Surrounded by the Aegean Sea in the North and the Libyan Sea in the South, Crete is a verdant paradise of natural splendour and historical significance. Home to the Minoan civilization, one of Europe’s oldest and most advanced, this beautiful Greek island boasts a stunning array of architectural wonders and impressive ruins.
Its many landmarks sit in an iridescent green-meets-blue backdrop set by the seamless blend of rugged mountainscape and shimmering ocean. Crete is also famed for its endless adventure opportunities, its bustling night scene, and its rich gastronomic heritage.
Crete boasts a soul-stirring accommodation scene, enhanced with a laid-back atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the locals. In my many trips to Crete, I have stayed in hotels ranging from blissful hilltop spa boutiques to open-plan beachfront resorts. I have handpicked my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Crete, Greece (in no particular order)...
1. Grecotel LUX.ME White Palace – an upscale, contemporary and unique resort offering an array of on-site amenities, perfect for Instagram-loving Millennials and Gen Zs
This eclectic white washed resortrevolves around a central seawater pool and a long strip of sandy beach. The spacious pool area is fringed by soaring trees and comfy white sun loungers atop soothing wooden decking, and offers resplendent horizon sunset views.
On-site you can take advantage of a charming boho spa, as well as several high-end restaurants, while the children will stay entertained with a variety of in-house programmes.
I was immediately allured in by the gorgeous block-like façade while passing by, and upon entrance, the white-on-white aesthetic exudes luxury from the get-go. The resort is sprinkled with beautiful paths linking the sweet-scented gardens and the five sprawling buildings.
2. The Syntopia Hotel – Adults Only – a boho-chic and sleek design hotel perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway or an influencer’s trip
Hidden behind a wall planted with exotic palm trees, The Syntopia’s flashpacker/glamping vibe is crying out for an Instagram shoot.
Lots of earthy mineral colours, wigwam-style awnings above poolside beds, and sculpted totem poles adorn the property, inspired by the young owners extensive travellers.
The candlelit spa delivers a wide range of treatments, and there’s large gym with state-of-the-art equipment. My favourite spot of all though was the open-air cinema, which was a blissful end to each day, showcasing many classics (including the Lion King!).
The 119 elegant guestrooms overlook the central lagoon-style pool with snack bar tables and restaurants dotted around it.
3. Unique Blue Resort Adults Only – an Instagrammable, elegant and 5-star resort where guests can enjoy picturesque panoramic views overlooking the ocean
Welcoming discerning guests to a heaven of elegance and serenity, this 5-star waterfront hotel combines first-rate gastronomy, tailored services, extraordinary vistas, and luxury accommodations to curate an unforgettable hospitality experience.
Throughout the hotel, a boho chic aesthetic is embodied through exposed rock, earth tones, and wooden boutique elements, and the lacquered wooden patio reflects the epitome of island life.
Vast floor-to-ceiling windows invite the essence of outdoor majesty to brighten up the interiors. A shimmering outdoor pool is dotted by parasols and sun loungers, separated from the ocean azure by a scintillating stretch of golden sand beach.
4. Cretan Malia Park a Member of Design Hotels – a trendy, eco-friendly and fun boutique-style hotel where guests can hire bikes to explore the area
Overlooking a rock-speckled coastline near Malia port, this cool eco-friendly hotel boasts a sinuous river pool framed by lush gardens. There are plenty of on-site sports activities catering to all ages, as well as several restaurants serving everything from beachfront tapas-style snacks to woodfire Italian dishes.
My favourite dining experience on-site was by far and away the morning buffet, which is served in the light-filled Mediterraneo restaurant and is backdropped by beautiful views over the flower-filled gardens.
Throughout the resort, a sense of peace and permanence is lent through the leafy pathways, an art-filled reception, and a bar studded with glittering ceramics. The black worktops and rattan furniture of the chic and quirky guestrooms set an elegant tone, with gorgeous terrain looming in the background.
