3 bucketlist hotels on Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and hands down one of the most diverse. With its dramatic coastline, wild mountains, rich history, and some of the best food in the Mediterranean, it’s a destination that truly has it all. Whether you're into charming harbor towns, remote beaches or luxury escapes with a unique twist, Crete offers endless options — which can make choosing where to stay a little overwhelming.
When it comes to unforgettable hotel experiences, we narrowed it down to three standouts — each unique in style and setting, and each offering something truly special.
Imagine waking up in a cliffside suite carved into the rocks, watching the sun rise over the Aegean as you sip your morning coffee in total silence. Or think about spending your days in a design-forward hillside resort with private pools, olive groves, and panoramic sea views. And then there’s the beachfront palace where lagoon-style pools, fine dining and sunsets that melt into the horizon are just part of everyday life.
Let us introduce you to three incredible bucket-list hotels in Crete — and the experiences that make them so hard to forget.
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete – Curio Collection by Hilton
Perched on a hillside above the sea near the quiet village of Panormos, The Royal Senses offers a perfect mix of stylish design and Cretan soul. The architecture blends into the rugged landscape, while the suites and villas come with dreamy sea views, many featuring private pools or terraces. What stood out to us most was the peaceful energy — even though the resort is quite large, it feels calm and thoughtfully designed. You’ll find multiple restaurants for a varitey of dinner experiences and plenty of options to relax or explore. Whether it’s a pool day, a day at the beach or a quick drive to Rethymno’s charming old town, this hotel is a perfect home base for a laid-back but elevated Cretan escape.
Acro Suites – A Wellbeing Hideaway
Tucked into the cliffs above the turquoise bay of Agia Pelagia, Acro Suites is an adults-only haven of peace, wellness, and design. The entire resort feels like a sanctuary — minimalist architecture, soft earthy tones, and private suites with plunge pools looking out over the Aegean. The vibe is quiet, intentional, and deeply calming. One of our favorite moments? Waking up in their iconic cave suite to a stunning sunrise. If you’re looking for a unique experience with a focus on wellbeing, Acro Suites is one of the most special places you’ll find — it’s less about "doing" and more about being.
Amirandes Grecotel Resort
Amirandes is what happens when modern luxury meets ancient inspiration. Located just 20 minutes from Heraklion Airport, this beachfront resort feels like a Mediterranean palace, with tranquil lagoons, palm-lined walkways, and stunning architecture inspired by Minoan design. The rooms range from elegant suites to villas with private pools and beachfront access. What surprised us most was the balance between glamour and ease — it’s upscale, yes, but still relaxed and calming. With various restaurants, a beautiful spa, and one of the most photogenic pools, Amirandes is perfect for anyone who wants the full resort experience with a creative, stylish twist.
The Royal Senses in a nutshell
Location & Surrounding – Set on a hillside above the village of Panormos on Crete’s north coast, with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hills; a peaceful, nature-inspired getaway with quick access to Rethymno and nearby beaches
Best time to visit – May to October, especially June and September for warm weather and fewer crowds; ideal for beach time, exploring villages, and enjoying beautiful sunset dinners outdoor
How to get there – Around 1 hour by car from both Heraklion and Chania airports; best reached via rental car or private transfer
Accommodations – Elegant rooms, suites, and villas with modern Cretan design; many options feature private pools or terraces with sea views; stylish, natural interiors with earthy tones
Restaurants – Several restaurants offering a variety of dining experiences: local Cretan dishes, buffet and a la carte restaurants, international options and poolside dining with an incredible sunset view
Things to do – Relax by the infinity pool, visit the spa, explore local villages and beaches or head to Rethymno for culture and nightlife
General information – Great for couples, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, combines international comfort with authentic Cretan charm
The Royal Senses is located above the quiet coastal village of Panormos on Crete’s north coast which is the perfect location for amazing sunset views. The vibe is peaceful and rooted in nature, yet you're only a short drive away from Rethymno’s lively old town, beaches, and tavernas. The surrounding area is full of charm — from local potteries to scenic hiking trails. From almost every corner of the resort, you get sweeping sea views and a strong sense of connection to the island’s rugged natural beauty.
