MITSIS ROYAL MARE, Hersonissos (Crete)

At the centre of Mitsis Royal Mare sits the multi-award-winning Thalasso Centre, one of Europe's most renowned spas where the healing power of the sea meets medical expertise. The spa offers a complete menu of treatments: back massage, full body massage, facial treatments, body scrub, body wraps, hammam, sauna, and solarium, plus spa/wellness packages. Additional facilities include a heated indoor pool, a hot tub/Jacuzzi, a fitness centre with fitness/spa locker rooms, and a spa lounge/relaxation area.

The resort houses 7 restaurants and 4 bars, with themed dining options that include live cooking events, a crêperie, and a hot dog stand for lunch. Guests can book from a selection of à la carte restaurants: Pan Asian, South American Pacifico, Mediterranean Candia, Italian Allegro, seafood Albatros, and the brunch at Pacifico. The main buffet restaurant changes its selection daily and is open until late for arrivals, while the Minos Bar stays open until 2:00 am with table service and sea views.

The hotel runs daily organized activities for adults and children, including aqua aerobics at the upper pool, Pilates, and live music performances. Sports facilities include tennis courts, squash courts, a mini-golf course, table tennis, billiards, and water sports on site such as windsurfing, canoeing, and snorkelling. Evening entertainment features live musicians, acrobatic groups, Greek dancing nights, and a DJ, all held by the main pool.

Mitsis Royal Mare is a family-oriented resort with a dedicated Kids' Club, a children's playground, and an indoor play area plus kids' outdoor play equipment. Babysitting/child services are available on request, and the hotel provides strollers for younger guests. The property also offers a children's pool, a kid-friendly buffet with special diet menus, and family-sized rooms that can accommodate cots and extra beds.

The resort has 385 rooms, including bungalows with private pools, junior suites, and suites with shared pools that open directly onto the water. Rooms are spread across low-rise buildings in a traditional Greek village layout, with some offering side sea views or direct beach access. Each room includes a stocked minibar restocked every second day, a private bathroom with either a walk-in shower or bathtub, and a balcony or terrace with outdoor furniture.

Award & Recognition: International Travel Awards 2022 - Best Luxury Resort in Crete; TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2023

Spa: Multi-award-winning Thalasso Centre with medical expertise

Pools: 25 seawater pools including children's and heated indoor pool

Dining: 7 restaurants, 4 bars, themed live cooking events

Location: Blue Flag beach of Anissaras, close to Heraklion & Knossos

Family: Kids' Club, babysitting, strollers, indoor & outdoor play areas

Sports: Tennis, squash, mini-golf, water sports, fitness centre