JW Marriott has announced the opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, the brand’s first highly anticipated Mediterranean beach resort, with its design by Block722 setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality on the island…
Nestled in Marathi, near the charming town of Chania, the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa spans over 100 acres of idyllic coastline, thoughtfully designed to harmonise with Crete’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The resort features 160 elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas, all offering sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, with the majority including private pools to enhance the sense of exclusivity and relaxation.
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“JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, the brand’s much-anticipated debut on the stunning Cretan coast, is a serene escape that truly embodies JW Marriott’s vision to offer guests elevated, luxury experiences that foster personal well-being and meaningful connections,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott. “Thoughtfully designed and perfectly situated, the resort invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully immerse themselves in the island’s serene rhythm – with nature and the Aegean Sea an integral part of the experience.”
With its natural surroundings, artful design, and immersive guest experiences, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa combines carefully curated design with experiences that reflect the authentic spirit and culture of the island.
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Crafted by the Athens-based studio Block722, the resort and spa both embody a contemporary elegance rooted in a deep respect for its natural surroundings. Set along one of Greece’s most breathtaking coastlines, the resort is harmoniously integrated into the landscape with planted roofs, olive and carob tree groves, and natural materials including marble and wood. Each thoughtfully selected design element reflects a commitment to allowing the environment to guide the architecture, creating a seamless connection between nature and modern luxury.
Each guestroom boasts wide windows framing sweeping panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, while shaded terraces and private pools encourage a quiet connection with the sea and sky. Inside, the aesthetic is calm and tactile: soft, organic lines and a palette of earthy Mediterranean tones, including terracotta, olive, sand, and stone, create a sense of effortless harmony. Sculptural lighting and handcrafted ceramic decorative pieces subtly nod to Crete’s traditional forms, reinterpreted with a contemporary eye.
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The property has been thoughtfully constructed with sustainability at its core, from geothermal and solar energy systems to heat recovery from air conditioning for hot water, and the use of treated grey water for irrigation. This commitment to environmental responsibility has guided every aspect of the resort’s development, resulting in a destination that not only seamlessly blends with its surroundings, but is also deeply shaped by them.
At JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, culinary artistry takes centre stage across six distinctive dining venues, each carefully designed to celebrate local ingredients and seasonal flavours. Anchoring the resort’s culinary philosophy is the JW Garden, a signature element of JW Marriott properties around the world that showcases the brand’s commitment to well-being and sustainability. This meticulously managed garden cultivates fresh herbs and vegetables, such as thyme, oregano, and capers, which are integrated into dishes and cocktails across the resort, enhancing flavour and connecting guests with nature.
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Among the standout venues is ANOEE, a Cretan open-fire restaurant led by acclaimed chef Manolis Papoutsakis, known for using the island’s traditional techniques and locally foraged ingredients. Õnalos presents a refined sea-to-table concept, highlighting the best of the Aegean Sea. Cuccagna delivers rustic Italian dishes with a contemporary touch, while Fayi serves Mediterranean style sharing plates in a warm, convivial setting.
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At the heart of the resort’s wellness offering is ANOSEAS Spa, which combines traditional Cretan healing rituals with modern immersive therapies. The spa includes five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy experiences, and a beauty room. Additional wellness facilities include a yoga deck and four swimming pools with panoramic sea views, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
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For families, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa delivers rich, multi-generational luxury experiences thoughtfully tailored to younger guests. The Phestos Den, powered by Worldwide Kids, offers an inspiring environment for cultural discovery, hands-on learning, and creative play. Outdoor areas offer shaded tents, imaginative play zones, and a dedicated vegetable garden, all designed to foster curiosity and a connection to nature. Beyond the resort, families can enjoy bespoke sea-based adventures or curated cultural excursions to local monasteries and archaeological sites, immersive journeys that bring Crete’s vibrant traditions and heritage to life.
Main image credit: JW Marriott
