Dream Design

Crete

  • A small street lined by buildings with wooden doors

Greece’s most Herculean island, Crete doesn’t fail to impress with its skyward mountain ranges and ethereal shoreline. Boredom simply can’t prevail here, with a bounty of ways to explore; think trekking through Samaria Gorge, boat cruises to Spinalonga or Balos Lagoon, and local wine tasting in the Agios Nikolaos area. It’s also home to one of the oldest cities in Europe and the infamous labyrinth, the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Greece’s most Herculean island, Crete doesn’t fail to impress with its skyward mountain ranges and ethereal shoreline. Boredom simply can’t prevail here, with a bounty of ways to explore; think trekking through Samaria Gorge, boat cruises to Spinalonga or Balos Lagoon, and local wine tasting in the Agios Nikolaos area. It’s also home to one of the oldest cities in Europe and the infamous labyrinth, the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Crete Mountains

Places to stay
Crete

  • Europe, Greece, Crete, The Island Concept, Pool Day
    Crete
    The Island Concept

    White Cycladic style offset by dashes of dazzling blue; this boutique hotel brings a surprising ‘Santorini with the sand’ experience, for cosy couple moments and champagne celebrations.

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    • Europe & North Africa, Greece, Crete, Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Adults pool
      Crete
      Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

      Making its mark pairing rustic tradition with experimental modern design, this hillside village resort boasts panoramic views across the Mediterranean and luxuriously languid villa living.

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    • Europe, Greece, Crete, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Pool View
      Crete
      Daios Cove

      This is a place you’ll find both natural rugged beauty, and inner balance. Taking outdoor living up a notch, this calming hillside retreat gifts families with renewed breathing space.

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  • Europe, Greece, Crete, Blue Palace, Exterior
    Crete
    Phāea Blue Palace, Crete

    Ecru Cretan architecture with hints of terracotta, mature verdant palms, the endless blue reflected from sea view private pools – the palette at this island icon is Elounda to a T.

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    • Europe, Greece, Crete, Domes Noruz Chania, Main Pool
      Crete
      Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection

      Where an eclectic fusion of cultural influences provides an unforgettable backdrop, this hip adults-only, beachfront hotel is a blissfully cosseting haven within easy reach of the island’s cultural star turns.

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    • Europe, Greece, Elounda Mare, Main Pool
      Crete
      Elounda Mare Hotel Relais & Châteaux

      Originally a Cretan mansion, the hotel has been a Relais & Châteaux member since 1987.

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  • Europe, Crete, Nana Princess, Nana Princess Exterior
    Crete
    Nana Princess

    A dash of Greek art lining the walls, a spa-inspired by the stars, and evenings spent unwinding to the smooth tune of a saxophone; if there’s a remedy to be passed down the generations, this Princess finessed it in chilling just right.

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    • Europe, Greece, Crete, Domes Zeen A Luxury Collection Resort Chania, Pool
      Crete
      Domes Zeen, A Luxury Collection Resort, Chania

      The second Domes property to grace the island of Crete, Domes Zeen, A Luxury Collection Resort, Chania serves up laid-back living at a chic Greek modernist village in the Mediterranean’s new hotspot.

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    • Europe, Greece, Crete, Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Diamond residence pool with loungers
      Crete
      Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel

      A hideaway for halcyon days beside the beautiful Bay of Mirabello, this glamorous all-suite hotel is a favoured haunt of Europe’s glitterati.

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  • Europe, Greece, Crete, St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Main pool
    Crete
    St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas

    Part way between Aghios Nikolaos and Elounda lies a secret proponent of Greece’s famous hospitality; disguised as a traditional stone-walled village, this relaxed resort is a celebration of Cretan art and culture.

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