The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Crete, Greece
From the crystal-clear waters of Elafonisi to the Knossos ruins, these plush hotels offer a pampered stay on the Greek island of Crete.
If you’re after glorious sea views, private pools, top-quality food and peaceful spas on your next trip to Crete, we have good news. This sun-soaked Greek isle is packed with luxurious places to stay offering just that. We’ve found our favourite luxury hotels in Crete in locations including Chania, Elounda and Malia, with both family-friendly and adults-only options to choose from.
1. Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa
Luxury, Resort, Hotel
With overwater bungalows and private villas, this adults-only luxury hotel in Crete has barefoot luxury in spades, making it ideal for a honeymoon or romantic escape. It’s a water wonderland – at its heart are lagoon-style pools, flanked by palm trees and sea views. The five restaurants range from traditional Cretan to modern Asian, while the 89 rooms, bungalows and villas feature retro touches and plenty of privacy.
2. Cressa Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Resort, Luxury
Located in the old town of Rethymno, Cress Suites is just a five-minute stroll from the nearest beach. This adults-only luxury hotel is set inside a former Venetian–Ottoman mansion on Crete. The traditional Turkish hammam is an apt nod to the building’s heritage, and many rooms feature their own terrace complete with hot tub. Breakfast is a cooked-to-order affair on the rooftop overlooking the cobbled streets below.
4. Abaton Island Resort and Spa
Luxury, Resort, Spa Hotel
Sleek, classy and uber-luxurious, this Cycladic-style resort offers an opulent stay. Located on Crete’s northern coastline, it’s just a short walk from the shops and nightlife of Hersonissos. But you won’t want to step outside its pristine walls – there are several pools, a sandy beach, five restaurants and a superb Elemis spa to keep you busy. Rooms are individually designed and feature gleaming white decor, glass doors onto private balconies and freestanding tubs, jacuzzis and private pools.
5. Minoa Palace Resort and Spa
Luxury, Hotel
This five-star luxury resort in Chania oozes elegance with its collection of restaurants and bars, splendid spa, private and communal pools and smart sea-view rooms. Accommodation ranges from double rooms with garden views, to imperial suites with two large bedrooms and a private jacuzzi. Active guests can rent bikes, play tennis or join yoga and aquafit classes. The piano lounge is just the spot for a sundowner with live music.
6. Domes Zeen Chania
Luxury, Resort, Boutique Hotel
With its sharp, straight-line style, sun-drenched infinity pools and relaxed vibe, this hotel stands out from the crowd. Rooms have a rustic-chic feel, with open-plan spaces, rattan furniture and a muted colour scheme of slate-grey throws and oatmeal walls. Families are well catered for, with plenty of accommodation options plus a kids’ club and pool. Devour fresh Cretan food on the veranda of the Beach House restaurant overlooking the sparkling Aegean.
7. Mitsis Rinela Beach Resort and Spa
Resort, Spa Hotel
Set on a Blue Flag beach, with a turquoise pool overlooking the sea, this all-inclusive resort is family-friendly and packed with activities. Try your hand at windsurfing, canoeing, diving and waterskiing. Parents can relax while their little ones enjoy handicrafts in the dedicated children’s club, or play in the games room or freshwater kids’ pool. There’s a range of dining options, and rooms vary from twins to sea-view bungalows and family suites.
8. Castello Boutique Resort and Spa
Luxury, Boutique Hotel
This adults-only luxury boutique hotel in Crete is tucked away behind Sissi’s shop-lined streets. It’s a haven away from the crowds, with a peaceful atmosphere, pretty pool and relaxing spa. Spread over three floors, the 48 rooms are smart and contemporary, and most feature private pools or outdoor whirlpool tubs. The à la carte Elea restaurant is set in tropical gardens against a mesmerising backdrop of mountains.
9. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Luxury, Chain Hotel, Boutique Hotel
Sublime sunsets, a sandy beach, impeccable service and family-friendly touches abound at this village-style resort in Mirabello Bay on Crete’s northern coast. The 118 suites and villas feature terraces with panoramic views, and quirky additions such as hanging chairs and gold basins. Most have private pools, and the largest category sleeps up to nine guests. Choose from four restaurants and four bars – the barbecue fish night with live music is a highlight.
10. Ikaros Beach Resort and Spa
Luxury, Spa Hotel
Overlooking a long sandy beach in Malia, this spa resort offers luxury living by the sea in Crete, complete with stellar accommodation, attentive service and fabulous food. Several pools are dotted around the manicured grounds, including adults-only and dedicated children’s pools. Rooms, bungalows and suites have a minimalist feel, neutral walls and plump mattresses – and the best have huge bathrooms and private pools. It’s also close to the Knossos archaeological site.
Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best hotels in Hersonissos, Crete, for every traveller, best beach hotels in Crete for an unforgettable holiday. Inspire your itinerary with the must-visit attractions on this Greek island, including the best beaches. While you’re here don’t miss out on the best local fare with a meal at one of the best restaurants in Crete. Why not also take a look at the best resorts to book in Mykonos, Greece, bookable with Culture Trip.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
- Post ID: 1001668516
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload