Holiday Inspiration: Introducing bluegr Hotels & Resorts, Crete, Greece
Holiday Inspiration: Introducing bluegr Hotels & Resorts, Crete, Greece
Introducing bluegr Hotels & Resorts in Crete, Greece - an independent, family-owned trio of luxury hotels on the famous Greek holiday isle...
Minos Beach Art Hotel - Crete’s original design hotel
Minos Beach Art Hotel is a five star luxury hotel, located on the edge of Mirabello Bay in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, and the island’s original luxury design hotel since its inception in the 60s. Today it’s a chic, minimalist retreat celebrating Cretan art and design in relaxed surroundings. The 2022 season begins on 15th April 2022.
Design & ethos
The property has been designed to honour a connection to mother nature and the spectacular natural setting of the bay. Accommodation is spread across 112 contemporary whitewashed bungalows and suites, and 14 spacious villas with private pools, scattered within the aromatic gardens of this seafront property, stretching along 2.5km of coastline. 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. Notable works include the underwater sculpture “Lost Ears of Agios Nikolaos” (2016) by Kostas Ioannidis; “The Painful Pyramids” (1993) by Magdalena Abakanowicz; and “Image in Matter and Prosthesis” (1990) by Rena Papaspyrou.
Food & drink
Three restaurants offer an abundance of 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 focus on 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.
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.
To do
Guests can enjoy two private blue flag-awarded beaches, and plenty of safe sea swimming platforms around the bay edge, just steps from your room. There’s also a seafront palm-tree-fringed freshwater swimming pool. Other facilities include the Ananea wellness centre offering fully equipped gym, yoga classes, treatments by Aegeo Spa, tennis court, bicycles, and the certified Pelagos diving and watersports centre.
NEW for 2022
- The property’s newest accommodation is the two-bedroom maisonette with private pool. Spacious, calming interiors, private pool and dazzling views of Mirabello Bay make this a wonderful retreat for families or friends. Modern, elegant minimalist design spans two king bedrooms, lounge, two bathrooms and the spacious private outdoor area. Sleeping areas are situated on two separate levels to offer extra privacy. Nightly rates from 1,175 Euros, based on four sharing, including breakfast.
- Three new wellness retreats: “Aligning with your Karma”, 30th May - 4th June - a transformative retreat to enhance and nourish the individual through community, nutritious food and Tantric teachings; “Bodyrox Escape Fitness & Nutrition”, 4th - 9th June - a high energy retreat focused on nutrition and strength training with New York-based trainer Roxie Jones; and “The Multi-Faceted Female in Ancient Greece”, 10th - 15th October - a deep-dive into Greek history and myth encompassing interactive lecture and debate, visits to archaeological sites and everyday food experiences with local women to learn how cooking is an art handed down over centuries.
- Brand new treatment menu at Aegeo Spa, inspired by a voyage through Greece past and present. Treatments include “Cretan Flair”, a cleansing, detoxifying body treatment using Cretan herbs Dictamnus and sage; and the “Holy Grail” facial, using avocado from Chania and Cretan olive oil to revitalise and moisturise. The signature treatment, “Minoan Culture” is 120 minutes of pure bliss, incorporating masks made with local herbs and essential oils for the body and face. A deep, therapeutic head-to-toe massage uses a Cretan olive-oil base infused with raki and orange extract.
Nightly rates at Minos Beach Art Hotel start from 261 Euros, based on two sharing a Sea View Bungalow, including breakfast. The Villas at Minos Beach Art Hotel start from 887 Euros for a One Bedroom Villa with Private Pool and from 2,980 Euros for a Three Bedroom Waterfront Villa with Private Pool. www.minosbeach.com
Minos Palace Hotel & Suites - adults only luxe
With a spectacular seafront location near the picturesque towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, the five star, adults-only Minos Palace is rightfully regarded as one of the best hotels in Crete. Amidst minimalist surroundings and beautifully landscaped grounds on a private peninsula, this adults-only hotel resembles an island-within-an-island, with 360 degree sea views. The 2022 season begins on 20th April 2022.
Design & ethos
Eastern and Western influences blend in perfect synergy at Minos Palace, to create a positive, holistic and restorative experience. Within the property are spaces for meditative relaxation and silent zones for tranquil quiet reflection throughout the Cretan gardens. The 121 rooms and bungalows, and 28 suites with private and shared pools provide private accommodation, designed with earthy, neutral tones and conscious materials to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
Food & drink
Guests of Minos Palace are treated to the best Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, fusion mixology and healthy beverages, across two restaurants and three bars, overseen by award-winning chef Giannis Baxevanis. “Amalthea” serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a refined yet casual setting, surrounded by a 360 degree sea view. “Inblu” is the all-day lounge and restaurant, serving traditional Cretan and Greek a la carte and tasting menus in an al fresco setting. The poolside “Bacchus Lounge Bar” and the beachside “Island Bar” serve cocktails, snacks and healthy, light meals all day long.
To do
Listen to the sound of waves and kick back on the pristine, private Blue Flag awarded sandy beach or take a dip in the stunning freshwater swimming pool. To encourage true relaxation, the wellness experience at Minos Palace is based on a holistic connection between body, soul and the environment. Offering signature body and mind healing programmes, yoga, meditation and pranayama practices, and seasonal retreats and treatments, the hotel also puts focus on cultivating relaxation and wellbeing through local craft. Classes in Cretan pottery, loom weaving, olive oil and cheese making and essential oils workshops with Cretan herbs are all offered. There’s also a tennis court, volleyball court, a PADI certified diving centre, fitness centre and a green outdoor gym.
