Nana Golden Beach Hotel: My Bank Holiday Escape to 5 Star Family Luxury in Crete

Over the Bank Holiday weekend I swapped the Irish drizzle for four nights of Cretan sunshine at Nana Golden Beach in Hersonissos, and it genuinely ranks as one of the nicest family all inclusive resorts I have visited. From the moment I arrived, it felt more like a chic coastal village than a hotel: whitewashed low‑rise buildings, manicured gardens bursting with colour, and the sea glinting just beyond the pools. Even at full occupancy there was a lovely sense of calm and space, which is not always the case with popular AI resorts.

My home for the weekend was a stylish, contemporary room that struck the right balance between family‑friendly and luxurious. Thoughtful design touches, a comfortable bed, great storage and a sleek bathroom made it incredibly easy to settle in. I loved being able to step out and within a couple of minutes be by the pool, at the beach or wandering through the gardens with a morning coffee. Everything felt impeccably maintained and spotlessly clean, with staff constantly, and discreetly, keeping the resort looking beautiful.

As a family all inclusive, the heart of Nana Golden Beach is its pool and waterpark area, and this is where it really shines. There are several pools to choose from, plus dedicated children’s pools and a proper waterpark with slides that keep little ones and teenagers entertained for hours. What impressed me most was how well‑organised it all felt: plenty of lifeguards, lots of sunbeds and parasols, and different areas catering to different moods, from splashy fun to more relaxed lounging. Families can settle into their own rhythm without feeling crowded, which makes a huge difference on a short break.

Of course, with an all inclusive resort, food can make or break the experience, and here Nana Golden Beach absolutely delivered. The main restaurant offered an excellent buffet with a great mix of Greek and international dishes, fresh salads, grilled meats and fish, and plenty of options for children and fussier eaters. What stood out was the quality and presentation: this did not feel like “bulk catering” but genuinely well‑cooked, varied food. On top of that, there are speciality restaurants that add a sense of occasion to your evenings, so you never feel stuck in the same dining room night after night. I came away feeling that this is a resort where even foodie clients would be very happy.

The all inclusive concept extends beyond the restaurants into a lovely selection of bars and snack points dotted around the property. Whether it was a cappuccino in the morning, a cool drink by the pool or a pre‑dinner cocktail as the sun dipped behind the palm trees, it always felt relaxed and easy. Service was consistently warm and attentive without being intrusive, and there was a genuine desire to look after guests. That level of hospitality is what, in my view, elevates a resort from “good” to “memorable”.

For families, Nana Golden Beach offers so much more than just pools and food. There is an impressive line‑up of activities: kids’ clubs and entertainment, a playground, sports courts, a gym, watersports, and a full animation programme. You can be as active or as laid‑back as you like. I saw plenty of families where the children were happily engaged at the waterpark or in organised activities, while parents actually had time to relax with a book or enjoy a quiet drink overlooking the sea. For a short break like a Bank Holiday weekend, that sense of everything being taken care of is priceless.

When you are ready to slow down, the resort’s spa and wellness facilities provide a peaceful retreat from the buzz around the pools. An indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms create a proper spa feel, and the atmosphere is calm and soothing. Even a single treatment or an hour spent there adds an extra layer of indulgence to the stay, reminding you that you are in a genuine 5 star environment, not just a big family complex with a slide.

Location‑wise, Nana Golden Beach is well placed for those who like a balance of resort time and light exploring. You are directly on a lovely stretch of coastline with easy access to the sea, and Hersonissos itself, with its shops, bars and tavernas, is within reach if you fancy a change of scene. For longer stays there is scope to explore more of Crete, but for my Bank Holiday escape, I was more than content to enjoy the resort and the Cretan sun.

As a Travel Counsellor, I am always looking at properties through the eyes of my clients: would I send a young family here, a multigenerational group, or a couple who want a high‑end all inclusive but do not mind a family atmosphere? After four nights at Nana Golden Beach, the answer is a definite yes. It is polished without being pretentious, genuinely family‑friendly without feeling chaotic, and the food and service are strong enough to justify its 5 star status. If you are looking for a luxury all inclusive in Crete where they can unpack once, relax completely and know the whole family will be happy, Nana Golden Beach is a resort I can personally recommend with confidence.

If reading this has you picturing yourself by those pools or wandering along the seafront at sunset, get in touch and I will be delighted to help you plan your own Nana Golden Beach escape.