Relaxed, five-star elegance on Crete’s northern coast.

Compact, with 212 rooms—including freestanding bungalows and villas—spread over 17 acres. After all, the resort is modeled after Minoan palaces.

An opulent maze of stone-lined paths meandering around a king-sized lagoon, Amirandes contains multitudes. Come here for romance (dine at Lago di Candia, its alfresco terrace overlooking the sea) or family time (the kids can learn everything from golf to Greek dancing). You can be sybaritic on the beach or wellness-focused at the spa, which uses extracts from aromatic Cretan herbs. There’s an Olympic-sized saltwater pool as well as a choice of three stunning beaches fronting the Aegean. Among the eight dining options, the standout is Minotaur, where Italian specialties are served amid the resort’s impressive collection of Picasso ceramics. Eat your heart out, Jay-Z.

Note: The resort is open seasonally spring to autumn

It’s Crete, so sun-drenched, beachfront and upscale are prerequisites. Your asks: someplace that can accommodate the family but allow for moments of grown-up romance.

You’re sitting at a rough-hewn wood table at Agreco, the 100-acre organic farm owned by the resort. As the setting sun turns the fields shimmering gold, you watch as traditionally-garbed farmers load the table with olives, wine, produce and herbs—all grown right here.

Amirandes - Mediterranean buffet

Lago Di Candia - Mediterranean fine dining

Minotaur - New Italian

Petrino - Seafood al fresco

Xasteria - Cretan organic cuisine

Blue Monkey - Asian cuisine

By the Pool - All-day brasserie

Labyrinth - Lagoon Bar