There’s something about the light in Greece, it seduces you from the moment you step off the plane. From the early morning dew drop blues, to the midday whites, and all the way into the never-ending infinity pool pinks of the sunsets; the love affair Greece wants to have with you is a compelling one. My recent return to Crete with an unforgettable stay at St Nicolas Bay Resort reminded me why it is one of my very favourite places to visit.
Pat Bailey rekindled her love affair with Crete at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey
The first time I visited Heraklion it was by accident, or divine intervention rather. I was on my way home from Budapest and my flight stopped on Crete. I had an overnight layover and I took a bus from the airport and found myself in the middle of Mediterranean paradise for the first time, and I cried because it was such a beautiful surprise. I wandered the narrow streets soaking it all in, went into a beautiful Orthodox cathedral and sat forever, and I ate as much Greek food as I could eat until my departure. I vowed that I would return.
About one hour from the centre of Heraklion where I stood the first time I visited the island of Crete, is St. Nicolas Bay Resort where I wanted time to stand still for the days that I stayed there – and it did.
Our private pool at The Rock 1 at St. Nicolas Bay Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey
5 Star Luxury Stay at St. Nicolas Bay
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The luxury property is grand with a boutique feel, and includes 25 Deluxe Suites with private pools, 6 Thalassa Villas with private pools, 42 other Suites and 40 rooms. The property is perfectly situated to offer guests a front row seat to the Mediterranean with its ever-changing hues of blue.
Waking up to this view every morning was bliss at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey
Our sun kissed room at St. Nicolas Bay 5 star resort in Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey
My 45 square metres of indoor private villa space and 60 square metres of outside terrace space, The Rock 1, was literally perched on the edge of the property, with an Instagram-worthy infinity pool that blended into the sea and it was pure paradise. Decorated with a borrowed palette, the décor of the entire property is classic Greek design with accents of blue and white to reflect the surrounding nature. A generous king-sized bed, seating area, Jacuzzi tub and indoor-outdoor shower give the space a feeling of indulgence. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors frame the masterpiece that unfolds minute-by-minute each day. I choose to leave the curtains open each night to fall asleep to the beautiful blue haze of light coming from the pool against the night, and wake up naturally to the most magnificent sunrises full of pinks and oranges that looked too good to be real.
One of the many beautiful pathways edged in greenery that guide you around the property at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey
Gorgeous modern architecture marries with stone accents at St. Nicolas Bay, Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the terrace and taking in the mountain silhouettes at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey
The property has many meandering pathways that lead in various directions along with a grand entrance where you are greeted personally by Yiannis Zacharias, one of the managers on site and given a tour before you are escorted to your room. There is a private beach, boutique with locally made items, a small art gallery (Argonaftis) with rotating exhibits of local artists, a cultural centre called the “Cretan Museum,” business centre, a full-service luxury spa and fitness centre, five restaurants, and even an open air cinema on site. There is even a special place for children to go with daily activities planned.
Another of the stunning spaces for guests to unwind at St. Nicolas Bay Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey
Complimentary welcome champagne, mineral water, Greek cookies and fresh flowers, which were freshened every day of my stay, are included in each guest’s stay at St. Nicolas Bay. Along with a 30-minute Anti Stress and Relaxation treatment at the spa which I sorely needed after my arrival.
