One of the very best luxury spa resorts, Blue Palace showcases beautiful architecture and incredible views.
Overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello and the medieval fortressed isle of Spinalonga, the views from Blue Palace are something special. And this popular large resort absolutely makes the most of its idyllic setting – style and charm exude from the stunning design, with curved arches that frame the scene and terrace pools that appear to float mid-air. A visit to the resort’s pièce de résistance – the spa – is a must. Stop here for ultimate relaxation at this beachfront haven of tranquillity where you can enjoy a traditional olive oil massage or soak in a thalassotherapy pool. Keen golfers might like to know that hotel guests get discounted green fees at The Crete Golf Club, around 30 minutes’ drive away. There’s also a real focus on creating authentic Greek moments with weekly talks by local artists in the Arsenali Lounge Bar.
The hotel gently cascades down a hillside, but the usual inconveniences of an elevated property don’t apply here – there’s a glass lift that takes guests down to the long private white-pebble beach, which looks out to a national monument and has a wooden deck with loungers and parasols. The Isola Beach Club is a cool spot set among olive trees, with a DJ and top mixologists. Blue Palace is known for its à la carte dining. Asian and Italian cuisine are on offer here and there’s also a charmingly traditional taverna, the Blue Door, serving classic Greek dishes. Another place to sample organic garden-to-table Greek dishes is the new restaurant, Anthós, which is set right next to where some of the ingredients are grown.
The rooms here have a neutral colour scheme and a balcony or terrace. For the best way to make the most of the views, opt for one of the bungalows with a private plunge pool. And if you like your pool water warm, be sure to choose a bungalow with a heated pool.
The Haven Collection
At the top end there are the Island Luxury Suites with Private Pool, the Two Bedroom Villas and the unique Grand and Royal Blue Villas. Each named after a Greek island, they are beautiful in design and have a separate living room plus patio with large heated pool, and guests here enjoy exclusive benefits. If you opt for any of these wonderfully spacious villas – all with jaw-dropping coastal views – you will be able to make the most of a huge range of benefits. These begin with a private in-villa check-in and includes access to a private part of the beach where you can enjoy freebies such as the latest magazines, aromatherapy spritzes and treats delivered by the beach service crew.
Additional extras include access to the dedicated concierge, a packing and unpacking service, a 25-minute Complimentary ‘Touch of Cretan Nature’ Spa Experience and daily morning stretching and yoga sessions down on the sand