Phāea Blue, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a private Cretan estate between Plaka and Elounda, looking across to the historic island of Spinalonga. Led by second-generation hoteliers Agapi and Costantza Sbokou, this intimate hotel offers a more personal kind of stay, shaped by Cretan hospitality, privacy and a deep connection to the island. There are just 47 rooms, bungalows and suites, many with private heated pools, alongside a three-bedroom villa, with generous spaces, carefully chosen interiors and a secluded private beach with wide views. Food is at the heart of the stay. At Anthós, Executive Chef Giannis Kallivretakis cooks contemporary Greek dishes from the organic garden, local producers and the Phāea Farmers programme. The Phāea Farmers Feast introduces guests to Crete's farming traditions in a garden-to-table meal, while Blue Door Taverna, in a former fisherman's stone cottage by the water, serves Cretan dishes and fresh seafood. Traditional caïque trips around Spinalonga, olive oil tastings, cooking experiences and Greek craftsmanship throughout the estate keep every day close to Crete and its culture.
- Nearest airport
- Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), 30 Miles / 48 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 47 rooms, bungalows and suites, plus a three-bedroom villa
Insider tip Read Victoria Hislop's The Island before you go, then take a private boat to Spinalonga to see the place itself.
Why I choose it Cretan cooking from the resort's own organic garden, with the earth-cooked Farmers Feast as the meal guests talk about afterwards.
