Staring out into the Aegean Sea from the sunset terrace at Grecotel White Palace it’s impossible to escape the mythical legacy of Greece
The mountain of Psiloritis in Crete is the birthplace of Zeus, and with its verdant valleys and the cornucopia of fresh fruit and vegetables grown on the island there isn’t a more fitting a place to have given birth to the king of the gods.
The new LUX ME concept at Grecotel White Palace aims for everyone to have a divine experience. Guests are whisked away from the airport to resort by private concierge, contactable 24/7 via WhatsApp for any need, and ensconced in one of 263 suites or individual villas with private pools. The LUX ME experience certainly lives up to its name.
The hotel prides itself on sustainability and the use of fresh, local produce in each of its six on-site restaurants, and each meal is a delight in its own right, but the Cretan dishes inspired by family recipes and local flavour are outstanding.
This is due to the fact that almost all of their ingredients come from the hotel’s local farm, Agreco. This isn’t just hot air; last year the hotel received a certificate from the organisation of Tour Operators to confirm their sustainable status.
The organic influence isn’t solely for adults. With the Little Chefs programme kids are taught how to cook traditional Cretan recipes in a friendly and relaxed environment, ensuring that learning about healthy eating and cooking is fun.
All these nutrients will fill your little ones with energy, and there are plenty of ways for them to expend it.
This year marks the first Arsenal Soccer School where a professional coach from Arsenal’s training school will spend six days teaching football skills to your mini Walcotts.
If football isn’t on the agenda then young fashionistas can take part in the Make-up Course, where they will learn the tools of the trade from top professionals.
Grecotel has seven resorts in Crete, including Grecotel Club Marine Palace, which has the largest in-resort waterpark in Europe.
In the evening at Grecotel Creta Palace hotel staff creep into the garden and move the large models of zoo animals into new positions, and children race down each morning to see what adventures they had during the night. For adults Creta Palace has an extensive spa, where they can indulge in a variety of traditional Cretan and Ayurvedic massages and beauty treatments.
The island of Crete has a rich history which is easily accessible to visitors. Located a short drive from Grecotel White Palace is the Cretan village of Margarites where you can see traditional pottery being made, with each potter climbing the local mountains to collect clay just as they did in Minoan times.
Nearby, the newly opened Museum of Eleutherna is the result of thirty years of excavation in the area, and you can see examples of pottery and other artefacts dating back to 4th Century BC.
A visit to Agreco farm, which supplies produce for the restaurants at Grecotel White Palace, is a must for families. Children can partake in sheep shearing, cheese making and goat milking, alongside learning about organic farming techniques.
The excursion finishes with a delicious home made meal on the farmhouse terrace, with views over the surrounding countryside down to the sea.
With a quick message to the concierge a hot bath with candles and rose petals can be waiting in your suite following a day exploring under the Cretan sun. A follow-up message will easily arrange a babysitter for the evening.
Combining luxury, history and fun for children, the LUX ME concept allows families to experience the home of the king of the gods by being treated like one at Grecotel.
Price: Thomson offers seven night holidays to Greece staying at the 5T Grecotel White Palace on an all-inclusive basis from £1,228 per person. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing and includes flights departing from Gatwick airport on 11 August 2017 and transfers.
Find out more and book: Visit your local Thomson travel shop, go online or call 0871 230 2555.