The 19 Best Luxury Hotels on Crete

Heraklion

An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser.

• Active Holiday - For those who want an active break there is plenty to do on-site including watersports, tennis, fishing, and scuba diving
• Families - With Capsis Minoan Amusement Park, a playground and a supervised pool the kids stay happy and everybody gets a holiday!
• Beach Life - Set on a private peninsula in Agia Pelagia, with access to three beaches and a huge array of watersports
• Hotel Entertainment - There's never a dull evening here with seven bars and a disco featuring live dj sets

Anissaras

A palace fit for the legendary King Minos himself. Villas boast private pools, white on white decor and huge picture windows. There's a choice of nine casual and fine dining restaurants and bars plus lots of activities for couples and families alike. A spoiling getaway.

• Spa breaks - Signature treatments using organic plants and extracts from Crete’s rare herbs and Ayurvedic therapies by Indian therapists
• Active Holiday - If you want to stay active there is plenty to choose from including tennis, fishing, watersports, mountain biking, and diving
• Families - With a kids' club, an all-day (free) kids buffet, and even little dressing gowns provided - children will feel welcome here
• Artworks - One of the hotel's restaurants boasts a collection of Picasso originals

Elounda (Crete)

Set on Crete's tranquil coast, this luxe hideaway merges natural splendour with refined Greek charm. Interiors blend rustic stone and sleek minimalism, echoing the island’s rich heritage. Guests can unwind with private pools, a choice of eateries, and beachfront views. A Mediterranean sanctuary.

• Beach Life - Relax on a private beach with turquoise waters, soak up panoramic views of Spinalonga, and snorkel in the clear Aegean depths
• Foodies - Gourmet adventure, from organic garden feasts to coastal Cretan delicacies at Blue Door Taverna, serving fresh, local fare
• Honeymoons - This is honeymoon stuff - blue skies, crystal clear waters, indulgent spa, luxury accommodation and sunset cruises
• Sights nearby - Wander through Plaka’s charming streets, discovering authentic tavernas serving freshly caught fish

Elounda

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. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday.

• Families - The young ones are kept happy with loads of activities at the kids club and playground, while parents get time to relax
• Active Holiday - Never a dull moment with mini golf, billiards, darts, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and more
• Restaurant - Thalassa Waterfront restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes and Aretoussa Restaurant - Greek & international cuisine
• Sailing - Either charter your own boat or take a skipper, and set sail directly from the hotel

Elounda

An indulgent luxury hideaway in a fabulous location. Smart rooms and suites make the most of the epic sea views. A range of restaurants serve standout cuisine from Mediterranean to Asian. Activities to suit all and a truly pampering spa. A benchmark for luxury on Crete.

• Scuba course - Explore the crystal clear waters of Crete, with the PADI certified dive center ranging from elementary to specialised courses
• Total relaxation - With palatial suites, private pools, a pampering spa, and unbeatable service you are sure to leave relaxed and refreshed
• Weddings - Overlooking the deep blue Mirabello Bay, this is a fairytale location for a wedding plus the property has its own chapel
• Hotel Entertainment - With plenty of bars and pools plus mini golf, table tennis, basketball and a bridge club there is never a dull moment

Elounda

Ultimate, intimate luxury, combining self-catering villa living with hotel services. A welcome alternative to the larger resorts, luxury here is discreet, with a genuine personal touch. A charming and pampering hideaway with stunning views.

• Spa breaks - Spa villas have their own sauna, steam bath, and gym, while the Elexir Spa Gallery offers a whole range of expert treatments.
• Honeymoons - Wonderfully intimate and romantic, with secluded private gardens and pools, and butlers bringing you juice each morning!
• Families - Trust the team of professionals from the kids club to keep the kids happy and allow for parents to truly relax.
• Sailing - Sailing, motor boating and yachting are available at the hotel, an ideal romantic day trip.

Agios Nikolaos (Thessi Nissi)

Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Suites and private villas have personal pools. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax.

• Romantic Break - Spoil yourselves with chartered yachts, tandem massages, chic rooms, five on site restaurants plus cocktail bar and beach bar
• Total relaxation - Totally unwind with relaxing Poseidon Spa face and body therapies, sauna, Hammam, hot tub and cocktails!
• Sailing - Explore untouched beaches and coves in the hotel's 34-foot sailing boat.
• Full of character - The retro 60's look adds an element of "cool"

Agios Nikolaos

Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Ideal for totally relaxing.

• Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay
• Beach Life - Set directly on the crystal clear waters, indulge in diving, sailing, fishing or simply basking on the stunning beaches
• Hotel boats for hire - Venture out in the hotel's motorboat around the bay or day cruises to Spinalonga and Mochlos
• Artworks - A wealth of fine art and sculptures are scattered through the property

Crete (Crete)

A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails.

