Consisting of bungalows and low buildings in gardens around a small bay (with a Blue Flag beach) on Crete's north coast, this secluded resort hotel stands in 'beautifully designed' gardens with 'wonderful views'. Costas Zarbalas, the general manager for many years has taken on a new role as a director of the hotel and senior management consultant. The new GM is Alexandros Glynos. Visitors who return year after year say: 'It undoubtedly deserves its place in the Good Hotel Guide.' There have been considerable improvements: the outdoor pools have been redesigned; much of the outdoor furniture has been replaced with more attractive items, and many rooms have recently been renovated. All face the sea and have private balconies or terraces; some suites have private seawater heated pools. Staff are friendly and nothing seems to be much trouble. There are four pools and five restaurants; the newest is Labyrinthos, on a verandah looking out onto the pool. Breakfast is excellent, and served on a shaded terrace, with much-praised fresh orange juice and a great variety of fruits and fresh breads as well as eggs cooked to order. The Blue Bay Restaurant has an all-day menu serving Mediterranean cuisine, either on the beach or by the pool. There are two a la carte restaurants for dinner under the stars: The open-air Kafenion (authentic Cretan cuisine with fresh fish and seafood) by the beach, and the more formal Minotaure for sushi and fine cuisine (with tables by the sea-water swimming pool). There are also two stylish bars. The small sandy private beach is great for children, and sunbeds are also laid out on terraces overlooking the bay. There are many health and sports facilities. Aghios Nikolaos is 30 minutes' walk away (or a five minute, €6 taxi ride).