The Syntopia Hotel

Adults-only, with the sea across the road and the practical comforts that matter when you have spent the day in salt water. The Syntopia Hotel - Adults Only combines Cretan hospitality with modern facilities, in a setting aimed squarely at grown-up travellers who would rather have a proper meal, a swim and a quiet drink than organise entertainment for the entire family.

English is spoken by the hotel team, as is German, so you can deal with the useful things without resorting to underwater hand signals at reception. Air conditioning, free WiFi throughout the hotel, a swimming pool and a spa keep the timetable simple: return, shower, eat, then decide whether the evening requires a massage or merely a chair.

The hotel is in Adelianos Kampos, on Crete's north coast, around 3.7 miles east of Rethymno. It sits by the sea, with Adelianos Kampos Beach 50 metres away on foot: golden sand, sun loungers and parasols, rather than a long transfer followed by a treasure hunt for the shoreline.

Rethymno gives you the change of scene when you want it. The town's historic centre, Fortezza Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno are about 4.5 miles away, while Platanes Beach is around 0.6 miles from the hotel. Finikas Taverna is about 1.1 miles away, and the nearby bars include Eyes Live Lounge at roughly 0.9 miles and Siesta Beach Bar at around 1 mile.

For two, the Double Rooms keep things straightforward: a king-size bed, private balcony, air conditioning, refrigerator, electric kettle and satellite television. Choose the view according to what you want to see when you open the door: inland, pool or sea. The refrigerator earns its keep when you return warm and hungry, while the kettle handles the less ambitious end of the evening.

Travelling as three, or simply wanting more room to spread out, points you towards the Superior Rooms or a suite. The larger accommodation includes options with a super-king-size bed, and the suites add a separate bathroom and, in selected categories, a jacuzzi. A sea-view superior room is the sensible middle ground; a jacuzzi suite is for couples who regard soaking as a legitimate post-dive activity. It is a defensible position.

Daily housekeeping, a wardrobe, linen, towels, a hairdryer and free toiletries cover the unglamorous details. Every room has a private bathroom with a shower, plus a desk and a socket near the bed. The hotel is non-smoking, and the adults-only policy keeps the room stock focused on couples and adult travellers rather than family logistics.

The all-inclusive formula gives the day a useful structure. The Main Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with international cooking in an air-conditioned indoor setting; breakfast is a buffet with an American style. Smart casual is the dress code, so the post-dive wardrobe should include something more ambitious than board shorts, even if the board shorts have served heroically.

Dinner can move outdoors at the A la carte Restaurant, where Mediterranean dishes are served on the terrace. There are two bars: the Pool Bar and the Lobby Bar, both centred on cocktails. A snack bar deals with the smaller gaps between meals, while 24-hour room service is there when returning to the room wins over making a social appearance.

The Main Pool is outdoors, reserved for adults and fitted with a swim-up bar. Sun loungers and beach towels are available, while the sandy beach adds another place to stop moving without requiring a timetable. The garden, terrace and sun terrace give you several versions of the same valuable activity: sitting down and staying there.

For the more organised form of recovery, the spa offers massage and facial treatments, with couples' massages among the options. Spa facilities include a relaxation area, body treatments, a foot bath, sauna and hammam; the fitness centre covers those mornings when your legs have recovered enough to be tested again. Live music and film nights provide an evening plan without forcing you into one.

Check-in starts at 14:00, and the hotel asks you to share your expected arrival time in advance. Check-out runs from 07:00 to 12:00. A 24-hour reception, concierge service, luggage storage and currency exchange make early arrivals, late departures and awkward flight times easier to manage.

An airport shuttle is available and can be arranged with the hotel as a private or shared service. Chania International Airport is around 23 miles away, while Heraklion International Airport is around 34 miles away; the road journey is about 45 miles from either airport, with driving times of roughly 1 hour 12 minutes from Chania and 1 hour 6 minutes from Heraklion. Car hire and packed lunches are also available.

WiFi is free throughout the hotel. Laundry, dry cleaning and ironing are available, and a safety deposit box can be arranged at reception. The hotel accepts cash, and pets are not allowed. Children are not allowed either, which is rather the point of an adults-only address.