Phaea Blue

from $384
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“An intimate hillside retreat overlooking Spinalonga Island, Phãea Blue blends barefoot luxury with deeply rooted Cretan hospitality. This Small Luxury Hotel member offers some private plus main infinity pool, farm-to-table dining and soulful, experience-led stays designed for couples and slow travel”

Hotel review

Set amphitheatrically above the Mirabello Gulf between the unique coastal resorts of Plaka and Elounda, Phãea Blue (formerly Blue Palace) is a serene, design-led escape that feels worlds away from Crete’s larger resorts. Reimagined under the Phãea brand in 2024, the hotel leans heavily into authentic Cretan hospitality, sustainability and immersive local experiences while retaining an understated, luxury feel. The atmosphere is calm and grown-up, best suited to couples or families with very young children rather than those seeking extensive entertainment.

Just 47 suites, bungalows and villas are spread down the hillside towards the sea, most with private pools and terraces framing mesmerising views of Spinalonga Island. Interiors combine earthy textures, pale woods and natural stone with a soft Mediterranean palette, while larger villas add butler service and expansive outdoor living spaces.

Dining is a standout with thoughtful farm-to-table cuisine, traditional Cretan flavours and memorable experiences such as the Phãea Farmers Feast and earth-cooking rituals. Add caique cruises – light lunch included - olive oil tastings and warm, intuitive service and this becomes one of Crete’s most atmospheric luxury stays.

Can be steep to walk around, but the hotel has electric carts to aid guests.

Rebecca Hall

Recommended for

  • 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

  • Watersports

    • Wakeboarding, waterskiing, knee boarding and snorkelling are all readily available

  • Yoga

    • Enjoy yoga by the sea with sessions designed to rejuvenate, held in the peaceful outdoor pavilion overlooking the shimmering bay

  • Sailing

    • Set sail on a traditional caique, exploring Spinalonga’s hidden coves and enjoying a beach BBQ on the serene Kolokytha shores

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Savour sundowners at Votsalo Bar with panoramic sea views, toasting to Cretan sunsets in an unforgettable Mediterranean setting

  • Scuba course

    • Dive into the Aegean from the private beach, where snorkelling unveils underwater beauty against a backdrop of rugged cliffs

  • Restaurant

    • Anthós contemporary Greek restaurant, Blue Door traditional taverna by the sea and Votsalo cocktail bar.

  • Cooking classes

    • Learn how to cook your favourite dishes on the menu from the world class Greek chef

  • Child friendly

    • Babysitting available and a children's playground

  • Spa

    • Including a hammam

  • Views

  • Hammam

  • Family Suites

  • Private Pool

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Opulent

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • 5* Luxury

  • Tennis Court

  • Great walks

  • On the beach

  • Fishing

  • Sea Views

  • Cycling

  • Chic

  • Gym

  • Gourmet

  • Kayaking

  • On an island

  • Wellbeing

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Romantic

  • Air conditioning

Facilities

  • Rooms

    47 rooms in this hotel

  • Restaurant

    Anthós contemporary Greek restaurant, Blue Door traditional taverna by the sea and Votsalo cocktail bar.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed)

  • Swimming Pool

    Most rooms have a private pool otherwise large infinity pool

  • Child friendly

    Babysitting available and a children's playground

  • Spa

    Including a hammam

  • Games room

    Table tennis

  • Babysitting

    On request

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Hammam

  • Private Pool

  • Shops

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Car not required

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Outdoor dining

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Bicycle hire

  • Good wine list

  • Billiard/pool table

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Tennis Court

  • Garden

  • Gym

  • Room service

  • Suites

  • Private villas

  • Hot Tub

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Wander through Plaka’s charming streets, discovering authentic tavernas serving freshly caught fish

  • Watersports

    • Wakeboarding, waterskiing, knee boarding and snorkelling are all readily available

  • Yoga

    • Enjoy yoga by the sea with sessions designed to rejuvenate, held in the peaceful outdoor pavilion overlooking the shimmering bay

  • Sailing

    • Set sail on a traditional caique, exploring Spinalonga’s hidden coves and enjoying a beach BBQ on the serene Kolokytha shores

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Savour sundowners at Votsalo Bar with panoramic sea views, toasting to Cretan sunsets in an unforgettable Mediterranean setting

  • Scuba course

    • Dive into the Aegean from the private beach, where snorkelling unveils underwater beauty against a backdrop of rugged cliffs

  • Cooking classes

    • Learn how to cook your favourite dishes on the menu from the world class Greek chef

  • Great walks

  • Fishing

  • Cycling

  • Kayaking

Map & Location

Other reviews

Phāea Blue Palace

Set on a lucid pebble beach, this family-run property has more authenticity than all the hotels along the Elounda coastline combined.

Originally published by Conde Nast

Phaea Blue Palace

Simple chic is the leitmotif of this boutique-styled resort situated on a steep hill with wraparound views of the storied island of Spinalonga. There are several restaurants serving locally sourced treats, and laudable sustainability initiatives include a hotel-funded staff farming project. The hotel has, however, been split from what was once a (much) larger resort, and this can be confusing

Originally published by The Telegraph

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