Minos Beach Art hotel

While it's one of the older properties in the area, The Minos Beach Art hotel has a bright and fresh atmosphere. Its classic whitewashed buildings are striking against the vivid-blue Mirabello Bay backdrop and the lushly landscaped grounds. Stone pathways wind throughout, and modern sculptures by Greek and international artists decorate lawns and gardens. Inside the main building, the lobby is elegant and sophisticated. Artwork is displayed throughout the space, including gigantic stone wall hangings. An antique chest with dark etchings is an intriguing touch. Restaurants and bars are similarly minimalist and clean, combining wood furniture with natural stone and wood accents. Two restaurants are right on the water, and there's a bar overlooking the sea, as well -- all making for elegant places to unwind and absorb the hotel's quiet vibe. The crowd skews somewhat older here, so younger couples and families might feel a bit conspicuous.

This property has a great location on beautiful Mirabello Bay, with its own private beach. While quiet and serene, it's also just a 15-minute walk from the bustling restaurants and bars of Agios Nikolaos. The charming fishing town of Elounda, with its own selection of tavernas, is a 15-minute drive north. There are also Blue Flag beaches -- Elounda's main beach, as well as Driros Beach -- accessible via a coastal path. The pebble beach of Plaka is a 20-minute drive north. From Elounda, it's a 15-minute walk south to the causeway that connects with the Spinalonga Peninsula, with the remains of the ancient city of Olous. Heraklion Airport is about 50 minutes away by car.

The options here include regular rooms in the main building, as well as Bungalows and Villas, some of which have private pools and seafront settings. Decor is similar across categories, with muted earth tones, wicker, and light wood. Dark-gray bedding and beige fabric headboards provide the only spots of color. It's a shabby-chic look that manages to be both restrained and stylish -- and appropriate for this hotel's beachside setting. Standard Double Sea View Rooms are comfy and quiet with balconies that offer nice views of the water. Each has a sofa bed and comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a minibar. Electric kettles come standard in some rooms, but must be requested in others. Bathrooms have basic beige tile, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and upscale Apivita toiletries.

Suites, Bungalows, and Villas have garden, waterfront, or panoramic sea views. Superior Bungalows and Villas are larger, though all have one or two bedrooms and living rooms -- some have open floor plans, however. Villas are available that have private pools, direct sea access, jetted tubs, and/or verandas. The Presidential Villa has three bedrooms and a kitchenette.

The Minos offers all-inclusive and half-board plans at its four restaurants and three bars. Bacchus Main Restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast that includes fresh orange juice, cooked-to-order omelets, and pancakes. Buffet and a la carte dinner is also served. The Ambrosia Restaurant serves a la carte dinner for Superior Bungalows and Villas only. Terpis Cretan Restaurant sits on the bay and serves Cretan cuisine, but is only open for lunch. La Bouillabaisse Gourmet Restaurant is also on the water's edge and serves Mediterranean a la carte cuisine at dinnertime.

Bars include Dionyssos in the lobby, which serves coffee, cocktails, and snacks from evening until late at night. The pool bar, Ibiscus, serves up ice cream and drinks throughout the day. The Pure Lounge Bar is on the beach and offers fresh juices, coffee, cocktails, and light fare all day. Limited room service is available.

The private beach has lounge chairs and umbrellas, though these are only reserved for some guests. Cabanas and covered seating areas are also available. The spa offers an array of massages and beauty treatments, such as mud masks. There's also a small, but bright and clean, gym with a few cardio machines and weights. Water sports and boat rides are available, and there's equipment for kids. The hotel also offers environment-focused activities, such as landscape photography and bike rides.

There's an airy meeting room with a large fireplace and black-and-white photography on the walls. Parking and hotel-wide Wi-Fi are free. The hotel is pet-friendly, and animals stay free of charge.