Visit the Greek island of Crete for a break without the kids and recharge

FOOD Editor Kirsty Spence and fiancé Ross recharged in Greece.

Because sometimes kid-free getaways are a must…

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They visited the Acro Suites, Crete.

The pad 

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If Bond had a holiday home, this would be it.

Cave-like minimalist suites with private plunge pools are carved into the cliff, the bartender insists on whipping you up a cocktail (try the Gaia, £11 – a mix of rum, passion fruit, tangerine, orange and coffee), and breathtaking views of the Aegean sea are on tap – not least from your bedroom.

Egg chairs, gorge eco-friendly toiletries, Bluetooth speakers and even a dedicated “relax” light switch complete the setting.

There’s a tennis court and gym on-site, but don’t miss the free sunset session of yoga with Jenni – or the spa’s 80-minute Bath House Ritual, £120.

You’ll be scrubbed from tip to toe, slathered in masks, then massaged amid a mass of soapy bubbles.

I left feeling like I was on cloud nine.

Explore 

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There are beaches, cute coves and tavernas aplenty at Agia Pelagia, a 10-minute drive away, plus the ruins of Minoan palace Knossos are 30 minutes further.

Fast-track entry costs £9.70 per person (Knossos-palace.gr). Pebbly Mononaftis beach sits just below Acro Suites, and cocktails at Sea View taste like a ’90s holiday in a glass – order the Special, £7, a mega-hit of Malibu, peach liqueur, gin, vodka, juice and grenadine – complete with mini Greek flag.

First, though, go hunting for starfish and moray eels on a 45-minute introductory scuba dive, from £60 per person (Staywet.gr).

Round off the day with a 15-minute hike to the aptly named Sunset Cliffs to watch the sun go down as waves crash below you.

Refuel

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Among the fruit and usual European cooked and continental treats, you’ll find epic cakes, macarons and Cretan pastries at the hotel’s breakfast buffet.

Come lunch, tuck into a meze of calamari, £13, and dakos – think Greek bruschetta – piled with feta, tomato and herbs, £8, at the hotel restaurant, Cremnos.

For dinner, head to Umi in neighbouring Sea Side resort for beautifully presented Japanese dishes, such as coconut shrimp with stir-fry veg, bao buns and sushi platters, £60 for three courses.

Pair with a deliciously moreish tea-infused cocktail, £9 (Seaside-hotel.gr).

• Compiled by: Catherine Bennion-Pedley

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