Minos Beach Art Hotel
Art-forward minimalist beach resort. Low-key luxury with a strong intellectual edge. Think muted earth tones, handmade Cretan furniture, tactile fabrics, and a lone piano in the lobby rather than a marble atrium. The vibe leans 'understated old-money' more than flashy resort.
Not all bungalows are equal. The property has multiple rows of accommodation stepping back from the shore — book waterfront or superior beachfront categories for real sea access.
Why It Matters
Crete's first five-star hotel, continuously operating since 1961. The G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation art collection and annual Art Prize make it genuinely distinctive among Aegean beach hotels. It is also one of the few resorts in the region where the food program — three restaurants, four bars, and a kafeneion — is considered a genuine draw on its own.
Originally built in 1961 and still going strong, Minos Beach Art Hotel is Crete's first five-star resort — and genuinely one of its best. Spread across 2 kilometers of Mirabello Bay coastline just north of Agios Nikolaos, the property is 125 low-slung whitewashed bungalows, villas, and suites at varying distances from the water. The whole place doubles as an open-air gallery: the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation's collection of over 55 contemporary art installations is woven through the grounds and sculpture garden. The culinary program is led by award-winning chefs Kyriakos Mylonas and Poppy Kourkoutaki, who source almost everything from local Cretan suppliers. 95% of the team comes from the region, and it shows.
Where You'll Stay
17 room types available
Annex Waterfront Bungalow with Kitchenette
Secluded bungalows with direct sea access, ideal for guests with pets. Custom-made furniture by local craftspeople, nightstands by Vincent Sheppard, recycled iron chairs. Earth tone mosaic tile bathrooms. Includes kitchenette with utensils and glassware. Reserved sunbed and umbrella by the beach. Sleeps 3.
King or Twin · 40 sqm
Nature Suite Main Building
Located next to the main hotel building. Fully renovated in 2020 in subdued light grey, brown, beige, and white tones. Airy open-plan double bedroom and living room, king bed in high-quality natural linens, rain shower, separate WC, and large balcony with garden views. Sleeps 3.
King · 40 sqmNature Superior Bungalow
Minimal boho-chic style bungalows among fragrant gardens, steps from the pool and sea. Ethnic-inspired design elements blending with the Mediterranean landscape. Large terrace, walk-in shower, dressing corner. Sleeps 3.
King · 40 sqmNature Superior Bungalow with Private Garden
Surrounded by fragrant gardens steps from the Aegean. The most homey-feeling category on the property. Fully furnished private garden with sun exposure, open-plan double bedroom, walk-in shower, dressing corner. Sleeps 3.
King or Twin · 40 sqm
One Bedroom Seafront Villa with Private Pool
One double bedroom, separate living room, dressing corner, and modern rain shower bathroom. Classic minimalist style in muted color palette. Large veranda with private pool overlooking the sparkling Mirabello Bay. Sleeps 2.
King · 55 sqmSeafront Bungalow
Second row from the water's edge. Spacious balcony with azure sea views. Modern chic bathrooms with minimalistic color palette, shower, and dressing corner. Sleeps 2.
King · 26 sqmSeaview Bungalow
Third row from the water's edge, surrounded by gardens. Newly renovated with a soft color palette, handmade Cretan design elements, and bedding by sustainable Greek brand Adorno. The spacious fully furnished garden terrace offers views of the sea and gardens. Modern chic bathroom with rain shower.
King · 28 sqmSeaview Room Main Building
First floor of the main building, convenient to the main restaurant and bar. Open-plan sleeping and lounge area with walk-in shower. Earth-toned mosaic tile bathroom. Seating area with sofa bed. Panoramic bay and garden views from a large balcony. Sleeps 2.
King or Twin · 35 sqmSeaview Suite Main Building
Upper floor of the main building with panoramic views of Mirabello Bay. Separate bedroom and living area with two sofas, dressing corner, and large balcony. Minimalistic bathrooms with earth tone mosaic tiles and walk-in shower. Sleeps 3.
King · 55 sqmSuperior Beachfront Bungalow
By the hotel's private sandy beach. Step directly from the king bed onto warm sand. Indoor sitting area and furnished shaded terrace. KNX System for intuitive climate and ambiance control. Rain shower. Sleeps 3.