All different rooms, suites and villas are spacious, tastefully designed, and built to blend with the landscape — with earthy tones, natural materials, and floor-to-ceiling views. Many come with their own private pool or outdoor lounge area, ideal for a slow morning coffee or sunset dip. You can also start your day with a floating breakfast directly delivered to your pool suite or villa.
The Royal Senses offers multiple restaurants, including GEA, the signature restaurant in a buffet style, celebrating elevated Cretan cuisine with a modern twist, Mitato, a grill restaurant which serves local delicacies cooked over a round fire pit, including slow-cooked lamb, aged steaks, fresh fish and vegetarian dishes that reflect the island’s plant-based food traditions and Platia, the lively central square-style dining area with changing themes and casual Mediterranean dishes. You can expect fresh seafood, organic vegetables, and high-quality local olive oil in every dish.
Besides great restaurants and stunning rooms, suites and villas you will find multiple infinity pools, a spacious spa, and several quiet relaxation areas at The Royal Senses, all overlooking the Aegean. The Spa offers holistic treatments, a hammam, sauna, and even outdoor massages with sea views. There’s also a fully equipped fitness center, a boutique with curated local products, and stylish shared spaces for lounging and sipping cocktails.
To sum up, The Royal Senses is a modern retreat that strikes the perfect balance between Cretan authenticity and contemporary luxury. It’s ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the island’s culture without giving up comfort or design. Whether you're here for a long, relaxing break or as a stop on your Crete or even Greece road trip, this resort feels like a destination in itself.
Acro Suites in a nutshell
Location & Surrounding – Nestled into the cliffs above Agia Pelagia Bay on Crete’s north coast, it offers complete tranquility and stunning views of the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by rugged coastline and natural beauty
Best time to visit – May to October, with shoulder months (May/June and September) being especially peaceful; ideal for wellness getaways and warm weather retreats
How to get there – Just a 30-minute drive from Heraklion Airport; easy transfer by car or arranged shuttle
Accommodations – Minimalist, design-focused suites and villas with private pools, interiors feature raw textures, earthy tones, and unobstructed sea views
Restaurants – Focus on Mediterranean and plant-based cuisine; seasonal, wellness-inspired meals with local ingredients served in a peaceful, open setting
Things to do – Yoga classes, holistic spa experiences, hammam, wellness, hiking or day trips to the towns close by and simply unwinding in your private suite with a view
General information – Adults-only resort, Small Luxury Hotels Member, ideal for couples and slow travelers, centered on wellness, privacy, and inner calm, one of Crete’s most stylish boutique hideaways
Built dramatically into the cliffs above Agia Pelagia, Acro Suites feels like a hidden world of its own. The view over the bay is breathtaking, especially at sunrise, and the only sound you’ll hear is the sea. With its raw, untouched surroundings and minimal, nature-focused architecture, it’s a true sanctuary for body and mind. Located just a short drive from Heraklion Airport, it’s one of the most accessible hideaways in Crete. You can rent a car or simply arrange a private transfer through the resort.
All suites and villas are designed with soft minimalism, inspired by the island’s landscape — using natural stone, handcrafted wood, and polished concrete. Each space feels private and deeply tranquil, with outdoor lounges and a private pool overlooking the sea. The most iconic suites here are definitely the Cave Suites, with perfect sunrise and sea views in a natural cave. It can’t get more unique than this!
Acro Suites culinary offering is simple, nourishing, and elevated: at their main restaurant, Cremnos you will find Mediterranean and wellness-focused dishes made from seasonal, organic produce. Circle is a beautiful cliffside spot for craft cocktails and small plates at sunset and then ther is Umi, a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion restaurant for elegant dinners with a view. The entire food concept is rooted in balance, nutrition, and local ingredients.