5. I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa – one of the best hotels in Crete providing guests with a funky, hip, fun and unforgettable stay
Set in the sparkling sea-side village of Stalis, I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa complements its iconic design with a wide variety of facilities and cinematic vistas of the Cretan blue sea.
An unforgettable culinary journey awaits in the restaurants, which offer local & international specialties, alongside signature dishes. Each eatery is set in a glorious horizon backdrop, and is topped with an impeccable bespoke service.
To unwind, the AEGEO Spa is a true pampering of the senses, endorsed by expert hands and state-of-the-art facilities. I spent many hours on the stunning terrace, gazing across the ocean azure and embracing the true essence of luxury.
6. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection- Adults Only – an award-winning, cool boutique hotel in a location perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
With its architecture inspired by Venetian shipyards, a vibe of casual cool permeates this hip adults-only hotel, set along a quiet lane close to Chania’s harbour.
A series of arches link the domed rooms, and a shrub-fringed path leads to the main seafront pool. Here, you can relish panoramic sea views from a swim-up bar, which evolves into a vibrant hub at sundown with a chilled DJ set. Scatter cushions and bean bags dot this area, contributing to a laid-back ambiance.
The ultra-modern rooms impress with sliding screen doors, soft wooden furnishings, and fully stocked minibars. They extend onto balconies which promote the ultimate tranquillity before a spectacular sunset.
7. Paralos Lifestyle Beach Adults Only – a vibrant, stylish and upscale romantic resort located on an award-winning beach
Exuding pure luxury with a romantic symphony of white and blue, this adults-exclusive resort is a stylish collection of 148 rooms surrounding a sparkling set of swimming pools.
A charming touch was a glass of fizz on arrival, which set a graceful tone for my stay. The perfect balance between sophistication and indulgence characterizes this slice of paradise, while the bespoke interiors shine light on the natural textures which seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors.
I would highly recommend the Double Swim up Room, which provides direct access to a crystalline pool and terrace topped with Bali beds – ideal for those searing lazy afternoons.
8. Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete – a boho-style, trendy and design resort surrounded by lush vegetation and gorgeous palm trees
Fronting a wild stretch of sand-strewn coastline, this eclectic hotelis girdled by a long list of hiking paths, and Chania’s Venetian harbour sits only two miles away.
I loved the minimalist style, depicted through béton brut facades and rooms of concrete and glass, fitting elegantly into the surrounding landscapes of hillside scrub and grass-spiked dunes. Stone-clad walls and exotic plants soften the concrete exteriors, bringing a boutique feel to the property.
Papaya and banana palms dot the winding paths which lead you to the decked infinity pool and beach, and on the edge (in an adapted pavilion) sits the Soma spa. I stayed in a hillside bungalow, where lots of rattan embellished the Scandi-esque design, and the balcony afforded exquisite coastal views.
Sofia Resort – a cool, modern and unique resort within walking distance of the golden sand beaches perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs
Backed by the outstanding Cretan landscape, the family-run Sofia Resort offers many open-air hangout spaces, a garden, and a shared lounge.
On-site you will also find a tour desk, which was a lifesaver for my trip and offered me the chance to craft my perfect island itinerary. Each room is equipped with both a seating area and a spacious balcony with either garden or sea views.
The best views of the Cretan landscape, in my opinion, came at the charming Roof Top Bar, accompanied by colourful cocktails. From the resort, the villages of Georgioupolis & Lake Kournas are easily reached with a short drive.
To book, check prices or availability for Sofia Resort
Sensus Experience by Lavris – a trendy family-friendly, authentic and bright hotel in close proximity of local popular activities and beaches
Exceptional comforts are combined with a sense of authentic Cretan hospitality at this eclectic resort, which comprises 30 stunning guestrooms set before the jaw-dropping sea.
