Callum Jones
While the weather may not have been the glorious sunshine I was hoping for when landing in Crete for the bank holiday weekend, I was in for a treat with the hotel.
Cook's Club in Hersonissos opened its doors in 2018 with a gym, spa centre, and yoga lessons all on site, and the beach sits just 200 metres away.
But to be honest, after checking into the four-star hotel, I realised everything you could ever need is right on site with Cook's, meaning a venture outside of the hotel is not always necessary.
And with the summer season just beginning in Crete, and the bars not partying too hard just yet, Cook's Club is the perfect place to stay if you're looking for a relaxing getaway prior to the mad summer rush.
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Upon checking in and being escorted to my room by a member of staff, I was immediately struck by the modern feel to the digs.
While a kitchen and sitting area would have been welcomed, there's certainly a lot to like.
My room, which came equipped with two large double beds, was certainly very spacious and had a balcony overlooking the two outdoor swimming pools.
At this point, the sun had come out to play and remained until my departure for the airport, so it was time for a dip in the pool.
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As temperatures in Crete are yet to hit their yearly high, the hotel swimming pool was certainly a chilling experience (aka, you'll want to get out in 30 seconds to avoid hypothermia).
Nonetheless, having a dip in the pool has got to be done on holiday, right? And if you're planning a trip to Greece in the coming weeks, it's only going to get warmer.
Now, onto food. With half-board at Cook's Club, guests have access to an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, as well as a €22 (£18.72) allowance per day that can be used on any food or drink in the hotel.
This is all done through the app, which allows guests to browse the menu, view their balance, and even book excursions.
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While €22 may not sound like much, food and drink is certainly reasonably priced at Cook's Club, especially considering the stature of the hotel.
For example, I was able to get lunch in the form of a sandwich, a 'Greek gyros' and fries for dinner, which was all washed down by a beer with my allowance.
One small negative is you can't split what is left on your budget to purchase something out of your allowance, so if you have €3 left to play with, then you have to buy something which costs exactly that.
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Becoming a digital nomad and even taking a 'micro-retirement' has become a popular Gen Z trend, and Cook's Club is perfectly set up for that.
The reception areas come equipped with laptops, meaning you're able to get on with some work, with the pool just a few steps away.
And when it's time to unwind of an evening, the hotel offers evening entertainment including DJs and a jukebox night.
A particular highlight for me was film night, which saw Flight Risk projected onto the side of the hotel building during my stay.
All in all, Cook's Club offers the perfect stay for those looking for a relaxing getaway, while the hotel is sat in the heart of Hersonissos, offering a ton of bars and late-night venues should you wish to venture outside.
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Later in the summer, Cook's Club sessions returns to Crete on Thursday 3rd July with renowned Ibiza DJ Melon Bomb heading to Hersonissos.
"Whether guests arrive solo, with friends, or as a couple, the atmosphere is laid-back, the design is considered, and the soundtrack is the soul of not only the property but the party," Cook's Club said in a press release.