What it is

A modern Grecian resort in the Cretan hillside.

What it isn't

This isn’t Mykonos. If you’re looking for a party, Blue Palace won’t supply you with a pulsing rave.

What we think

Blue Palace is set into the cliffside on the northern shore of Crete. Just under two miles from the resort-filled town of Elounda, the Blue Palace complex is peacefully secluded in the small fishing town of Plaka. The Starwood-affiliated resort overlooks the crystal turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay, directly across from the medieval fortress ruins on Spinalonga. The resort blends into the rocky cliffside; it’s terracotta-tiled, low buildings are partially constructed from stone excavated on site site, and are surrounded by olive and palm trees, bougainvillea, jasmine and herbs. Impressive attention was paid to sense of place: invasions by ancient Arabs, the Turks and the Venetians influenced the area’s style and are reflected in the resort — traditional pebble mosaics dot the property along with original Arabic pieces from Morocco; down at the pebble beach, two authentic marble Hammans await guests; the 36-foot, arched ceiling lobby is a replica of the Venetian Arsenali -shipyard- in Heraklion’s harbor. There are 204 villas, suites and rooms bedecked in warm mediterranean neutrals, but there are no white walls here - in stark contrast to the usual Greek seaside retreat. Blond wood floors and modern, demure furniture make sure to stay out of the sweeping views’ way. All have private terraces and most have private infinity-edge seawater pools - those that do not share larger pools with their neighboring rooms as well as the three massive resort pools. A glass funicular (or a foot path) brings you down the hill - across the coastal road - to the resort’s private pebble beach where The Elounda Spa & Thalassotherapy nestles into the coast. The almost 22,000 square-foot spa spans three floors; within it’s 24 treatment rooms the usual cast of treatments are offered in addition to Cretan-inspired services and a host of Thalassotherapy treatments all centered around natural saltwater, seaweed and thermal clay.

You're here because

Blue Palace is the epitome of relaxation: strong Greek sunshine, endless blue sky, crystalline azure waters. It’s 10 minutes from Eldouna, so you’re not marooned in isolation, just far enough to be in tranquil privacy.

The Moment

The sun is setting; the normally crisp blue sky becomes a dome of streaked yellow, mauve and rose. The Aegean lays below as a great reflecting pool. Aboard the resort’s traditional fishing Caique, you sail through the color with a glass of champagne in hand.

Restaurants & Bars

Olea – American buffet breakfast

Asia Blue – Sushi and Asian cuisine

Blue Door – Traditional Greek dishes by the sea

Isola – Italian and Mediterranean

Flame - Grill

Arsenali Lounge Bar

Votsalo Bar

Isola Beach Bar

Location

On the Cretan cliffside, overlooking Mirabello Bay and across a stretch of water from the ruins of Spinalonga Fortress. It’s roughly two miles to the resort town of Elounda; it’s an hour to the ancient Palace of Knossos and Heraklion International Airport (HER).