Beautiful beaches, tremendous leisure activities, and the island’s major points of interest all lie within a short drive, while a shimmering infinity pool and a handful of plunge pools invite you to relish the balmy island sun on-site.
While there is a first-class dining area in the hotel, there are many eclectic restaurants in the local area waiting to be explored. My personal favourite was Basilico Nuovo, which can be reached within a 5-minute stroll down the coast.
Acro Suites – A Wellbeing Resort – a stunning, serene and unique lifestyle resort well known for being a well-hidden secret of the island
A harmonious connection between organic, bohemian, and contemporary, the Acro Suites sit amid unique natural surroundings, teetering over a caldera-style cliff in Pelagia.
Heading up to the resort at night, I was captivated by the open-sided gym, which is mirrored in a lagoon-style water feature and is beautifully lit. The on-site spa is a soothing wellness cocoon, offering a Moroccan-style bath house, a hammam, and heated marble beds under a domed roof.
The open-plan rooms and villas are split into six categories, and each are dressed in earthy tones of beige, cinnamon, and taupe. In each unit, the stylish décor of bespoke wooden furnishings, stonework, and dark granite sits against a beach backdrop, which blazes through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The main restaurant, Cremnos, morphs from a vibrant day-time hub into a fine-dining establishment by night, where glittery table runners, mood lighting, and opera music set a refined lavish atmosphere.
Asterion Suites & Spa – Designed for Adults – an idyllic, newly renovated and bohemian-style hotel providing guests with a breathtaking beachfront location
The perfect basecamp for discovering Crete’s wonders, Asterion Suites & Spa centres on the harmonious blend of Cretan traditions and contemporary sophistication.
Nowhere is this reflected more than in the hotel’s culinary offerings, which while embracing a farm-to-table approach, bring an air of luxury to your dining experience.
Equipped with modern amenities, the rooms have been designed as a sanctuary of sleek splendour and traditional craftmanship, and open onto balconies offering sweeping coastal panoramas. The on-site spa, one of the island’s best, invites you to find your inner peace, with olive oil, aromatic herbs, and aloe vera products embedded into the wellness rituals.
SENSEANA Sea Side Resort & Spa – a chic, stunning and upscale resort designed for a memorable family vacation
Setting the bar high for Crete family hotels, this graceful boutique invites guests into a world of luxury, where decked panels extend out onto a shimmering pool to exude total relaxation and rejuvenation.
Elegance and wellbeing are united in every nook and cranny here, whether indoor or outdoor. Seating areas are perfectly positioned to maximize space and comfort, while ideally located for sunbathing.
At Senseana, the kids will be entertained constantly, owing to the dedicated children’s facilities and games available on-site. In terms of accommodation, my unit came with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as a refrigerator and state-of-the-art bathroom amenities.
Abaton Island Resort & Spa – a stylish, sleek and wow-inducing boutique-style resort ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay
From close to the lively seaside town of Hersonissos, this sleek beachfront spa resort astounds guests with its low white buildings, which reflect in its lagoon-like water features and pools.
Tumbling down a slope to the sea, each communal space provides you with endless ocean panoramas, while ambient lighting is used to evoke an atmosphere of tranquillity.
The two mesmerising outdoor pools, the blissful Elemis spa, and the private sunbed-lined sandy cove provide boundless opportunities to relax and recharge. Greek and international gastronomic delights are served up across five restaurants. Bony Fish, the eclectic seafood spot, was my personal favourite.
Eliros Mare Beachfront Poem Hotel – one of the highest rated hotels in Crete where guests can enjoy an eco-friendly, idyllic and tasteful stay
Infiltrating the Kournas Beach hotel circuit with a fresh boho chic design, Eliros Mare is the perfect spot for families, couples, and solo travellers to create poetic summer stories.
