Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is full of history, culture, and natural beauty, from ancient ruins and charming villages to pristine beaches and rugged mountains. Adding to the island’s allure are a range of luxurious accommodations, where guests can unwind in spacious suites with private terraces, infinity pools, or beachfront views, while enjoying top-tier amenities like full-service spas, wellness programs, and restaurants showcasing fresh, local cuisine. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, these 12 incredible Crete hotels provide the perfect base for an unforgettable getaway.
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa – Chania
The new JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is the island’s latest five-star resort. Set on 100 acres of seafront in Marathi, just outside Chania, the resort exudes a calm, modern-luxe vibe. Interior design elements include earthy tones, organic lines, marble and wood finishes. Most of its 160 rooms, suites, and private villas have plunge or full private pools and feature spacious indoor‑outdoor living areas, sleek bathrooms, and design touches like sculptural lighting and Mediterranean ceramic accents. Guests can enjoy the holistic ANOSEAS spa with four treatment rooms, an outdoor wellness space, a subterranean cave sanctuary for meditation, and Swissline‑enhanced treatments. The resort also has six dining venues, four sea‑view pools, a fitness center, padel courts, and a fragrant hiking path through olive groves and herbs.
Acro Wellness Suites – Mononaftis Bay
Perched on the cliffs of Mononaftis Bay, Acro Wellness Suites offers a tranquil place to retreat, just 30 minutes from Heraklion Airport. This five-star hotel features 49 luxurious suites with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can savor dishes made from fresh, organic produce at the hotel’s restaurant, led by Chef Giannis Rokanas. The wellness center includes a Byzantine hammam and a bamboo yoga shala, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Minos Palace – Agios Nikolaos
An adults-only sanctuary, Minos Palace is situated on a private peninsula near Agios Nikolaos. The resort offers 360° sea views and emphasizes holistic well-being through its Nao program, which focuses on longevity and self-discovery. Accommodations range from rooms with private balconies to suites with shared or private pools, all designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings.
Phāea Blue – Elounda
Phāea Blue is a boutique hotel that embodies authenticity and understated luxury. Located directly on the beach in Elounda, it offers unparalleled sea views and a serene atmosphere. The hotel’s design incorporates natural materials and local art, creating a space that reflects Crete’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences and participate in activities that connect them to the island’s traditions.
InterContinental Crete – Agios Nikolaos
Opened in 2024 near Heraklion, the InterContinental Crete offers 199 sophisticated rooms, featuring elements reminiscent of Cretan mythology. Guests can indulge in culinary delights crafted by two-Michelin-starred Chef Nikos Roussos at Knossos Restaurant and four other dining venues. The luxury spa provides a holistic wellness journey with facilities like a hammam, sauna, and an indoor pool.
Royal Senses Resort & Spa – Panormos
Affiliated with Hilton’s Curio Collection, Royal Senses Resort & Spa is located in the charming village of Panormos. The resort combines contemporary design with traditional Cretan elements, with amenities that include multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, and five upscale dining options showcasing local flavors, including Cretamos, the fine dining and wine cellar curated by Michelin-starred Chef Pavlos Kyriakis.
Stella Palace – Analipsi
Ideal for families, Stella Palace in Analipsi features an on-site waterpark, multiple swimming pools, and a variety of entertainment options. The resort offers a range of room types, from studios to two-bedroom units, as well as all-inclusive packages for added convenience. Stella Palace is a five-minute drive to Analipsi Beach and has six family-friendly restaurants and seven bars.
Domes Zeen – Chania
Located in Chania, Domes Zeen is a luxury family resort that combines modern design with traditional Greek architecture—the resort’s bungalows are arranged around a central agora. Guests can indulge in neo-Greek cuisine crafted by award-winning Chef Dionysios Pliatsikas and participate in curated experiences like private wine tastings and ceramic workshops.
Anemos Luxury Grand Resort – Georgioupolis
Nestled between the White Mountains and the Cretan Sea, Anemos Luxury Grand Resort in Georgioupolis features 240 spacious accommodations. Guests can savor authentic Mediterranean cuisine at five distinct restaurants, unwind at the 3,000-square-meter Aegeo Spa with signature treatments using local herbs, or take part in a range of activities including windsurfing, snorkeling, and guided tours to the ancient city of Aptera or the Venetian harbor of Chania.
Domes of Elounda – Elounda
Overlooking the historic Spinalonga Island, Domes of Elounda is a family-friendly luxury resort with terraced architecture, built from local stone and olive wood. The resort offers spacious suites, residences, and villas, many equipped with private infinity pools or jacuzzis. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining at four award-winning restaurants, including a beachfront taverna specializing in fresh seafood and a fine-dining venue inspired by Cretan gastronomy. At the Soma Spa, treatments incorporate ancient Greek wellness rituals and organic local ingredients. Families can enjoy dedicated kids’ zones, educational workshops, and eco-adventures, while couples can explore curated wine tastings, yacht excursions, and private beach cabanas.
Pnoé Breathing Life – Karteros
Situated in Karteros, Pnoé Breathing Life is a wellness-focused retreat that emphasizes holistic living. The resort offers a range of wellness programs, including yoga, meditation, and nutrition workshops. Accommodations are designed to promote tranquility, featuring natural materials and minimalist aesthetics. Guests can enjoy organic, locally sourced meals and participate in activities that foster a deeper connection with nature.
Daios Cove – Vathi
Perched on the cliffs of a secluded bay in Vathi, Daios Cove is a five-star resort offering 290 elegant rooms overlooking a private sandy beach. Guests can unwind at the 2,500-square-meter GOCO Spa, which features a hydrothermal circuit, floor-heated loungers, and signature treatments such as the Tibetan Sound Journey, the Cryo Energizing Body Treatment, and the Vitality Experience. Culinary options include six dining venues ranging from oceanfront fine dining to casual poolside fare, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs.
