What it is

A sumptuous and stylish 328 room resort with 5 restaurants and 4 bars; a bee-inspired spa complete with a 2100 square foot indoor pool and Finnish sauna; and a kids club.

What it isn't

Right on the ocean—but a charming five minute walk will get you to the beaches of Kolymbari bay.

What we think

When the architects behind Avra took age-old Minoan palaces as their muse, they practically guaranteed hotel guests a royal-worthy experience. Starter rooms may be cozy—beginning at 344 square feet—but what they lack in expansiveness they make up for in thoughtful touches, from the gleaming wood floors to the gauzy white draperies that billow in the breeze (did we mention each room here has a private terrace?). For a honeymoon-level experience, treat yourself to a Deluxe Room with a Private Pool—each one is fitted with a palm tree and daybed-flanked turquoise pool that’s all your own. While you’re here, be sure to have at least one meal on the terrace at Asian fusion boite Blue Dong; among all the hotel’s eateries, it’s unmissable for its perch straddling the glass walled main swimming pool, and a la carte sushi (get the Shrimp Tempura Roll).

You're here because

You always opt for ease on vacay, and everything you could ever need is right here: car rental desk? Check. Business center? Yep. Teen’s club and playground and babysitters? Of course.

The Moment

You’ve always had a thing for bees: their constant productivity, and natural proclivity for the sweetness of life. So you’re delighted to see the spa, Apivita, takes its cues from the Greek words for “Apis” (bee) and “Vita” (life.) Today’s treatment—the Queen Bee Firming facial—has taken so many years off your face you vow to come back tomorrow.

Restaurants & Bars

BASILICO RESTAURANT - Elegant and sophisticated, the buffet restaurant Basilico sits on a beautiful terrace with a magnificent view to the imposing main glass pool of the hotel. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offering a great range of fine dishes for all the family, the minimal restaurant interior perfectly complements the eclectic architecture of the hotel surroundings.

BLUE DONG RESTAURANT - Taste the very best of the Asian cuisine, with an impressive range of Japanese, Chinese and Thai fine dishes at the Asian à-la-carte restaurant of Avra Imperial Hotel. The unique location of the restaurant right next to main glass swimming pool smartly takes the exotic Blue Dōng experience to a new level.

AL FRESCO RESTAURANT - The place to enjoy some of the best and authentic Italian tastes, Al Fresco à-la-carte restaurant becomes one of the most romantic locations of Avra Imperial Hotel during summer nights, offering a seductive dining experience.

AVRA SEASIDE - Avra Seaside is destined to be your own haven during your traveling adventure in Crete, where you will enjoy a variety of culinary creations, outstanding service and wonderful music, combined with the gorgeous views of the sublime bay of Kolymbari.

PRIVATE DINING - Avra Imperial Hotel offers a variety of private dining areas for special celebrations and private occasions or for those who simply prefer the exclusivity of an intimate dinner.

DINE AROUND - Avra Imperial Hotel offers a unique dining experience through its Dine Around program, where guests have the opportunity to choose from a selection of amazing venues and different cuisines.

Location

Set on 17 acres of gardens a 24 mile drive from Chania International Airport, but just 300-odd feet from the fishing village of Kolymbari, renowned for its olive oil.