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.
It was the architectural design of Daios Cove that initially stood out on arrival, not only for its
elegance and sophistication but also for its deep connection with the surrounding landscape, where natural beauty and modern luxury blend seamlessly.
The resort’s low-profile buildings appear to emerge organically from the rocky hillside, using materials like natural stone, wood, and glass that mirror the surrounding mountains and sea. The tones and textures of the architecture echo Crete’s natural palette: earthy browns, sandy beiges, and soft greys give the structures a refined look that complements the landscape.
Following a welcome drink, we were taken to our room via the funicular, something that excited the children, aged 6 and 9 straight away. One of the most notable design aspects of Daios Cove’s design is its terraced layout. Built into a steep hillside, the resort’s tiers provide every room, suite, and villa with unobstructed views of the cove and the Aegean Sea. The cascading terraces allow each level to feel private and secluded, giving guests the impression of being in their own tranquil corner of paradise.
The design leverages the natural incline to ensure that whether you’re in a room, dining area, or spa, panoramic views are a part of the experience. Our junior suite was on level 6 of the resort, with a large terrace and private pool, and some of the last sunshine of the day - it was just perfect. The room was spacious, with a very large bed in the centre and two smaller beds that had been made up for the children.
The Kids Club:
What truly sets this resort apart is its balance between family-friendly amenities and an impressive wellbeing centre - KĒPOS by Goco - that allows adults to rejuvenate while kids embark on their own fun-filled adventures. With a kids club that rivals the best, Daios Cove offers a unique holiday experience for families: parents unwind, recharge, and indulge in luxury, while children dive into a world of excitement and discovery.
The Kids Club runs a morning session and an afternoon session, each with a planned activity. My children, aged 6 and 9, loved joining in the mornings before heading down to the beach in the afternoon. Outside the club is a lovely lawned playground area with scooters, slides and a small climbing wall. In the evenings, the resort lays on different nighttime-themed entertainment for the children; the favourites for my two were the bubble party, the disco and the stem robotic Lego building. The Kids Club at Daios Cove is more than just a place for children to pass the time, it’s a space that enhances their holiday experience, encouraging them to explore, learn, and make new friends.
Residents’ Club:
The resort also offers The Residents’ Club, an exclusive program designed to enhance the gastronomy experience for guests, and we found being part of this club perfect when travelling with children.
The Residents’ Club offers a range of upgraded services, personalised amenities, and exclusive privileges that make a stay at Daios Cove even more memorable. All food and drink is included in this membership and the children were able to order whatever they liked throughout the day, it took away the worry of how much we were spending and allowed us to enjoy our stay even more.
The dining:
The resort not only offers a spectacular setting and world-class amenities but also a remarkable culinary experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With several restaurants on-site, each delivering a distinct dining experience, the resort celebrates both the local Cretan flavours and international cuisine, making dining at Daios Cove a true highlight for guests.
On our first night we visited Pangea, which is the main dining area at Daios Cove, offering a sophisticated buffet experience with an impressive variety of global flavours. Designed to provide guests with variety and flexibility, Pangea features a rotating menu that includes both international dishes and local Greek delicacies, ensuring something new for every meal. The buffet is expansive, from freshly baked bread and pastries at breakfast to diverse main courses and desserts at dinner.
The Beach House was one of my favourite restaurants, not only for its relaxed, beachside vibe but also for its excellent food choices. Located just steps from the sand, this stylish restaurant offers an informal yet chic setting with open-air seating that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean seaside dining. We opted to go here for both lunch or dinner across our week, and with its relaxed atmosphere it was perfect for the kids who could run off on the beach when sitting nicely with mummy and daddy got a little tedious.
The wellness centre:
With a complete focus on wellbeing, the resort houses a brand new wellness centre, KĒPOS by Goco, which delivers an unparalleled sensory experience combining a holistic approach to health with innovative technology. With a name derived from the Greek word for garden's quote, KĒPOS is designed to be an immersive space of renewal, blending advanced wellness therapies with natural elements inspired by Crete’s landscapes.
The wellness centre really delivers on allowing you to experience a family holiday with a place to escape and unwind. It goes beyond traditional spa services, offering high-tech diagnostics that allow guests to gain a deeper understanding of their health and wellness needs. I started my journey here with a personalised wellness consultation, during which a doctor assessed my needs and goals - following this I experienced Cryotherapy which was invigorating and also myself and my husband enjoyed an hour in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber.
One of the standout features for me, though, was the expansive thermal suite, which includes a range of facilities designed to detoxify, relax, and rejuvenate the body. The hydrotherapy circuit is particularly impressive, featuring a thalassotherapy pool filled with mineral-rich seawater, which helps to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension. The suite also includes a Finnish sauna, steam room, and a cold plunge pool. During my time here, I also got to enjoy a beautiful facial.
The gym:
For those who want to continue their well-being journey in the Cretan sunshine, Daios Cove is also home to a state-of-the-art BXR Gym, an exclusive fitness centre in partnership with
BXR London. Located within the stunning landscape of the resort, the gym offers a comprehensive range of equipment, expert-led classes, and personal training services, all framed by inspiring views of the Aegean Sea. For me it’s the location that wins you over, there’s something uniquely energising about working out with a backdrop of clear blue waters and lush green hills. BXR also offers retreats at Daios Cover, which I would love to return to without the children, really allowing me to focus on specific training goals.
The verdict
Daios Cove strikes the perfect balance between family-friendly and luxurious, and I can see why so many of the families we spoke to return year after year.
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