Crete, the largest island in the Greek archipelago, is perhaps its biggest show-off. This island has 650 miles of golden coastline, dramatic mountains, picturesque villages, and a cavalcade of ancient ruins that will set any historian's heart aflutter. Few places live up their lofty reputations, but after a luxury holiday in Crete, you'll understand that this island does not underwhelm.
Awash with beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather and luxury villas, Crete is a destination that allows you to create your own memorable honeymoon. One of our favourite resorts is the Dios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas because of its list of favourable honeymoon benefits, which includes sparkling wine and fruit on arrival, a flower décor bed and the chance of upgrade, depending on availability. It’s easy to create an ambiance of romance in such soul-lifting surroundings, not to mention some of the most private resorts in the Mediterranean are located here. We adore Crete and its eclectic tastes and you will too!
‘Boutique Exclusivity on the Coast of Crete’
Fringed by the Gulf of Mirabello and just one mile away from the fishing village of Elounda, this boutique hotel offers suites and villas set in landscaped gardens with sea views. A family-owned and run property, Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites has a Private Beach Club which is a 10-minute shuttle ride away. It has a bar and sun beds, and water sports and activities are offered on request. The hotel has a spa with a sauna, steam bath, and a fully equipped gym. There are two restaurants, and events include private dining and Culinary Theme Nights.
‘Adult Only Style on the Cretan North Coast’
Situated on the outskirts of Chania on the Cretan North Coast, Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection is an adult-only hotel, perfect for anyone seeking a cosmopolitan and fashionable escape. The accommodation combines Venetian, Italian and Greek influences with suites containing either a private pool or a Jacuzzi. The Haven Suites and Sea View Sublime Loft include the Domes Resorts' signature Haute Living selection. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection lies directly on a sandy shallow bay and comes well equipped with two swimming pools, Soma Spa with sauna, hammam and beauty salon, a fitness centre, two restaurants and three bars for sipping cocktails. Events at the hotel include gastronomy nights hosted by guest chefs, wellness workshops, art and cultural exhibitions and resident DJ nights.
‘An Idyllic Escape Nestled in a Secluded Cretan Cove’
Daios Cove is a sophisticated resort located on the northeastern coast of Crete, nestled in a secluded cove surrounded by rugged hills and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. This exclusive retreat provides a tranquil escape, offering breathtaking views and lush, unspoiled landscapes.
Designed to seamlessly blend modern luxury with the beauty of its natural surroundings, the resort offers a variety of stylish accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas that cater to both couples and families. Many accommodations feature panoramic sea views, private pools, and some even offer direct access to the beach.
With six exceptional restaurants, Daios Cove presents an array of exquisite cuisine, from fresh seafood to Mediterranean and international dishes, all crafted using the finest local ingredients, showcasing the best of Cretan gastronomy.
For an even more refined experience, The Collection offers a superior Mediterranean escape, featuring luxurious suites with stunning views of the bay. The centrepiece of this experience is The Residents’ Club, which provides an elevated, all-inclusive stay with a host of exclusive benefits. Guests enjoy complimentary meals at the resort’s restaurants, 24-hour room service, signature cocktails, select premium wines, including Veuve Clicquot, and personalised concierge service, ensuring an indulgent and luxurious retreat.
With sweeping sea views, private pools, and a range of premium amenities—including a seawater infinity pool with views of the Aegean Sea, a luxurious spa, water sports, and exceptional dining - Daios Cove offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
‘Flavour, flair and fantastic facilities’
Elounda Bay Palace, a Leading Hotel of the World, offers a distinct and functional resort for couples, families and friends with its varied and beautifully presented amenities. For the active there are tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, plus a full water sports programme as well as preferential rates at the nearby Crete Golf Club. A superb selection of restaurants, bars and lounges, some of which are located at the neighbouring Elounda Beach Hotel, will have you spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and virtually every option treats you to mesmerising sea views. Your accommodation will belong to one of the individual ‘clubs’ giving you access to corresponding benefits and privileges whilst your room or suite itself will include bright, fresh Cretan styling.
‘Private Resort on a Blue Flag Beach’
St Nicolas Bay is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is in a spectacular waterfront location overlooking Mirabello Bay. The resort offers discreet luxury with a focus on intimacy, privacy and elegance, using both stone and marble to put a modern twist on local architecture amongst landscaped gardens and spectacular sea views. Guests can find a variety of pools, the Poseidon Spa, boutique, small shop, art gallery and water sports centre. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas has introduced a number of new features of 2023, including a new range of accommodation located at Olives & Sea – these secluded suites with harbour and sea views are the perfect residences for families and couples, and some also have private pools. The resort has also opened a new outdoor freshwater swimming pool, a new open air gym and yoga space, and a new semi open air children’s playground. Guests can enjoy jogging routes through the olive tree grove and herb gardens, as well as a new teenagers club with various activities available, and dishes created using seasonal fruits and vegetables from the resort’s organic gardens.
'A Luxurious Resort in a Scenic Corner of Crete'
CAYO Exclusive Resort and Spa is Elounda's most stylish design hotel, with 116 rooms and villas boasting private swimming pools and gorgeous ocean views over the legendary Spinalonga Island. With four restaurants and menus created by the famous Greek Michelin Chef, Lefteris Lazarou, Cayo's delicious cuisines make it the perfect destination for foodies. The soul nourishing Armonia Spa offers a diverse menu of treatments, an indoor relaxing pool, steam room, and sauna. Enjoy slow days relaxing by Cayo's grand swimming pools or on sunbeds on the resort’s prime spot on Plaka Beach. The surrounding area is ideal for water sports and adventurous excursions in the culture-rich location. Customers of Destinology can also enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine from Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa.
‘Private Villas and an Award-Winning Spa’
Overlooking the gulf of Mirabello in Crete, Phaea Blue Palace - now a member of the Small Luxury Hotels, has so much to offer. Soak in the Crete's beautiful climate on Phaea Blue Palace's private beach, or embark upon an island hopping excursion to the beautiful Spinalonga. Rooms and suites come complete with a balcony or terrace and villas are on another level. The Phaea Blue Villa, for example, offers a 31sqm outdoor hydro jet pool, indoor sauna, large lounge area and access to The Haven, a beach space exclusively available to guests staying in villas and the Island Luxury Suite. There are a number of restaurants and bars offering Greek and Cretan dishes.