Daios Cove in Crete: Luxury Meets Family Hotel

There are family hotels that are practical. And then there are hotels that look like a luxury hotel but simply offer everything families need for the perfect holiday. For us, Daios Cove in Crete was exactly that kind of place. We spent four days there in May and came back completely relaxed. And anyone who has ever travelled with kids knows: that is probably the biggest compliment you can pay a family hotel.

Daios Cove sits in a private bay near Agios Nikolaos in the east of the island. Even the arrival is special: the resort is built in terraces into the rocks, with the turquoise sea below and, right at the bottom, a sheltered private  sandy beach. It's exactly this setting that makes Daios Cove one of the most beautiful luxury hotels for families in Crete for me. The bay is turquoise blue and the place is simply uniquely beautiful.

If you're planning a family holiday in Crete with kids and are also looking for relaxation, design, great food, wellness and real comfort, you really should know this hotel.

Daios Cove was one of three places we tested in Crete. You'll find all the accommodations, our travel report and the travel guide for the island in Crete with kids.

Daios Cove Crete: a luxurious family hotel in a private bay

What makes Daios Cove special is the combination of luxury and ease. Many high-end hotels quickly feel a little tense with children. You constantly wonder whether the kids are too loud, whether they're welcome in the restaurant or whether you can actually relax at all. At Daios Cove we never had that feeling! Easily 70% of the guests were families with small children, and somewhere someone was always crying or having a little tantrum. Nobody minded.

The resort is elegant, modern and very high-quality, yet incredibly family-friendly at the same time. Children are simply a natural part of things here. There's a kids' club, a playground, child-friendly restaurants, a pool, a children's pool, family accommodation and lots of little services that make everyday life on holiday easier.

Location: Daios Cove near Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete

Daios Cove is located in the north-east of Crete, in the Lasithi region, not far from Agios Nikolaos. This part of Crete is known for beautiful bays, clear water, laid-back coastal villages and a somewhat quieter atmosphere than some of the very touristy areas of the island. If you have a rental car, a trip from here to Plaka (30 min) is definitely worthwhile – a small fishing village with fantastic restaurants – and Vouslisma Beach, just 10 minutes away, is also well worth an outing!

For me, the resort's private bay is the heart of the hotel. The sea here is sheltered, the water shimmers in gorgeous shades of blue and turquoise, and the beach can be reached directly from the hotel. 

If you're looking for a hotel in Crete with a private bay, beach, pool and luxurious family comfort, you'll find an exceptionally beautiful combination at Daios Cove.

Rooms, suites and villas at Daios Cove

Daios Cove has a total of 271 rooms, suites and villas. The accommodation is modern, bright and very spacious. What's especially lovely is that many rooms and suites have sea views and many units come with a private seawater pool.

Design lovers should take a particular look at the newly renovated Collection rooms and suites. We were given a Collection Junior Suite with a private pool, which was ideal for 2 adults and 2 children.

For a luxury holiday in Crete with kids, the suites and villas are especially appealing. They offer more space, more privacy and often a pool of their own. With children, that's simply a dream.

Many rooms and villas with a private pool

A big plus at Daios Cove is the large number of units with their own pool. For families, a private pool on holiday is a real luxury because it makes the day so much more flexible. You don't always have to pack everything up, you don't have to hunt for sun loungers, and you can easily spend a relaxed hour at your room.

The beach at Daios Cove: sheltered, calm and perfect for families

The Daios Cove beach lies right in the resort's private bay. Everything is manageable, and the water is shallow and calm. For families that's a big advantage, because you can keep a good eye on the kids and distances are short.

During our stay in May the water was clear and beautiful. On the beach there are sun loungers, parasols and service. So you can spend the day between sea, sand, snacks and swimming. For me, that's one of the biggest advantages of Daios Cove: you don't have to plan every day or organise excursions. The most beautiful spot is right on your doorstep and you don't really want to leave the hotel at all. And coming from us, that says a lot!

Pools and water activities at Daios Cove

Besides the private beach, Daios Cove has a large seawater infinity pool overlooking the bay. Right next to it is a small children's pool, and a little further up there's an adults' pool.

Depending on the season and weather conditions, guests can enjoy stand-up paddling, kayaking, jet skiing, snorkelling or other water sports, for example.

Restaurants at Daios Cove: cuisine for families and foodies

One of the main reasons Daios Cove is so special for me is the food. We have NEVER eaten so well from morning to night. Foodies will be in their element here. The resort has several restaurants and bars with different concepts, so even on a longer stay you can keep eating somewhere different and discovering new spots in the resort.

The restaurants and bars include:

Pangea
Pangea is the resort's main restaurant. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style here. The choice is large, international and varied.

Taverna
Taverna serves Greek and Cretan cuisine. For me it's one of the most beautiful spots in the resort, because you eat Mediterranean food while enjoying a glorious view of the bay.

