.png)
We Flew to Crete with Dandan at Six Months Old for a Relaxation Vacation. Here’s How It Went
This was our second flight with our little one. The last time, we explored a city, but Dandan has grown since then, becoming a curious and active baby who wants to explore the world. A city trip, where he’d mostly stay in the stroller, was no longer an option. So, how does a relaxation vacation in Crete with a baby look?
For a while, I mulled over the idea of traveling for a vacation with a baby. Many questions crossed my mind: Would it be too hot? Could he sleep during the day? At night? How would we manage to enjoy ourselves, too? So, I decided to define key criteria that could help maximize the fun and minimize stress.
Since it was a short vacation, we chose a nearby destination, deciding on Crete, Greece, based on the available flights that fit our dates.
Arrival
Our hotel was about an hour's drive from Heraklion's international airport, where flights from Israel land. We took a taxi from the airport without pre-booking. Taxis on the island are relatively expensive, and looking back, given the distance, it might have been better to rent a car. This would have given us more flexibility for a similar cost. After some research, I found that taking a self-arranged taxi is cheaper than booking through the hotel.
Accommodation
As we planned to spend most of our days relaxing at the hotel, choosing the right one was essential. I had some very specific criteria:
First, a private pool in our room so we could monitor Dandan while he napped. Sticking to his routine as much as possible was important to me, so having a private space where we could relax while he slept was ideal. I knew things wouldn’t go exactly as at home, but even a partial routine would be good enough.
A private beach was also a must. Surprisingly, not every hotel in Crete has its own beach—some don’t even have one nearby. For a relaxation vacation, I wanted the option to switch between the pool and the sea, so we wouldn’t feel stuck in one place all day.
I also wanted high-quality, delicious food in the resort's restaurants—something truly tasty. I didn’t need six average restaurants; two or three excellent ones would be enough to enjoy every day.
Finally, babysitting services were essential for us. I know it’s not for everyone, but if a qualified caregiver was available at the hotel, I was all for taking a night or two to enjoy an evening out while Dandan slept soundly in the room.
With all these criteria in mind, we chose the Cayo exclusive resort, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. For couples with a baby, the hotel offers two room types (in the basic category): a two-story duplex and a double room. We opted for the double room to avoid stairs. To our surprise, it was actually two connected rooms, with a private pool in one. We received a crib for Dandan, which we placed in the additional room, allowing us to put him down for naps in a quiet, dark space. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the pool with the baby monitor in hand, knowing he could sleep uninterrupted.
This was one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at, offering breathtaking views of Spinalonga Island, impeccable service, a chef’s restaurant, and a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Throughout our stay, it felt like we were in an adults-only hotel, even though we were there with a baby.
We also used the hotel’s babysitting service in the evenings, allowing us to go out for dinner in nearby towns. The babysitter was a kindergarten teacher by profession, so we felt 100% comfortable leaving Dandan with her.
If I had to point out one drawback, it would be that the hotel is less suitable for older kids as it lacks a playroom or play area. For a baby, this wasn’t an issue, but it might be something to consider for toddlers.
Points of Interest
As I mentioned, most of our time was spent relaxing by the pool and beach. But there are two nice towns nearby if you want a bit of Greek atmosphere in the afternoon:
Plaka – This small village near our hotel has a little promenade and a few restaurants, perfect for a short stroll. There’s also a supermarket for stocking up and some Greek souvenir shops.
Elounda – About a 20-minute drive away, this town is larger, with a promenade, shops, and plenty of restaurants.
Restaurants
Restaurant Terrassa – A Greek restaurant in Elounda with one of the most beautiful views I’ve seen. Traditional Greek cuisine with simple and delicious dishes. I recommend reserving a table in advance and requesting a spot with a view.
Lotus Eaters – A classic spot on the Elounda promenade, known for its rich seafood and fish menu. Make a reservation in advance and ask for a table with a view.
Kelari Restaurant – A gourmet restaurant in our hotel, the Cayo exclusive resort. The menu features a variety of seafood and fish, along with cocktails and fine wine.
Comentarios