NEW for 2022
- There are several new accommodation options at Minos Palace, including:
- One-bedroom Infinity Blue Suites. Located on the upper floor, these spacious infinity blue suites consist of 46 sqm of living space, making them the perfect base for an extended stay. Each suite features a private balcony with panoramic sea views, one bedroom, living area and large walk-in-shower. Nightly rates from 308 Euros, based on two sharing, including breakfast.
- Junior Suites with private pool. On the ground floor, these stunning suites with private pool provide 38 sqm of living space and feature one bedroom, living area and walk-in-shower. Each junior suite has direct access to a private swimming pool with deck and lounging area for enjoying those endless summer days. Nightly rates from 379 Euros, based on two sharing, including breakfast.
- Three new wellness retreats: “Sound Bath Retreat”, 21st - 22nd May - a gentle, yet powerful, deeply-immersive full-body listening experience where guests are “bathed” in therapeutic sound waves by healing instruments including the Tibetan singing bowls and crystal bowls, the gong, the drum, the monochord, energy chimes, and voice; “Resilience and the life-giving energy of classical Pilates”, 28th May - 1st June - discover the energy which underpins the genius of the Classical Pilates Matwork Repertoire with Classical Pilates Instructor, Mentor, & International Presenter Katharine Jemmett; and “Summer Detox Retreat”, 2nd - 6th June - gather a clearer understanding of your body’s needs as you work towards improved sleep, reduced stress, a boosted immune system and more through specially designed nutrition, yoga and exercise.
- A new Herbal Garden has been planted, a charming spot to relax and enjoy the scent of lavender, mint, thyme, honeysuckle, basil, clove and many more plants and herbs with aromatic qualities or health benefits.
Nightly rates at Minos Palace Hotel & Suites start from 205 Euros, based on two sharing an Upper Deck Sea View Room, including breakfast. www.minospalace.com
Candia Park Village - family-focused fun
Resembling an authentic Cretan village with its picturesque neighbourhood vibe, central clock square and traditional Kafenion, Candia Park village offers a truly incomparable family holiday experience to all of its guests and is one of the best family hotels in Crete. The 2022 season begins on 19th April 2022.
Design & ethos
Akin to a 65,000 sqm coastline village, Candia Park comprises 186 apartments and studios, and 36 sea view and seafront suites, sleeping four to six guests, all supremely spacious, with a contemporary, understated design, fully-equipped kitchens and everything any family needs for the perfect island holiday. Some have garden views, others look directly out to sea. When it comes to amenities for babies and children, every detail has been thought of so parents can travel light - with baby cot, toilet trainer seat and step, bottle warmer and steriliser, bouncy chair, baby bath tub, potty, push chair, changing mat and high chairs all available.
Food & drink
There are two restaurants, two bars and a kafenio (Greek coffee house), offering a host of family-friendly dining spots with Greek, Cretan and international flavours. “Agapi”, is the all-day main restaurant, with a Greek and international menu. Little guests will enjoy a designated buffet with healthy, delicious treats adjusted to their tastes and nutritional needs. Agapi also hosts evening entertainment including live music and traditional dancing. “To Fili Taverna” explores Cretan cuisine and is the perfect place to introduce Greek cuisine to children, with a dedicated kids menu including favourite dishes such as souvlaki and greek salad. The traditional “Kafenion” serves authentic meze with chilled local raki or a freshly made Greek coffee.
To do
Enjoy the private blue-flag awarded beach, sundeck, and three freshwater swimming pools (one exclusively for children). Adults and children can get active on the volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, or hire bicycles for rides to suit all levels and all ages. Unwind at the Aegeo Spa, stretch your limbs with a yoga session or explore the deep at the PADI diving and watersports centre which offers dinghy sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, donut and banana rides alongside diving.
With a wide range of activities for babies, kids and teenagers, from games and workshops to watersports and excursions, Candia Park ensures that little ones spend quality time both with their families and with new friends at the Mini Blues kid’s club. Open to children aged between 4 and 12 years, Mini Blues features a program of educational games, theatre workshops and performances, arts and crafts, face-painting and treasure hunts as well as activities in the children’s swimming pool, parties on the beach and more.
NEW for 2022
- The property’s newest accommodation is the Serenity Seafront Suite. Featuring balconies that overlook the sea below, these contemporary new suites enjoy panoramic sea views from their water’s edge position. The open-plan design of the living room and fully-equipped kitchen blends the modern aesthetic of exposed brick with understated, elegant neutral tones and natural materials, providing top-notch amenities for all the family. The suite accommodates four guests comfortably, and also includes a fully furnished outdoor terrace. Nightly rates from 236 Euros, based on a family of four sharing, including breakfast.
- 7 Days Of Joy - a new programme of kids activities for the season, highlights include Greek cooking lessons, syrtaki dance, Greek language lessons, Olympic Games, Greek god costume crafting, gardening projects, tree and flower planting, stone art and beach cleans made fun.
- New family private dining - Private dining is not just for couples! Chef will prepare a private family dinner by the sea or any other location within the grounds - the menu is totally custom-made for every family.
Nightly rates at Candia Park Village start from 117 Euros, based on a family of four sharing a One Bedroom Family Apartment Village View, including breakfast. www.candiapark.com
