The first day was rather chill. Most of the day was spent reading by the sea, sleeping and eating...not really a bad way to kick things off. Breakfast at this place is just LUSH!!! Who would have thought, but I seriously cannot wait to wake up in the mornings for the full spread of breakfast. After an afternoon of sleeping and reading in the sun (and shockingly gusty winds)...it was off to town. We had no clue where we were going, but with the guidance of FourSquare and random walking we came across a gorgeous Greek restaurant with the most lovely vine leaves!! Complete yummy in my tummy ;-)
After another beautiful breakfast it was off to another day of relaxation. It was Hubb's birthday, so we spent the day eating, sleeping, eating and relaxing (not a bad way to spend one's birthday if you ask me). The day commenced with sitting by the sea reading (how I could totally get used to this), followed by wine tasting. I never associated Greece with wine, but must say the wines and cheeses that afternoon were absolutely lovely. After wine tasting...you guessed it...it was back to the sea to read some more. Then it was off to the spa (tough I know), for massages and mani/pedis. Post spa pampering and some swimming, it was back to the beach beds for some more reading (can you tell I was obsessed with my book? Was reading Games of Thrones in case you were wondering). From there it was a low key evening of free cocktails by the pool bar and dinner.
The next day we actually left the hotel grounds and went for a mini adventure to what I thought was going to be a very remote island. It was remote, but clearly hundreds of other got the secret memo!! It wasn't that bad. After walking through the sand to the other side of the island, we found beds and settled in! It was actually quite cool. We took a 1100 boat from the SW side of Crete and travelled 1h30 to the Island of Chrissi. Once we got there...that was it. No returning until at least 1600. It was a wicked day of reading in the sun, sleeping and snorkeling. Oh I could get used to this!
The next day was a pure adventure. To completely try something new we rented a shooter for the day and toured around the island. I was more than happy to ride along and take photos when possible, but Hubbs encouraged me to take the handle bars. Scared out of my wits at first.... I soon settled in and dare say I rather enjoyed the experience. The roads of Crete are quite windy with no shoulder and extreme drops (doesn't help when you are nervous about driving and take wide turns). Fear aside, it was WICKED and I would do it again in a heart beat. Glad I did not give up and had the encouragement to face my fears!
Did something else that I never thought I would do....woke up at 0630 on a holiday to watch the sunrise. I am NEVER (or rather rarely) awake at 0630, but this was so worth it! The sunrise was just divine and well worth experience. After an amazing breakfast...the day was spent reading in the sun (and wind) and snorkeling. I am rather enjoy this holiday. The swimming is great for my ankle. If I was more confident at swimming I would definitely keep this up when I return to London, but I know I won't.
We were going to leave without doing anything cultural, but we couldn't resist. Spinalonga Island was directly in front of our hotel and the view that we enjoyed everyday, how could we not take the boat over and tour the island. The island dates back to the 7th century, but it most remember as the leper island from 1903-1957. The island is unoccupied now and they have bombed the island as much as possible, but remains of the colony still exist. It is a beautiful island and rather moving. The ankle struggled with some of the climbing, but once it saw the views it knew it was worth it. If I brought my book, I would have camped up there and read. What a view...island of Crete on one side and the open blue waters on the other ;-)
As they say, all good things come to and end, but not before one last sunrise and breakfast!
Hope you all are well!
xx
T