Making the experience even better are the fantastic boutique hotels in Crete. The island has chic beachfront hideaways, cliffside havens, and spa hotels. Whether you seek adults-only serenity or family-friendly fun, our curated list has your luxury escape covered.
To make this the ideal starting point for planning your next Mediterranean vacation, we listed the best boutique hotels in Crete in no particular order and included some of the latest openings as well as revitalized places.
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“Envisioned by Berlin based Lambs and Lions architects, Zeen appears woven into its natural environment; everything is done with purpose and intent, signalling the presence of ritual and an aesthetic that sparks the intuition to roam the retreat barefoot.” — Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort
This family-focused luxury boutique hotel captivates with its bohemian chic ambiance and tropical beach club vibes. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the picturesque Cretan northwest coast, Domes Zeen draws inspiration from a traditional Greek village, offering just over one hundred rooms, many with shared or private pools. Each exudes rustic charm, boasting handcrafted interiors that embrace organic materials and earthy tones. Expansive windows provide views of lush tropical flora, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The hotel features a large swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar, all designed in a modernist style with earthy tones complementing the vibrant Aegean skies. Additionally, guests can unwind at the open-air Jungle Spa, located conveniently by the beach, where treatments are accompanied by the soothing sound of waves.
Alternatively, book Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Domes Resorts
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Acro Wellness Suites is a great destination for those seeking to practice self-love and rejuvenate with Mother Nature. Located on the rocky cliffside of Mononaftis Bay, this eco-friendly hotel features offers daily yoga and meditation classes and frequent talks from yoga gurus and fitness instructors. The on-site Bath House offers a range of therapies, including Acro Bath House Rituals, Biologique Recherche facial treatments, and Holistic Wellness Days.
Dining options at the hotel include Cremnos, a restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine with organic ingredients from local farms, and The Circle, an all-day pool bar and lounge. Acro Suites has a range of accommodation options, including rooms, suites, and villas with private infinity pools and panoramic views of the Cretan Sea.
Alternatively, book Acro Wellness Suites via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos (including the leading shot at the top of the article) © Acro Suites
This bohemian-chic, “barefoot luxury” resort surrounded by evergreen gardens provides a chance for idyllic escapism in the southern part of Crete. Set in a coveted seafront location, Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete features 132 rooms and suites, housed in seventeen low-rise structures that cascade down the hillside towards the beach. The hotel’s focal point is the main swimming pool surrounded by a bar and restaurant space and accommodations blend indoor and outdoor living. Private swimming pools and cozy terraces set deep in mature gardens offer privacy and serenity, while the secluded beach invites for long days lounging with a cocktail in hand.
Alternatively, book Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Numo Hotels & Resorts
Pnoé Breathing Life is a wellbeing-focused resort situated on the eastern edge of Crete. Centered around the “next-gen wellness,” it boasts a spa with cutting-edge technologies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This serene retreat comprises 60 suites, each featuring private pools that showcase the island’s natural allure through subtle colors and materials like wood and stone. The style fosters a refined, contemporary ambiance channeling Greek Modernism through its Cube Concept with roots in 1968. Thymises, the hotel’s restaurant, has mainly Cretan cuisine on the menu, while Anάsa specializes in distinctive meat cuts. Uranos, the rooftop bar, crafts bespoke cocktails.
Alternatively, book Pnoé Breathing Life via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Pnoé Breathing Life Resort
Our 2024 guide to the top hotels on the island
With stunning vistas of the historic Spinalonga island and top-notch services, Domes of Elounda elevates Greek hospitality. Exclusively offering suites and villas, the hotel sets a new benchmark for luxury in Crete. Its architecture seamlessly integrates with the captivating Cretan landscape, ensuring guests are always close to the water—be it the beach, pools, or spa—all just steps away. Indulge in Greek and international cuisine at the four restaurants, complemented by wine-tasting evenings. Domes of Elounda also offers a plethora of activities, from picturesque picnic getaways to boat trips around Spinalonga islet.
Alternatively, book Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
Nestled away from the typical beachfront resorts of Crete, Cretan Malia Park offers a blend of tranquility and sophistication. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped botanical gardens leading to the Aegean Sea, the hotel offers Aegean hospitality and refined luxury. The 204-room hotel has a distinctive aesthetic, inspired by the island’s colors and textures. Featuring designs by renowned names like GUBI, House of Hackney, and Børge Mogensen, the interiors showcase diverse styles, from mid-century modern to laid-back boho. With a focus on Crete’s culinary traditions, Mediterranean cuisine, and organic wellness offerings, Cretan Malia Park provides a fresh take on Cretan luxury.