• Families - Parents chill by the pool while the youngsters make the most of the kids' club, children's playground and entertainment staff
• Resort - With activities for all, multiple pools, a spoiling spa and more - this is perfect for those who want everything onsite
• 5* Luxury - An elegant five star with chic modern design, attentive service, and a wide choice of amenities
• Total relaxation - Relax to the max with hot tub, hammam, sauna, aromatherapy treatments and hot stone massages

Anissaras

A super chic collection of villas in sophisticated Cretan style. Each villa has its own pool and living areas. Romantic rooms have parquet floors, four poster beds, and attractive furnishings. Excellent restaurant, lots of spa treatments. Romantic, grown-up, close to the beach, and family friendly.

• Families - Cots and extra beds are provided, there are a playground and tennis court for kids plus babysitting is available
• Local exploring - Located just 1km from the Traditional Cretan Villages of Koutouloufari, Old Hersonissos and Piskopiano
• 5* Luxury - All villas are individually designed with a private pool and every comfort you could want
• Groups - Villas sleep from 2 to 6 guests making this a great option for group getaways

Rethymno

A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon.

• Romantic Break - For romance pick the Caramel Luxury Suite Private, which has a good-sized terrace with sea views and an outdoor whirlpool bath
• Families - With a spa for adults and a kids club complete with boundless activities for children, this is an ideal choice for families
• Local exploring - The location feels secluded, however, the attractions of Rethymnon are just 7km away
• Beach Life - Set directly on a stretch of sandy beach, this is the perfect beach destination

Agios Nikolaos

Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Sumptuous suites and villas have contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilities for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club.

• Active Holiday - Endless onsite activities such as watersports, a scuba diving centre, sailing and motor yacht rental, yoga, and tennis courts
• Families - There is a wide range of family friendly accommodation including villas with pools, plus on site kids club etc
• Beach Life - A wonderful luxury resort with its own private beach and excelllent watersports facilities
• Spa breaks - There is a luxury spa on site with extensive facilities for a pampering break

Rethymno

A chic hotel with white on white style complete with accents of sea blue. The former grande dame of the 'Cretan Riviera' has been given a full make-over and a bigger, grander choice of accommodation. Dining and entertainment options are crowd-pleasers, suiting both couples and families.

• Watersports - Banana boating, wind surfing and much more are available on the nearby beach
• Families - There is a popular kids' club allowing grown ups some fun of their own
• Romantic Break - Utterly chic interiors with sea views - great for a romantic getaway
• Local exploring - Well located close to Rethymnon’s museums and nightlife

Elounda

Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary decor and great sea views. All suites come with an outdoor pool and, along with its adjacent sister hotels, there’s an abundance of facilities, including 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, kids’ club and watersports. Bliss.

• Families - Family suites and private villas with pools - plus babysitting services and a kids' club
• Spa breaks - An award winning spa specializes in unique treatments and medicinal treatments
• Foodies - Sumosan - an award winning restaurant on site serves Japanese gourmet cuisine
• Diving - Crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna to discover

Hersonissos (Hersonissos)

A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. A spoiling beach treat!

• Total relaxation - Relaxation is Nana Princess's prime aim, and it boasts tailor made services and spa facilities that are hard to beat
• Romantic Break - Luxury accommodation, stunning sea views, private pools, gourmet a la carte dining - what more could you want?
• Beach Life - A stunning luxury contemporary property with its own private sandy beach
• Families - Superb family accommodation with some villas sleeping up to seven

Hersonissos

A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too.

• Romantic Break - For couples, the Loft Luxury Seafront room with mezzanine bedroom, outdoor whirlpool tub and private pool is ideal
• Contemporary - Expect sleek minimalist design with a distinclty Cretian feel at this luxe property
• Beach Life - Spend lazy days under the sun on the beautiful stretch of private beach
• Total relaxation - Unwind in utter tranquility and indulge yourself in the fabulous spa

Elounda (Lasithi)

This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. 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.

• Active Holiday - With great conditions for watersports on Mirabello Bay, make this an active holiday on the water
• Hotel boats for hire - Enjoy a day out on a yacht; enquire to book from the hotel's fleet on Ferettis
• Honeymoons - Book a suite with your own private hot tub for a honeymoon with added luxury
• Beach Life - With its own private beach, this hotel is perfect for a seaside retreat

Rethymno (Adelianos Kampos)

This stylish, adults-only hotel is tucked away close to the coast in Crete. Boutique rooms have a nomadic feel, with 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.

• Beach Life - Set close to the beach on the sunny Greek island of Crete, book this hotel for a relaxed seaside getaway
• Romantic Break - Couples are well-catered to at this adults-only bolt-hole; book a luxury suite for a private hot tub
• Local exploring - This hotel offers easy access to the heart of Rethymno, making it a great base for local exploring
• Sights nearby - See Rethymno’s beautiful Venetian harbour and Egyptian lighthouse, located in one of the most picturesque parts of the old town