Crete is not only the largest of the Greek islands and with one of the longest summer seasons - it is hot well into October - but has also developed one of the largest collections of luxury resort hotels to be found in Greece. Almost all of these include a spa. This means that, by choosing one of the best spa hotels on Crete, families, couples or groups of friends who might have varying objectives for what they want to do on holiday - sunbathe, be active, try new watersports, splash around the kids' pool, be pampered - are likely to be satisfied. And that's quite an achievement to keep everyone happy! Many of Crete's best spa hotels are around Elounda in eastern Crete, a former fishing village set around the lovely Mirabello Bay.
The Best Value Spa Hotels on Crete
- Stepping distance from the beach at Réthymno, Rimondi Estate offers great value for a stylish hotel. The historic townhouse hides unexpectedly elegantly cool rooms, some with balconies and hot tubs. The rooftop hides a pool and spa.
- Tucked away in a quiet hill village in the west of the island, Elia Hotel & Spa offers nine charmingly rustic rooms, a small spa and yoga classes as well as tranquil gardens in which to relax and unwind. With views of olive-cloaked hills, the sounds of birdsong and the scent of jasmine, you won’t want to leave.
Crete's Best Spa Hotels by the Beach
- Another modern resort, Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is the smartest address in the north-western part of the island. As well as being slap-bang by the beach, the spa offers a range of treatments from aromatherapy to hot stone massages as well as a hammam.
- The Castello Resort and Spa is an adults only haven in a pretty seaside village. The spa is award winnning and boasts a large indoor pool for various hydrotherapy treatments and a "zero 1" bed for the perfect massage experience. Spacious contemporary rooms, some with private pools. Bliss!
Crete's Best City Break Spa Hotels
- Casa Delfino, in the heart of Chania's old town, offers sophisticated accommodation just a short stroll from all the action. Plus there's the spa which is only available for exclusive use and features marble steam room, huge hot tub whirlpool, two treatment rooms and relaxation area.
Crete's Most Luxurious Spa Hotels
- Set around the beautiful Mirabello Bay, and with most rooms having sea views, the Domes of Elounda is a very sleek affair with lots of cream colours and natural materials. As well as a vast spa, it offers a private beach, saltwater pools, three restaurants and plenty of activities.
- Nana Princess is a stunning, contemporary five star property with its own private sandy beach. It boasts luxurious accommodation - almost all rooms come with private pool - plus a superb spa and wellness centre which offers indoor pool, holistic therapies and beauty treatments.
- Elounda Mare offers top notch luxury and is often frequented by the rich and famous. The Six Senses Spa is truly unforgettable and offers a wide range of both medical and beauty treatments, bespoke packages and much more.
Crete's Best Spa Hotels for Honeymoons
- The Blue Palace is a honeymoon dream where over half of its rooms - a choice of suites, bungalows and villas - have private infinity pools. Elegant in cool linens and blonde woods, with splashes of Cretan blues, lovely arcades line the public areas. The huge spa and thalassotherapy centre is award-winning.
- Just 15 minutes from the airport and you could be in a different world in Amirandes an opulent affair of low-rise, sugar-cube villas and elegant arcading. Expect reflecting pools, waterfalls, infinity pools, gauzy gazebos on the beach plus a spa mixing Ayurvedic treatments and those using products made from the island’s plants.
- The Poseidon Spa at the nearby St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas is designed to relax and refresh; couples’ treatment rooms are available, plus a hammam, while cocktails are served in the Jacuzzi. One of the island’s earliest luxury resorts, it has a pleasing retro feel - exposed stone, terracotta tiles, vast picture windows - updated with cool colours and an infinity pool and an outdoor cinema.
The Best Spa Hotel Views on Crete
- The Elounda Beach Hotel occupies a stunning position with epic sea views. Rooms and suites are contemporary and sleek, many boast a private pool. The spa won't disappoint either - with its holistic approach and use of the "Chenot Method" to tailor make a programme for each individual.
- Finally how about the Elounda Peninsula? It's a sister property to the Elounda Mare so has the same Six Senses Spa on site. It also boasts, stylish all suite accommodation (every room either comes with private hot tub or pool), excellent kids' facilities and gourmet dining.
- Close to Agios Nikolaos, Daios Cove Luxury Resort epitomises luxury with chic villas and suites in sleek contemporary styles - many with their own infinity pool - and fabulous sea views. There’s an extensive spa, yoga and pilates lessons, plus watersports and three restaurants.
There is no shortage of spas to choose from on the island; the difficulty comes in deciding which one of the best spa hotels on Crete best suits your needs. If you haven't seen your idea of Crete's best spa hotel on our Guru's list of 15 you could:
