Blue Palace, Plaka

Enjoying a captivating location between the tiny fishing village of Plaka and the increasingly chic port of Elounda on the island of Crete, the celebrated Blue Palace looks out across its own private beach and offers beautifully uninterrupted views of Spinalonga Island. The hotel's white pebble beach, interwoven with wooden walkways, stretches elegantly along the shoreline.

This iconic Cretan hotel has been welcoming guests for over two decades and for 2024 has embraced a new look and feel. The Blue Palace boutique hotel, open from May 2024 onwards, features just 47 bungalows and suites. The hotel offers refreshed interiors and will provide a more intimate, personalised experience in the same majestic location.

Remodelled rooms and suites, set amongst the hotel's fragrant gardens, take their colour palette from the surrounding landscape, and seamlessly combine natural textures and authentic craftsmanship. The exceptional Royal Blue Villa features elegant amenities, and a private heated pool. The interior is home to exceptional furnishings, original artworks and unique deco pieces, such as the iconic Klismos chair crafted by the Saridis design studio in Athens.

The jewel in the crown at Blue Palace is the Phaea Blue Villa. This secluded three bedroom villa features a large, heated pool, vast indoor space and opulent amenities, providing a peaceful haven for guests who want to switch off and enjoy the peace and quiet of their own space. A new addition for 2024 are a private chef and private butler who are on hand to ensure that all the guests' needs are catered for.

The hotel's restaurants weave together flavours and fragrances, fully embracing a fresh Mediterranean approach that captures the essence of each season in every dish. A short stroll along the beach, Blue Door Taverna offers an enchanting atmosphere in which to taste timeless traditional Cretan cuisine. Phaea Farmers Feast pop-up restaurant welcomes guests to a farm-to-table gastronomic experience, with authentic Cretan notes. Anthos features the freshest take on Greek contemporary cuisine with innovative food concepts, led by award-winning Creative Consultant Chef Athinagoras Kostakos.

Aboard a charming traditional Greek fishing boat a caique - guests can experience the unspoiled natural landscapes of Crete from the waters as they cruise around the beautiful Mirabello Gulf. Setting off from the hotel's own jetty, guests can get a new perspective of the island, visiting secluded beaches and the fascinating and historic isle of Spinalonga, all whilst breathing in the restorative sea air. Over the course of the languid boat journey, guests can enjoy a wine tasting, sampling a selection of Cretan wines alongside an array of locally sourced cheese and freshly prepared salads.

New facilities include watersports with scuba diving, children's playground and an area dedicated to movie screenings.

The second phase of this remodelling project, Rosewood Blue Palace, is scheduled to debut in 2025 with 154 rooms and suites, and promising an ultra-luxury experience that captures the true essence of the Crete. Blue Palace is a member of Small Luxury Hotels.