If it's pampering you seek, look no further than Greece's largest island, Crete. Crete has the greatest concentration of ultra-luxurious hotels in Greece, most of them on and around the Elounda peninsula, about an hour east of the capital, Heraklion, and its airport. The best luxury hotels on Crete range from hip and happening havens of fun to romantic, or relaxing escapes. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of their favourite luxury hotels on Crete selected on their location, amenities, design, and service. Whether you are booking a spoiling couples' escape or a family getaway, there's something to suit most trips. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next getaway?
For a resort
- The Elounda Bay Palace is an impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Suites have private pools and there are a great range of bars and restaurants.
- Out of the Blue Capsis Elite is a beach resort on a private peninsula encompassing five hotels, each of them different, so there are plenty of suites and private villas with pools and seven restaurants to choose from.
- Another large and relaxing resort is the Minoa Palace Resort and Spa set in North Western Crete. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian plus four bars. Best yet, it’s great value for its facilities.
- St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas is a low rise resort surrounded by lush gardens reaching all the way to the ocean. Suites andvillas have private pools and there are a good selection of bars and restaurants.
- Daios Cove Luxury Resort is a chic beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Sumptuous suites and villas offer cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views. Enjoy the private sandy beach and fantastic facilities for all the family including a luxury spa and a kids club.
- Abaton Island Resort is a glamorous property offering the utmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Complete with five restaurants and a fabulous spa too.
For a boutique
- Paradise Island Villas is a chic collection of 12 villas decorated in sophisticated Cretan style. Each villa has its own pool and living areas. With an excellent restaurant and a spa, this is ideal for a romantic hideaway.
For the spa
- Elounda Peninsula offers luxury in abundance. Here contemporary suites come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. There's an award-winning restaurant and a Six Senses Spa which offers an enormous range of treatments and wellness programmes. Total bliss.
For a private beach
- Choose to indulge in a well-known celebrity hideout. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas boasts a collection of private beaches, screening rooms, dining options, a fabulous spa, and a wide choice of activities. A has-it-all stay.
- For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools.
- Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Here you can expect superb tailor-made services and spa facilities that are hard to beat, plus a private sandy beach and luxurious accommodation (most options with a private pool).
- Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel is a five-star eco-hotel overlooking the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. A luxury beach holiday.
For couples
- Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites is a pleasingly small collection of villas with spectacular views. Wonderfully intimate and romantic, the villas boast secluded private gardens and pools plus butlers bring you juice each morning!
For adults only
- The Syntopia is a stylish adults-only hotel tucked away close to the coast. Boutique rooms have raffia light fittings, handmade rugs and rustic soft furnishings. Mingle with other guests on the poolside terrace at one of the hotel's live Greek music events. A good choice for young couples.
For families
- Caramel Boutique Resort is a luxury resort with lots to offer families with children of all ages (but not overrun by kids). Set on a long stretch of sandy beach close to Rethymno there is a wide range of watersports to enjoy plus in-house activities. Adults can unwind in the spa.
- White Palace is a chic resort well designed for families, with a kids club, a wide range of activities and several dining options. Contemporary and very stylish, this beachfront property is ideal for a relaxing break.
For a short break
- Amirandes is a big designer retreat with excellent facilities, a top spa, five restaurants and a location which is a short dash from the airport, so it’s perfect for short breaks.
For a lively stay
Still not sure where to book?