It is a place where you can either start your day with yoga tennis or a gym session, with enjoing the signature hammam ritual at the Bath House Spa, with a silent morning walk along the cliffs or diretly with their health-focused delicious breakfast. Everything at Acro Suites is centered around wellbeing and privacy. The entire resort is car-free and built into the cliffside in terraces, creating plenty of secluded spots to read, meditate, or simply take in the silence. Of course, doing absolutely nothing is always an option — and here, it's encouraged.
Acro Suites is a haven for slow living and conscious travel. It’s not just a hotel – it’s an experience that gently invites you to reset and reconnect with yourself. With its outstanding design, cliffside views and calming energy, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to escape the noise and dive into a more mindful way of traveling.
Amirandes Grecotel in a nutshell
Location & Surrounding – Located on Crete’s north coast, just east of Heraklion, beachfront property inspired by Minoan palaces with long lagoons, lush gardens, and direct access to the Aegean Sea
Best time to visit – May to October for sunny weather, beach days, and warm evenings; July and August are busiest but great for beach holidays
How to get there – Only 20 minutes by car from Heraklion Airport; easy and fast access via taxi, shuttle, or rental car
Accommodations & chalets – A mix of suites, bungalows, and villas, many with private pools and beachfront access, timeless elegance with Minoan-inspired touches
Restaurants – Six restaurants including gourmet Mediterranean, Asian fusion, and a fine dining spot featuring Picasso artworks, beachside and lagoon-view dining
Things to do – Olympic-size seawater pool, luxury spa, tennis, yoga, watersports and nearby excursions to archaeological sites like Knossos
General information – A glamorous yet relaxed resort perfect for both couples and families, known for excellent service, stylish design, and a wide range of activities
Amirandes is set in a prime beachfront location just a short drive from Heraklion. Inspired by Minoan palaces, the resort is architecturally stunning — with reflecting pools, columns, and lagoons creating a majestic, almost cinematic atmosphere. It’s both family-friendly and glamorous, with direct access to the beach and lush gardens.
When it comes to the Accomodation you can choose between elegant guest rooms, private bungalows, and ultra-luxe villas with their own pools and some of them also have direct beach access. The style combines clean lines endless whites and touches of classic Greek architecture. The larger villas feel like private residences and some even have their own gym.
Amirandes is a foodie destination in itself, offering six different restaurants and dining options. Minotaur is their unique fine dining Italian restaurants with original Picasso ceramics and art. Blue Monkey is an Asian fusion restaurant with sea views, modern twists on Asian favorites and inventive cocktails. Petrino is a laid-back fish tavern right by the sea and Xasteria offers modern Cretan cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farms. The main restaurant offers extensive buffets for breakfast and dinner, with various traditional cretan dishes as well as healthy and vegetarian options. At Labyrinth, the lounge bar, you can find delicious cocktails and small snacks for a laid-back evening.
This place is definitely a full-service luxury resort offering just about everything you could wish for. The Olympic-sized seawater pool is a true centerpiece, surrounded by cabanas and sunbeds. The Spa includes a beauty salon, indoor pool, and a long list of treatments with local herbs and oils. There are tennis courts, access to a golf range, watersports, a gym, and even on-site shops. For romantic evenings there are also private dining options by the beach.
Amirandes combines classic resort luxury with a strong sense of place. It’s perfect for those who love variety and convenience without sacrificing elegance. Whether you're planning a family holiday, a honeymoon, or a beach-and-culture combo trip, this resort has something for everyone – all wrapped in timeless Greek glamour.
From the wild cliffs of Agia Pelagia to the contemporary charm of Panormos and the timeless elegance of Crete’s northern coastline, these three hotels offer far more than just a luxurious stay — they’re soulful sanctuaries that embody the very essence of the island. Each one invites you to slow down, soak in the landscape, and experience Crete through design, cuisine, and moments of stillness that stay with you long after check-out.