What it is

A modernist waterside retreat with 125 art-stocked bungalows and villas, a Greek-inspired spa, farm-to-table restaurants, and bottomless experiences.

What it isn't

Boring. Those experiences we mentioned? They include a PADI-certified diving center right on the hotel property and cooking classes with their delightful chefs. What better souvenir can there be than knowing how to make your own Cretan pies?

What we think

Minos Beach Art Hotel is a member of Design Hotels. Translation? She’s a total knockout, from the guest rooms to the stemware at dinner. The “starter” guest rooms here are anything but: 279 square foot Sea View Bungalows are equipped with shaded private terraces overlooking Mirabello Bay, gauzy sheer window treatments that flutter in the breeze, and delightful amenities to satisfy any tech obsessive (including Nespresso coffee machines, satellite flatscreen TVs, KNX home automation systems, and individually controlled air conditioning so you’ll always feel as comfy and pampered as a Greek Goddess.) We particularly love the 430 square foot Annex Waterfront Bungalow for its perch just off the sand—complete with private, reserved daybeds and an umbrella just for you—as well as the One Bedroom Seafront Villa with Private Pool, where you’ll have a private turquoise pool adjacent to glimmering Mirabello Bay itself.

You're here because

The hotel has its own sculpture garden featuring contemporary works by Giorgos Gyparakis, Rena Papaspyrou, and Nikos Alexiou. MoMA, schmoma.

The Moment

After a sunrise hatha yoga session, you feel like treating yourself even more. So you proceed directly to the spa, where a red clay mud mask and Cretan oil massage have you floating on air.

Restaurants & Bars

La Bouillabaisse Restaurant - Indulge in fine dining and exceptional wines at La Bouillabaisse restaurant, a Chaine des Rotisseurs member.

Bacchus Restaurant - From the delicious breakfast buffet every morning to beautiful sunset-view dinners, enjoy the finest Cretan and Greek flavours at one of the best hotel restaurants in Agios Nikolaos.

La Cave - An amazing contemporary seafront wine bar on the shores of the Mirabello Bay.

Kafeneion “Adeste” - Enter the world of the traditional Cretan kafeneion Adeste and enjoy a plate of local mezze, raki or ouzo, or strong Greek coffee!

Dionyssos Bar - Relax in this elegant, cocktail lounge bar with sandy lounge with the bonfire.

Terpsis Restaurant - Enjoy authentic local delicacies at this traditional Cretan restaurant, serving redefined meze dishes on the edge of the beautiful Mirabello Bay.

Pure Lounge Bar - Enjoy coffees, cocktails and soft drinks at the waterfront Pure Lounge Bar, perched peacefully on the edge of the hotel’s private beach.

Ibiscus Pool Bar - Escape the midday sun with a shady seat at the Ibiscus Pool bar, serving exotic cocktails and local wines alongside hot and cold soft drinks and light snacks.

Location

A buzzing inlet on Crete’s Mirabello Bay, only a 47-minute drive from Heraklion International Airport N. Kazantzakis.