There's so much to wax lyrical about at the Creta Marine. A gorgeous seafront hotel. A friendly top-notch service. And first-class facilities. It's all of the above and much more, to boot. A peaceful complex, it sits on a serene slice of golden sands, which dissolve in to turquoise seas - so it won't have to be a toss up between the beach and the pool. Talking about of which, there are three sparkling lovelies to choose from here, with features like a fountain and bridge. Dotted about in the beautiful gardens, they're flanked by sun beds, umbrellas and a couple of pool bars. And if you fancy a snooze away from the splashes, you'll uncover an array of cool manicured lawns to stretch out on.
If you tire of tanning, there's plenty in the way of activities to keep you on your toes. We're talking volleyball, aerobics and water polo to name but a few. And you can also hire bicycles or have a game of tennis for an extra charge. Younger jetsetters aren't left out either. Not only do they have a separate pool and a playground, but there's also a miniclub that'll match their energy levels. If it's a pampering session you're after though, head for the spa where you can enjoy indulgent beauty treatments and chill out in the sauna.
Step inside the Creta Marine and it's just as remarkable. The first thing to wow you is the atrium lobby. With a central marble staircase, a circular mezzanine level and a glass ceiling, it's swish to say the least. Downstairs, the friendly staff are always on hand, while upstairs you'll uncover a bar sprinkled with sink-into sofas. When hunger strikes, head for one of the elegant restaurants, 'Dionyssos' and 'Thallasa', where you can tuck in to hearty buffet breakfasts, tasty lunches and slap up dinners. And whatever your taste buds fancy, you'll find a superb choice of both Greek specialities and international cuisine on the menu.
After dark, you'll find lots in the way of entertainment. Start your evening with a lip-smacking meal and then settle down with a drink to watch the cabarets and shows unfold. And when it's time to turn in, head for your comfy room. Spacious and stylish, they're kitted out with glossy-tiled floors and traditional furnishings and have a restful, neutral decor. All have satellite television and air conditioning and a terrace or balcony with garden or sea views. Unwinding and refined, the Creta Marine is the perfect seaside retreat.
If you choose a holiday at Iberostar Creta Marine in the resort of Rethymnon you will certainly have plenty of choices for sightseeing if you want to get around and about. The island of Crete is massive, so it is almost impossible to see the whole island in a single holiday. The island of Crete has got bundles from gorgeous sands to stoney coves and dramatic cliffs and it's steeped in legend as the home of the Minotaur!. Crete is also soaked in sun and littered with ancient ruins, tiny villages, ideal places to party and romantic retreats like Aghios Nikolaos and Elounda. The aegean island of Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilisation dating back over 4600 years. On the inland fringe of Iraklion you can find the ruins of the historic Minoan palace of Knossos. The Minoan city of Phaestos lies a few miles inland from the town of Matala on the south coast. The boulder strewn Samaria Gorge, situated on the western side of Crete, is world renowned for walking, though be warned that the Samaria Gorge offers a tricky walk from the hills to the sea. The long, long summer months in Rethymnon also promises plenty of sun whenever you can escape the UK for a holiday at Iberostar Creta Marine.