Alternatively, book Cretan Malia Park via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Cretan Malia Park
“At the edge of the water, engulfed in Cretan greenery, Minos Beach art hotel constitutes a hidden gem for world explorers. Its design brings harmony into the senses, combining elements of art and nature. ” — Minos Beach Art Hotel
Minos Beach Art Hotel is a trailblazing boutique hotel in Crete, with roots in the 1960s. The hotel draws inspiration from eastern Crete’s fishing villages, with low-rise bungalows and villas blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Some boast private pools and offer sweeping views of Mirabello Bay. Occupying over 2km of coastline amid a captivating landscape of sand, rocks, and towering trees, Minos Beach Art Hotel offers unique immersion in a contemporary art gallery experience, with an outdoor museum. Other than fine art, guests can relish authentic Cretan cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, and unwind with revitalizing treatments at the Ananea Wellness by Aegeo Spa.
Alternatively, book Minos Beach Art Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Minos Beach Art Hotel
Set in a serene coastal environment, Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection stands as an exclusive adults-only resort celebrated for its contemporary design. With Sublime Loft Rooms boasting stunning sea views and Haven Rooms offering spacious two-floor layouts, each accommodation features a private pool or Jacuzzi. Guests can unwind in three pools, including one in the spa, or take a refreshing dip in the nearby Aegean Sea. The resort’s Soma Spa offers rejuvenating treatments infused with local Cretan herbs. From live jazz performances on the beach to helicopter rides to Samaria Gorge, guests can enjoy a curated selection of experiences. Embracing Chania’s rich history and vibrant present, Domes Noruz offers a fresh and sophisticated way to explore this cultural gem of the Mediterranean. Its convenient location near the city center makes it the perfect base for discovering Chania’s treasures.
Alternatively, book Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
For over two decades, this family-run hotel has stood out as one of the top luxury retreats in Crete. Here, guests are treated to a pampering experience by dedicated staff, thanks to personalized service and a refreshed ambiance. The tasteful interiors pay homage to the island’s heritage while incorporating modern amenities for a 21st-century holiday. From cobalt blue seas to lush gardens and unique architecture influenced by Arabian, Ottoman, and Venetian styles, every detail at this hotel exudes Cretan charm. Phāea Blue Palace benefits from a great location, surrounded by the charming fishing village of Plaka and the chic port of Elounda. The hotel has a private beach with stunning views of Spinalonga Island.
Alternatively, book Phāea Blue Palace via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Phāea Blue Palace
Perched atop the cliffs overlooking Mononaftic Bay, Sea Side Resort & Spa has an irresistible beachfront allure. It’s an adults-only retreat promising luxury and relaxation — and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Surrounded by the beauty of Crete, the hotel offers an outdoor saltwater pool, and elegantly designed rooms, adorned with earthy palettes and boho-chic decor. Guests can enjoy diverse culinary delights at the resort’s dining venues — and indulge in rejuvenating experiences at the tranquil Cave Spa.
Alternatively, book Sea Side A Lifestyle Resort via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Sea Side A Lifestyle Resort
Perched on a tranquil headland overlooking Mirabello Bay and set amid lush gardens, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites offers an exclusive adult-only retreat just 2.5km from Agios Nikolaos. The hotel features tastefully appointed guest rooms and minimalist-style suites, some with shared or private pools, all boasting mesmerizing sea views. Indulge in fine dining at the beachside lounge bar restaurant, while Amalthea offers buffet breakfast and varied evening buffets. Relax by the inviting pool or unwind at the small sand and shingle beach. With low-key evening entertainment and a boutique spa offering massage treatments, this deluxe hotel is tailored for adults seeking a serene getaway.
Alternatively, book Minos Palace Hotel & Suites via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Minos Palace Hotel & Suites
“Kapsaliana Village Hotel embodies a fulfilling sense of pastoral awakening within the embrace of pristine nature. With an inspiring ethos of sustainability and service that is uncannily intuitive and wholeheartedly hospitable, it is characterized by effortless country elegance that revives the past, presenting it anew.” — Kapsaliana Village Hotel
As a charming retreat in a secluded countryside setting, the Kapsaliana Village Hotel is a great choice for travelers seeking a back-to-nature experience. Nestled in the island’s largest olive grove, the hotel features an 18th-century olive press and a museum celebrating the ancient craft. The 22 traditional stone village houses of the hotel reflect the natural beauty of the area, and the accommodation offers a blend of original features and modern finishes. Many rooms benefit from sea views. Guests can relax by the pool overlooking olive groves and the sea, then savor organic local delights at the rustic restaurant terrace. Outside of the resort, they can explore the mountainside surroundings while hiking, and visit the nearby Arkadi Monastery.
