Wreck rooms like a rock star at adults-only Cook’s Club in Crete

CHILLED tunes drift up from the DJ’s decks by the floodlit pool as we get set for a night out.

From the balcony, we watch couples and groups of friends stroll over to the Cantina for a bite to eat or a cocktail from the bar.

This is my first holiday abroad with friends instead of my parents and we’ve hit gold with Thomas Cook's exclusive brand Cook’s Club in Hersonissos, Crete.

With the hotel only opening in early 2018, my main priority was to be in the heart of the action but with a chance to recuperate after nights out in nearby Malia.

I also wanted to know my first trip alone would be somewhere I felt safe and welcomed. And that’s exactly what I got.

From the super-friendly staff who spoke fluent English to the hotel’s stripped-back, urban cool design complete with supersized street art.

The hotel surpassed all my expectations. The adults-only concept means it welcomes an international crowd of younger travellers and within hours of arriving we’d met Dutch and French as well as Brits.

And the place just works for those who want to relax by day then party all night.

When the sun shines, the pool is perfect with really comfy cool white loungers and day beds, the inevitable ­collection of giant inflatable flamingoes and music to keep you buzzing.

After dark, the clever lighting means there’s a chilled vibe and yet more music to get you in the mood for the night’s fun.

And this hotel is perfect for a holiday with a group of friends.

As well as double rooms sleeping two, there are clever maisonettes sleeping either four or six in bedrooms set out over two floors.

Rooms have a chic, pared-back look with whitewashed walls and dark wooden floors.

The bathrooms feature trendy brass fittings but could do with more storage for make-up obsessed girls like me!

The efficient air-con to cool you down after the searing daytime temperatures was bliss.

Our room even had a mini fridge for keeping the night’s pre-party drinks cool while the refillable shower gel and ­shampoo got my vote for eco-credentials — no more single- use tiny bottles to add to the plastic mountain.

As a brand aimed at the younger generation, the tech is on point too. You get free wi-fi everywhere to make sure you can Insta or Snap your every minute and everyone is given a wristband that can be used to pay for everything from food and drinks to activities.

You can opt for B&B or half-board but either way, you won’t be disappointed in the Cantina restaurant.

There was plenty of choice for soaking up the night’s drinking from freshly cooked chicken kebabs to a banging spaghetti carbonara.

The salad station was always manned and chefs would create amazing salads to order.

The system sometimes had its faults, with dishes ordered occasionally forgotten but this was early on in the hotel’s first season.

Afternoons were spent relaxing by the pool or taking a quick trip to the nearby beach or shops.

The hotel itself has some crazy activities. The Escape Room was themed around the horror movie It and got the adrenaline flowing as you pitted your wits to solve the clues and earn your freedom.

Virtual Reality pods give you the chance to get some screen time in but the Rage Room was by far my favourite.

Donning an orange jumpsuit and face-guard you’re offered an array of weapons — think baseball bat, sledge hammers and crowbars.

Then you are let loose to destroy everything from a TV or computer to bottles and plates, with your own playlist rocking in the background.

It wasn’t all fun and games though.

The spa was a haven of tranquillity complete with indoor pool, sauna and steam room. I loved a bees wax massage from the reasonably-priced treatments.

Every night, the Cook’s Club had a different themed event.

Whether it was a movie by the pool on a giant screen to reggae and Latina dance nights to your classic late-night pool party, the music never stopped.

It was almost too difficult to tear yourself away from the hotel but it is worth it.

The Cook’s Club friendly reps have all the info on the best clubs, bars and trips to make the most of your stay.

With just a week, we picked three trips. We had a brilliant day at the Watercity water park on the outskirts of Hersonissos, while a trip to the famous Star Beach saw us dancing on the sand late into the night at the Tribal Party. At just over a tenner, tickets were great value for a whole night out.

But the highlight was a day on the island of Santorini. At around £90 it’s one of the more expensive excursions but the views alone are worth it.

We wandered the steep streets of Fira and Oia with their tumble of whitewashed stone houses — THE Instagram shot everyone wanted before heading down to the dark volcanic sands and beach clubs of Perivolos.

As a first holiday alone, Cook’s Club surpassed all my expectations and with new hotels ­opening this summer across the Med, there’s a chance to repeat my blissful trip discovering another idyllic sunsoaked destination.

I can’t wait!