The 19 Best Luxury Hotels on Crete (2025)

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa- An eco-luxe sanctuary where art, nature, and fine dining collide. Think private infinity pools, Michelin-star cuisine, a world-class spa, and interiors that fuse marble, volcanic stone, and Cretan charm—all overlooking dazzling turquoise waters.
• Stella Island Resort & Spa is a barefoot-chic escape with a sprawling lagoon pool, serene spa, and stylish rooms just steps from the beach. Sleek, minimalist design meets Mediterranean flavours and endless ocean adventures for the ultimate tropical retreat.

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 a private beach

• 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).
• A serene hideaway on Crete’s unspoiled shores, Phaea Cretan Malia blends nature-inspired design with private suites and bungalows just steps from the sand. Wake up to farm-fresh breakfasts before cycling or snorkelling the crystal-clear waters.
• Domes Noruz Chania is a stylish, adults-only beachfront escape where every suite comes with a private plunge pool or hot tub. Sip cocktails, indulge in Mediterranean flavours, and soak up the sun on your own stretch of golden sand.

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.
• Pnoe is a stylish sanctuary by the sea, where modern minimalism meets Cretan charm. Unwind in private pool suites, savour fresh local flavours, and sink into pure tranquillity—perfect for couples seeking a serene, child-free retreat.
• Numo Ierapetra- A sleek, village-style retreat where mountain views meet the Libyan Sea. Expect private splash pools, DJ-led sunsets, exquisite cuisine, and a blissful, grown-up vibe designed for uninterrupted indulgence.

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.

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

• Stay in Agios Nikolaos itself, at the Minos Beach Art Hotel, which is a pretty sanctuary close to the nightlife and action.

Still not sure where to book?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Crete.
• Refine your search to just the best places to stay in Chania or the best places to stay in Heraklion or the best places to stay in Heraklion.
• Or you could refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for Crete's Best Beach Hotels or The Best Spa Hotels on Crete.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.