Ocean Restaurant
Ocean Restaurant is more elegant and ideal for a special dinner. The focus here is on fine cuisine.

RHO Restaurant
RHO Restaurant is a fine-dining concept and better suited to families with older children. 

Beach House
Beach House is right on the beach and perfect for relaxed meals in a casual atmosphere. We had lunch here every day because it was just so easy with the kids.

Dining plans at Daios Cove: half board or Residents’ Club

Daios Cove offers different board options depending on the category and offer booked. Rooms come with half board. Suites and villas come with the Residents Club.

The Residents’ Club offers a particularly extensive, luxurious all-inclusive experience with lots of extras. Depending on the booking and category, this includes meals in various restaurants, drinks, minibar and room service.

Spa and wellness at Daios Cove: relaxation for parents

KĒPOS by Goco Spa is one of the most innovative spas in the Mediterranean, with state-of-the-art technology. There are treatment rooms, pools, thermal areas, fitness facilities and a range of wellness treatments. I joined a sound healing session and was absolutely blown away. I even fell asleep, which has never happened to me before, and afterwards I was more deeply relaxed than I'd been in a long time! 

The Daios Cove philosophy: everyone finds their own rhythm

The kids play, swim and explore. Parents relax, enjoy the great food, do some sport or switch off in the spa. As a family you can spend time together and still have a little space for yourselves.

At Daios Cove everyone can find exactly what they need right now: peace and quiet, adventure, indulgence, sun, sea or simply a little distance from everyday life. Even though the hotel is absolutely family-friendly, there are adults-only areas everywhere, such as the RHO Restaurant, the taverna for adults-only breakfast, an adults-only section in the Pangea restaurant, and an adults-only pool.

Although Daios Cove is large, it doesn't feel oversized thanks to its terraced design, natural colours and the way it's set into the rocks. Everywhere you look, you see the sea. You wake up to sea views, have breakfast overlooking the bay and in the evening enjoy the most beautiful sunset colours.

The perfect time to visit Daios Cove?

We were at Daios Cove in May, and for us that was the ideal time to travel. In May, Crete is already wonderfully sunny and pleasantly warm, but not yet as hot as in high summer. 

Especially with kids, I find May in Crete very pleasant. You can spend lots of time outdoors without being roasted by the sun. Ideal for beach days, pool time and trips to Agios Nikolaos. 

If you prefer things a little quieter and have the option, you should travel in June, September or October outside the school holidays.

The resort is generally open from late April to early November.

My verdict: Daios Cove is perfect for a luxury family holiday in Crete

After our four days in May I can say: for me, Daios Cove in Crete is an almost perfect hotel for families who want luxury, relaxation and a child-friendly atmosphere.

It's ideal for parents who don't want to do without design, great food, a spa and comfort. And it's just as ideal for kids who love the beach, the pool, the kids' club, ice cream, the sea and a bit of action. We came back completely relaxed – and that doesn't happen automatically on a family holiday. 

Frequently asked questions about Daios Cove Crete with kids

Is Daios Cove in Crete family-friendly?

Yes, Daios Cove is very family-friendly. It offers spacious rooms, suites and villas, many units with a private pool, a kids' club, child-friendly restaurants, a beach, pools and a variety of activities for families.

Where is Daios Cove?

Daios Cove is located in eastern Crete, near Agios Nikolaos, in the Lasithi region. The resort sits in a private bay with direct access to the beach. It's only 66 km (about 1 hour) from Heraklion airport.

Does Daios Cove have rooms with a private pool?

Yes, more than 160 rooms, suites and villas at Daios Cove have a private seawater pool, some of them heated. That's especially practical and luxurious for families with children.

How many rooms does Daios Cove have?

Daios Cove has a total of 271 rooms, suites and villas.

Is there a kids' club at Daios Cove?

Yes, there's a kids' club as well as a crèche for younger children and a playground. The activities are age-appropriate, giving children their own activities and parents a little time out.

Which restaurants are there at Daios Cove?

The restaurants and bars at Daios Cove include Pangea, Taverna, Ocean Restaurant, RHO Restaurant, Beach House and Crystal Box, a bar. The culinary offering ranges from buffet to Greek cuisine to fine dining.

Which board options can you book at Daios Cove?

Depending on your booking, different board options are available: half board or the Residents’ Club, the luxury all-inclusive option when booking villas and suites.

Is Daios Cove suitable for a luxury holiday with kids?

Yes, Daios Cove is particularly well suited to families who want to spend a luxurious holiday in Crete. It combines high-quality accommodation, cuisine, a spa, a private beach, a kids' club and a relaxed atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Daios Cove with kids?

May is a lovely time for families to travel, because Crete is already warm and sunny but not yet as hot as in high summer. But summer, September and October are also great for a family holiday in Crete.

 

For bookings and a special offer this year, please send me an email at anika@kidswelltraveled.com