A carefree spirit is encapsulated by the hotel’s interiors, which are dressed in warm natural materials and traditional craftmanship. Right by the hotel, you can enjoy a beautiful swim in crystal-clear shallow waters, before reclining beneath a parasol on a cosy sunbed. To keep the kids entertained, there is a variety of water sport programmes operating daily.
The epic beachfront restaurant is devoted to the best of Cretan, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine, however there are also many other options catered to different palettes.
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection – a 5-star, lavish and newly renovated resort featuring a stunning spa and wellness facility
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this family-friendly, village-style resort. Domes of Elounda sets a high benchmark on the Cretan hotel scene, with its elegant spa, several first-class restaurants, and blue-flag strip of sandy beach.
Linked by winding paths through well-tended gardens, the rooms are designed to mimic the colours and contours of Spinalonga – the island opposite the resort. If you’re in pursuit of extra seclusion, the semi-detached Luxury Residences come with fully stocked kitchens and private patios, offering a perfect haven for the whole family.
The on-site Italian Restaurant Blend is one of my favourite dining spots on the island, and offers themed nights with live music, where high-end elegance and youthful vibrancy coexist.
Paralos Irini Mare – a newly renovated, quiet and beautiful boutique hotel moments away from the center of Agia Galini
Overlooking the Libyan Sea, Paralos Irini Mare invites you to experience Crete’s quintessential style of casual luxury while blissfully immersed in nature.
This is the ideal basecamp for exploring South Crete’s cultural treasures and serene sandy beaches, with a range of excursions bookable on-site. The hotel is dressed in a boutique flair with dashes of coastal chic, and exudes a sensation of bare-foot luxury through iridescent, palm-lined pathways.
These lead you to graceful hammock spots, a shimmering outdoor pool, and beautiful gardens shaded by soaring trees. The hotel celebrates the island’s rich culinary heritage with an unmissable gastronomic experience, using signature ingredients and locally sourced products.
Minos Palace Hotel & Suites – Adults Only – a peaceful, lavish and relaxing hotel situated on a private peninsula
Set on its own peninsula just outside of Agios Nikolaos, Minos Palaceis adorned with wraparound sea views, and is an ideal basecamp for exploring the island’s less touristy side.
A soothing chocolate and raspberry colour scheme lends a unique style to the interiors, which are embellished with hanging basket chairs evoking a boutique flair.
Beyond the mature, tree-studded garden paths, a laid-back bohemian vibe is oozed by the saltwater pool area, which is dotted by cosy bean bags. The Amalthea restaurant offers an expansive buffet spread each morning, and invites you back in the evening to savour international fare along with all the usual Greek staples.
Minos Beach Art Hotel – a tranquil and creative pet-friendly boutique hotel with hip features and where guests can experience the flavors of delicious local cuisine
I felt a great dose of Greek culture when I entered Minos Beach’sglass-walled reception, which was draped in contemporary local artwork.
This hip haven fronts the wide mirrored curve of Mirabello Bay, and comes with lashings of creature comforts. The laidback boho vibe is embodied through lots of wood and mineral colours, with bean bags and low chairs scattered along the seafront walkway and a lush stone-paved walkway brimming with the Wow-factor.
The daily-changing menu at Bacchus, the hotel’s restaurant, allowed me to savour many of the delights of Cretan & Greek cuisine, and left little reason to venture outside.
20. Giannoulis – Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort & Spa – a new, intimate and modern resort ideal for those who love sports
Combining natural Cretan beauty with the essence of 5-star luxury, this stunning resortoffers the most majestic views onto the Gulf of Chania and Cape Spada.
On-site facilities include a large whale-shaped pool, several first-rate restaurants, and an opulent spa. Surrounded by verdant countryside, the cube-like rooms boast antique-style furnishing and touches of nature.
The hotel maintains a strong emphasis on sport, offering a large open-air gym space, tennis courts, a beach exercise area, and a yoga terrace. I thought the hotels culinary offerings were exquisite, from the copious morning buffet to the fine-dining options in the evenings.
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.
