A peaceful resort on the Anissaras peninsula overlooking one of the region’s best sandy beaches, Bella beach is set out in a similar style to its sister hotel, Silva Beach. Popular with families and older couples --many from eastern European countries -- the hotel features a spacious reception area, which has plenty of seating areas and several shops. It opens onto a large pool hemmed in by a liberal scattering of lawns and flower beds, and surrounded by the brick facades of a variety of rooms spread over several floors.

Deserted during the hotter hours, the indoors pool and other facilities of the spa area tend to get busy later in the day. Two restaurants, the all-inclusive Pergola restaurant serving Greek and international buffet food and the slightly more exclusive a la carte Olive Tree serving Mediterranean cuisine, have views over the pool, which is lit up at night.

Fringed by Anissaras’ sweeping sandy beach and half an hour’s ride from Heraklion’s international Airport, Bella Beach is a 10-minute taxi drive from the shops, bars, and restaurants of the lively resort of Hersonissos. Close to several large water parks, Bella Beach is also near Spinalonga, the eponymous island featured in Victoria Hislops bestselling novel, which can be reached by boat from the laid-back beach resort of Elounda. Other attractions within 20 minutes by car include the lively Mecca Malia and the fabled Minoan remains of Knossos.

Grouped around the hotel's main pool, Bella Beach's 175 rooms have warm brick facades overgrown with creeping vines. Decorated in light ochre and olive green tones, rooms are clean, but in need of refurbishment, whilst spacious balconies have pleasant sea, pool, or garden views. All rooms have flat-screen satellite TVs, DVD players, and mini-fridges. Sleek marble bathrooms have either walk-in showers or bathtubs. Safes are available for rent. Guests seeking a peaceful environment should choose rooms in blocks three and four, which are close to the seafront, but away from the hotel’s main animation areas.

Although Bella Beach’s main pool is a popular venue during the daytime, this small scale resort’s beautiful sandy beach is where most guests head to sun and swim when the sea is calm. On cooler days the indoor pool area with steam room, hot tub, and spa facilities gets crowded, as do the tennis courts and the gym which, with just a few machines, less a bit to be desired.

Children who are tired of the beach can head for the hotel’s grassy play area nearby, which has swings and slides and a small Kid’s Club offering various pen-and-paper activities.

For lunchtime and evening meals guests head for the main Pergola restaurant, where a buffet of Greek specialties is served and there is regular evening entertainment. For more exclusive dining The Olive Tree has candlelit tables, an a la carte menu and tables overlooking the pool. All-inclusive options are available, but guests have complained about the quality of the food.

There is free WI-FI available throughout the property and a business center with internet access near the reception area.