Inside Minos Beach Art Hotel: Crete’s original design hotel

The property, one of a trio in the bluegr Hotels & Resorts portfolio, has been designed to connect with nature within the spectacular natural setting of the bay. Accommodation is spread across 112 contemporary whitewashed bungalows and suites, and 14 spacious villas with private pools, all scattered within the aromatic gardens of this seafront property which stretches over two kilometres of the beautiful Cretan coastline.

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The low-rise architecture creates a sense of privacy and serenity and echoes the architectural style of eastern Crete’s fishing villages. The hotel has become a cultural beacon for the local community with its valuable collection of contemporary art, containing seminal works by Greek and international artists on display throughout the hotel and its Sculpture Garden, an installation akin to an open-air art museum, with over 40 individual pieces of art in the grounds.

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Three restaurants sheltered within the hotel offer Greek and Cretan cuisine, overseen by award-winning chef Giannis Baxevanis. ‘La Bouillabaisse’ serves creative Mediterranean dishes in a refined mezze format, and is the place for more formal fine dining. ‘Bacchus’ is the buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, and ‘Terpsis’ offers a wonderful Cretan menu in a laid-back al fresco setting. With a focus on farm to table cooking and in line with the hotel’s sustainable hospitality practices, much of the produce is sourced from trusted local suppliers in and around Agios Nicolaos, including the majority of the wines that come from excellent local vineyards and wineries.

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A plethora of bars provide the perfect spot for every mood and occasion. ‘La Cave de la Bouillabaisse’ is the contemporary seafront wine bar serving Cretan, Greek and international wines alongside expertly paired nibbles, while ‘Pure Lounge Bar’ is the place for beachfront coffee, cocktails, soft drinks and chilled music. ‘Dionyssos Bar’ is the elegant, cocktail lounge bar with sandy lounge and bonfire, and the ‘Ibiscus Poolside Bar’ offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. ‘Adeste’ is the traditional Cretan kafeneio, serving local mezze, raki, ouzo, and strong Greek coffee.

Guests can enjoy two private blue flag-awarded beaches, as well as a seafront palm-tree-fringed freshwater swimming pool. Other facilities include the Ananea wellness centre offering fully equipped gym, yoga classes, and the Aegeo Spa where treatments have been inspired by a voyage through Greece past and present. The hotel will also be host to a series of wellness retreats during the course of the year, inviting guests to re-energise, realign, or simply relax.

In preparation for the season ahead, the hotel has added to its offering with the addition of a modern and minimalist designed two-bedroom maisonette with private pool. The spacious, calming interiors, private pool and dazzling views of Mirabello Bay make this a wonderful retreat for families or friends, and includes two king bedrooms, lounge, two bathrooms and the spacious private outdoor area.

Main image credit: Inside Minos Beach Art Hotel