Crete, the largest gem in the crown of Greek islands, is where a tapestry of natural beauty unfolds. Its shores are adorned with pristine beaches, charming harbours, and idyllic tavernas, all framed by historic architecture, majestic mountains, and serene valleys. Wander through quaint villages and hamlets, where the authentic essence of the island whispers through cobblestone streets, while the vibrant pulse of nightlife beckons in Heraklion. Venture along the pristine shores, where an array of exquisite restaurants, top-tier hotels, and chic bars await, promising a fusion of indulgence and sophistication.
Pnoé Breathing Life
Set on the northern coast of Crete close to the island capital, Heraklion, the beach-front resort Pnoé Breathing Life has been designed as a calming yet contemporary resort in which to enjoy the best Cretan dining experiences alongside island adventures and exceptional well-being programmes. Pnoé (translates as the breath of life in Greek) comprises 60 suites, all with private pools, and modernist décor which has been inspired by the island’s natural beauty using subdued colour palettes and materials such as wood and stone with warm earthy tones flowing throughout the communal spaces. The dining experiences here showcase Cretan cuisine at its best and focus on high-quality local produce. Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience or something more casual such as sushi, snacks and smoothies by the pool. And an absolute must is to take in the sunset with a cocktail or two on the rooftop bar. Part of the new Greek-owned MK Hotel Collection, well-being is central to the guest experience at Pnoé and guests will have access to a variety of recovery programmes to help them achieve their well-being goals; from improving fitness, nurturing inner health or simply slowing down to reset. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Zerobody and Breathwork therapy, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness facility and a Guest Relation Service are all available to ensure a personalised experience.
LUX ME White Palace Grecotel Luxury Resort
Built around a large and lovely saltwater swimming pool, this elegant hotel is set right next to the sea and boasts a fresh and breezy look and feel. The rooms and suites are spread across five buildings to provide plenty of privacy and bright white is the main colour that is used throughout the hotel complex. Each of the 263 rooms boasts plenty of luxurious touches from the huge beds and large picture windows to the range of first-class amenities that guests are treated to. Couples will never need to venture far from the luxury and privacy of their room as Nespresso machines and around-the-clock room service are provided, while the Sea View bungalows offer VIPS the chance to stroll straight down to the sand without ever having to meet any of the other guests.
Blue Palace Crete
Offering guests breathtaking views of the island of the Spinalonga and the surrounding Cretan Sea, Blue Palace Crete is stylish and luxurious enough to make any guest feel like royalty. The suites here offer direct access to the impressive infinity-edge pool, which also delivers stunning ocean views while guests splash around or soak up the sun. In terms of style, contemporary meets tradition with pretty pebble mosaics, wooden shutters and clay roofs. Guests have their pick from spacious bungalows and suites that are set in a pretty palm and olive tree garden. Each room boasts light and bright furnishings with golden wood perfectly complimenting the marble bathrooms.
Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites
Attracting its fair share of celebrities such as Ronaldo and Lady Gaga due to the first-class facilities and excellent seaside location, this exclusive resort is the first world in island-style chic. The resort is set on a hillside providing guests with sweeping views across Mirabello Bay to the island of Spinalonga and consists of several private villas for luxury lovers to choose from. Each of the villas comes complete with its own sauna and steam room, while there is even a small private gym for those who want to stay in shape while also indulging in plenty of pampering. Each villa also boasts a small saltwater pool so that guests never need to venture far in order to enjoy the best that island living has to offer. Guests will not want to miss the chance to enjoy a massage in their room while gazing out at the ocean and delicious seafood dishes that are created by the onsite celebrated chef can be served on private balconies for the ultimate romantic dining experience.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Set right on the edge of a private sandy beach conveniently close to the bustling town of Agios Nikolaos, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas is a complex that consists of five levels with buildings connected by winding passageways and tunnels. There are 230 guest rooms as well as 30 spacious suites and 40 extremely luxurious villas and those who have a taste for the finer things in life will want to make sure that they book one of the extremely large two-floor villas. In terms of facilities, the resort is sure to impress as guests will be able to make full use of the two tennis courts, a whole host of outdoor swimming pools, a large sauna and a fully loaded fitness centre.
Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Water babies are sure to be in their element at this grand resort as it has been built around a large lagoon and features an Olympic-sized swimming pool as well as direct access to the crystal clear waters that lap the shore of the beach right at the foot of the resort. Taking a stroll through the resort’s gardens is an enchanting experience as this large and lush green zone is scattered with fibreglass animals and Greek statues. The 216 rooms for guests come in a wide range of categories that will satisfy every style, while those who are searching for the most luxurious experience that money can buy should book one of the two-storey villas. These stunning villas come with huge balconies and private access to the beach and swimming pool, while the views that can be enjoyed from the second storey are simply stunning.