King · 40 sqmSuperior Seafront Bungalow
Second row from the water's edge. Airy open-plan double bedroom and living room with a large terrace and extensive sea views. Minimalist muted palette with Cretan-inspired design elements. Rain shower. Sleeps 3.
King · 40 sqmSuperior Seafront Bungalow with Private Pool
First row from the seafront. Open-plan double bedroom and living room in minimalist boho-chic style. Large veranda with private pool and panoramic views of Mirabello Bay. Rain shower and dressing corner. Sleeps 2.
King or Queen · 40 sqmSuperior Waterfront Bungalow
Directly on the water's edge in the original 1960s Minos Beach buildings. Open-plan double bedroom and living room, panoramic sea view terrace. Direct sea access with exclusive reserved sunbeds. Rain shower and dressing corner. Sleeps 3.
King · 40 sqmThree Bedroom Waterfront Villa with Private Pool
The flagship — one master bedroom and two double bedrooms, each with private dressing areas and en-suite bathrooms. Separate living room with dining table and sofas, small kitchenette, and large verandah with private pool right on the water's edge. Direct access to Mirabello Bay. Classic minimalist design. Sleeps 6.
2 Kings and 2 Twins · 100 sqmTwo Bedroom Seafront Villa with Private Pool
Two double bedrooms with private dressing areas, separate living room, and two modern shower bathrooms. Newly renovated with custom furniture by local craftspeople. Vast verandah with private pool and panoramic Mirabello Bay views. Sleeps 4.
1 King and 2 Twin · 75 sqmTwo Bedroom Seaview Villa with Private Pool
Maisonette villa with sleeping areas on two separate levels — great for families or friends wanting privacy. Modern and elegant minimalist design with lounge, two bathrooms, and spacious private outdoor area with private pool. Partial sea views of Mirabello Bay. Sleeps 4.
1 King and 2 Twin · 80 sqmWaterfront Bungalow
Directly on the water's edge — the original, historic Minos Beach buildings from the 1960s. Custom-made furniture by local craftspeople, nightstands by Vincent Sheppard, recycled iron Isimar & Ames chairs. Rain shower, large terrace with sea views. Exclusive reserved sunbeds. Sleeps 2.
King · 26 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
8 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Annual Art Prize facilitating production of new artworks each year in partnership with the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation. The residency program aims to be one of the leading opportunities for artists and creatives in Europe.
Self-guided walk through the hotel's grounds and dedicated Sculpture Garden, featuring 55+ contemporary artworks from the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation, created by Greek and international artists. Free and accessible at any time.
Complimentary bicycles available for exploring the coastline and surrounding area between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
Cretan cooking classes teaching local culinary traditions and techniques, connecting guests with the island's food culture.
Workshops in traditional Cretan artistry and crafts, including landscape photography lessons and traditional Greek games, connecting guests with local culture and heritage.
Kayaking and canoeing from the hotel's private beach area.
Scuba diving available — provided by an external supplier, payable locally.
Snorkeling available from the hotel's private coastline, including rocky swim spots with ladders into the sea.
Water skiing available from the beach area.
Watercraft available for rental from the beach.
Every Wednesday evening, the Adeste kafeneion hosts live Cretan music and traditional dancing. One of the most authentic cultural experiences at the property, open to all hotel guests.
Morning yoga sessions available on property.
On-site tennis court available for guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Two small private sandy beaches with shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water. Rocky swim access points with ladders are also available along the 2km coastline.
On-site business center with work desks and photocopy equipment. Meeting spaces also available for conferences and events.
In-room Wi-Fi available to all guests. Complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy members when booking direct.
Babysitting available on request. Early meals and highchairs also available for families.
Gym with cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and strength equipment. Private trainer available on request.
Both complimentary on-site parking and complimentary valet parking are available.
Pets welcome up to 5kg. Not permitted in restaurants or pool area.
Main outdoor pool with towels provided. Ibiscus Pool Bar sits directly alongside.
Concierge desk with staff fluent in English, German, French, Russian, and Greek. Able to arrange taxi, local restaurant bookings, car hire, and area excursions.
Round-the-clock room service available for all guests.
On-site boutique shop for accessories and gifts.
KNX energy-efficient system for intuitive light and ambient temperature control, available in select bungalow categories.
Regular bus service from the hotel entrance directly to Elounda Village and Agios Nikolaos town center. No shuttle by the hotel itself.
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