Alternatively, book the Kapsaliana Village Hotel via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Kapsaliana Village Hotel
Domes Aulus Elounda draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Refreshed with soothing tones of grey and beige, accented by Aegean blue textiles, the property offers garden or sea view Nests and Suites, along with Cool Living Selection accommodations. The exclusive rooms at this adults-only resort feature private terraces and pools, 24/7 concierge service, and access to the Cool Living Club. Guests can enjoy amenities like a private beach, cliffside swimming pools, Domes’ Soma Spa and Gym, and a variety of culinary experiences. Additionally, the resort boasts a marketplace with open-air boutique shops and a cinema, providing an immersive and luxurious retreat.
Alternatively, book Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton via Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hilton
Amirandes is a beach-side resort inspired by the grand palaces of the Minoan kings. And it’s a luxurious retreat befitting the royalty. It features 212 guestrooms, bungalows, suites, and villas, many featuring private pools, as well as six restaurants, private beaches, and an Elixir Spa with an indoor pool. Don’t miss the Olympic-sized outdoor pool, fine dining options, and a sunset lounge on the sand. And make sure to explore the nearby Palace of Knossos for a memorable day trip.
Alternatively, book Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Grecotel
Perched just outside the serene Greek village of Panormos, the Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete is a testament to rustic elegance. Designed by Peppas N Architects and adorned by the artistic touch of global firm HBA and London-based designer Constantina Tsoutsikou of Studio Lost, this retreat boasts 179 suites and villas, each with outdoor terraces overlooking the mesmerizing Cretan sea. Inside, earthy interiors blend seamlessly with local craftsmanship, combining rough and smooth textures to reflect the island’s untamed beauty. Leisure is elevated with amenities like a spa, communal pools, and private infinity pools, while dining options include three restaurants and four bars showcasing locally inspired cuisine at the Marketplace.
Alternatively, book The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton via Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hilton
” Exuding swanky gypset vibes, the Syntopia Hotel lies near Crete’s bustling hotspots with a sandy beach at its side. Designed for adults, couples, and solo-travelers who seek deluxe Greek island living.” — The Syntopia Hotel
The Syntopia Hotel is an exclusive retreat for adults seeking carefree living and contemporary style, just minutes from Rethymno. Embracing a bohemian island aesthetic, its chic decor of wood, wicker, and stone exudes laidback vibes. The hotel aims to redefine the all-inclusive experience, offering unlimited dining from 07:30 am to 11 pm and drinks on tap from 10:30 am to 11 pm. The spa menu has a range of rejuvenating treatments, including a sauna, hammam, and zen relaxation area. Yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes are also available. With its prime location near the beach and Crete’s vibrant attractions, Syntopia promises the ultimate holiday escape.
Alternatively, book The Syntopia Hotel via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Syntopia
Our 2024 list of the best hotels, villas, and apartments on Milos
Perched in a secluded bay on Crete’s northeast coast, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas embodies the allure of traditional Greek villages with its modern architecture. This esteemed family-friendly resort sprawls across 35 hectares, offering breathtaking sea vistas from every room, suite, and villa, many with private pools. Savor culinary delights at eight exquisite restaurants and bars, rejuvenate at the state-of-the-art spa, or partake in watersports at the private sandy beach. With its architecture seamlessly blending into the rugged landscape, Daios Cove promises a luxurious escape amid nature’s splendor.
Alternatively, book Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Nestled in the picturesque Elounda region of Crete, St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas offers a serene escape by the Aegean Sea. With a private beach and a large pool boasting stunning sea views, it’s an idyllic retreat for couples, families, and friends alike. The contemporary interiors feature local art, showcased in an onsite gallery, while dining options range from the laidback Bonatsa Jetty Bar to the intimate Minotaure, serving Asian cuisine under the starlit sky. The charming town of Agios Nikolaos, with its trendy shops, cafes, and waterfront dining spots is only a mile away.
Alternatively, book St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
Here are even more top luxury boutique hotels in Crete — the below shortlist makes a great companion to our top picks. But there are other Mediterranean escape destinations beyond Crete, and if you are looking for more inspiration, check out our reviews of the top hotels in Italy, or see our list of the Best Hotels in our Ibiza’s Finest list (ideal if you are into Balearic boho vibes). And don’t miss out on our favorite Santorini hotels!
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 12/08/2024
Our 2024 guide to the top hotels on the island
