Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort, Crete

Adults-only resort on the southern Cretan coast, a few miles outside Ierapetra, where rooms come in soothing grays and greens and the better suites have their own plunge pools. The architecture earns a second look, the spa is properly equipped, and there are two restaurants on site: one for contemporary Cretan cooking, one for days when you can't be bothered to change out of your swimsuit. The lobby bar skews urbane for a beach property, which sets the tone.