Inside a Luxe New Resort and Spa That Just Opened on the Greek Island of Crete

A luxe new resort just splashed down in the Aegean Sea—and it has nature on the mind.

JW Marriott, the luxury arm of Marriot Bonvoy’s hospitality empire, has just opened its first property in Greece. The new (and aptly named) JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is focused on allowing its guests to connect with its stunning Mediterranean environs—and it’s fairly easy to do just that, since the property sits on over 100 acres of coastline with ever-present views of the sea.

Athens-based design studio Block 722 tapped into that environment to bring the new resort, which is perched in Marathi (near the charming, popular town of Chania), to life. The team paired modern design elements with more nature-focused touches, such as planted roofs, olive and carob tree groves, and an abundance of wood and marble, allowing you to blend right in with your surroundings. Those same contemporary ideals and earthy hues of terra-cotta and stone extend into JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa’s 160 rooms, suites, and villas—many of which come equipped with their own private pools and terraces for your own private relaxation. Each accommodation has vast windows that show off that ocean view, along with handcrafted ceramic decor that pays homage to traditional Crete stylings.

The best place to take in those Aegean sights, though, may be from the pools. You get to lounge around four here, one of which is adults-only with a slew of plush lounge chairs nearby. The main pool, meanwhile, is complete with a sunken seating spot and more touches of greenery. Elsewhere, you can head to the fitness center or the yoga deck for a bit of exercise. Or, for a little more pampering, visit the Anoseas Spa; here, you’ll get treatments centered around traditional Creten practices imbued with modern flair, including hydrotherapy.

And when it’s time to grab a bite, you’ll have plenty of eateries to choose from. The JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is home to six, each with their own take on the local cuisine. Chef Manolis Papoutsakis mans the kitchen of Anoee, a Cretan open-fire restaurant, while Õnalos offers up a sea-to-table menu. If you have a craving for Italian, Cuccagna can deliver on that front, and Mediterranean dishes can be enjoyed at Fayi. Last but not least, Suncti by the Pool and Eēxis offer up light bites and cocktails for a more casual experience. Speaking of spirits, the hotel has collaborated with Line Athens (the No. 6 bar in the world in 2024) on a mixology program. And here, too, everything links back to nature: Cocktail herbs and botanicals and ingredients found across all the restaurants are plucked directly from the property’s garden.

“This extraordinary property captures the essence of the JW Marriott brand, pairing warm, intuitive service with serene, thoughtfully designed spaces that invite guests to be present and truly connect,” Bruce Rohr, JW Marriott’s vice president and global brand leader, said in a press statement. “Crete’s timeless beauty and heritage make it an inspiring setting for the brand’s first property in the country, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience our signature approach to hospitality and well-being on this iconic island.”

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa also offers activities for kids, thanks to its Phestos Den Play area. Plus there’s plenty of fun to be found outside the resort; the property can whisk you away on journeys at sea or cultural experiences across Crete.

Click here to see more photos of the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa.