TWO adults-only escapes in the Mediterranean – but which will you choose?
Take your pick from Barceló Hamilton Menorcaand Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort, Crete.
Barceló Hamilton Menorca
Associate Editor Sarah Barns and friends found cool culture and a brill bar scene in the Balearics.
The Pad: Set in the charming port town of Es Castell, a speedy 15-minute drive from Menorca airport, the star of this place is the rooftop sun terrace, with its gorgeous 360-degree views ofMahónBay and six hot tubs.
It’sthe perfect spot for sipping refreshingpomadas– the island’s signature slushy cocktail, made withXoriguergin and cloudy lemonade, £8.
You’llalso find two outdoor pools and a well-equipped gym, and while modern double rooms are compact, most have a balcony overlooking the Med, so keep an eye out for celebs on their superyachts!
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Explore: Want to stay local? Take a stroll to the picturesqueharbourat Cales Fonts.
But sundowners at the iconic Covad’enXoroi, a dramatic cave bar perched on the cliffs famous for its Ibiza-style chillout tunes and breathtaking views, are well worth the 30-minute taxi ride and £12 entry (Covadenxoroi.com).
Meanwhile, Ciutadella, Menorca’s historic former capital on the isle’s west coast, makes fora great daytrip.
Potter around the narrow, medieval streets, lively market square (stopping to sample the deliciousMahóncheese) and Gothic cathedral. Grabpastisset– flower-shaped, shortbread-like cookies – and pop into Atelier Ansa per Ansa to admire the handbag brand loved by Spain’s Queen Letizia (Ansaperansa.com).
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Elsewhere, along the northern coastlineyou’llfind the North Menorca Marine Reserve, a protected area home to hidden coves andcrystal-clearsea ideal forsnorkelling, as well as the Cap de Cavalleria lighthouse.
Refuel: Nestled among olive trees, the terrace at nearbyTorralbencwas made for balmy evenings (Torralbenc.com).
Expect locally sourced, regionalfavourites, including ceviche, £23, spider crab stew, £24.50, andMahóncheesecake, £16.
For a more rustic affair, head toArjauRestaurant inMaó’sharbourfor small plates, includingIbericoflatbread, £15.50, rice with chicken, £19.50, and tiramisu, £6 (Arjaumao.com).
After exploring the northern coast, thefideuaat Casa Emilio in the fishing town ofFornellsis not to be missed.
It’sa traditional, one-pan paella-like dish with thin noodles instead of rice, bursting with monkfish,cuttlefishand crayfish, £23.50 (Casaemiliofornells.com).
Don’tMiss: Illa del Rei, a small, pretty island inMahónharbour, is home to the artgalleryHauser & Wirth Menorca with shows from both local and international artists. Even better,there’sa free water-taxi service (Hauserwirth.com).
Book It: Double rooms at Barceló HamiltonMenorca costfrom£89 per night.
EasyJet now offers year-round flights to Menorca, from £23.99 each way (Easyjet.com).
Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort, Crete
Fashion Editor Abby McHale and boyfriend Andy sought out R&R in the fishing village ofKolymbari.
The Pad: Graba seafrontjunior suite with a shared infinity pool for picture-perfect postcard vibes.
Decorated in warm creams with a hint of blue,you’llfind a super-king bed, sofaareaand dining table, so youwon’tbe lacking in space.
A private spot on the sandy, shingle beach is reserved just for Grand Bay guests, and a 60-minute body-detox massage using reflexology points and essential oils in the spa, for a £10.50 supplement, hits the spot.
The buffet may not be the most varied, but rooftop a la carte restaurantAzzuroserves upfabGreek classics like keftedes and moussaka for dinner, before the evening entertainment – think everything from a violinist to a DJ – hit the terrace. Oh, and bartender Andreas makes a mean tequila sunrise, too.
Explore: InKolymbariitself, stroll to the tranquilOdigitriaGonia Monastery, £2.60 entry, and snap the stunning sea vistas.
Handily, the bus from right outside the hotel takes you to the ancient city of Chania, £3 for the 30-minute ride.
Wander down to its 16th-century lighthouse for panoramic views of a city built by the Venetians, then explore the narrow streets of the Old Town packed with handmade pottery and woven basket bags – Melody Ceramics was ourfavefind (@Melodyceramics).
Later, seek out the Rat Race Taproom, a craft-beer bar with arcade games, and order the tropical Welcome Abroad IPA, £6 (Rat-race.gr).
Refuel: If you stay all-inclusive-plus, youdon’tneed to eat out. But dining in candlelight with the sound of waves andZorba‘s Dance played on an accordion at chic PalioArhontikorestaurant makes for a great date night just a short stroll from the hotel.
The seafood pasta is stuffed with mussels,clamsand prawns, £19.50, and the lamb orzo comes with the meat still on the bone, £25.
A glass of Greek rosé, £7, will seal the deal (Palioarhontiko.gr).
Meanwhile, tucked away by Chania’sharbourentrance is tiny Gyros Chania, where halloumi gyros cost just £6.50, and make for a tasty lunch when day-tripping (Gyroschania.com).
Don’tMiss: Picking up an award-winning bottle of local olive oil, £17.50, at Edia after a delicious tasting (Edia-crete.gr).
Bookit:Rooms at Giannoulis Grand Bay BeachResort costfrom£94 B&B (Giannoulishotels.com).
Flights from the UK to Chania start from £89 return.