Phaea Blue
Understated, arts-forward Greek island luxury. Think natural materials, handmade ceramics by local artisans, original works by contemporary Greek artists, and a palette drawn straight from the surrounding landscape. No loud statements — just genuine hospitality and very considered design.
Book the speedboat to Spinalonga directly through the hotel (€40 for up to 4 people, 90 seconds each way) — far better value and more fun than the public ferry from Plaka at €12 per person each way.
Why It Matters
Claims to be Crete's only luxury boutique hotel with direct beach access. Part of SLH's Considerate Collection — operates on 100% renewable energy, recycles all treated wastewater, has eliminated single-use plastics, and runs the Phāea Farmers programme where staff grow and sell their own organic produce. Anthós restaurant won the World Luxury Restaurant Award for Greek Cuisine. Conde Nast Traveler has called it the property with 'more authenticity than all the hotels along the Elounda coastline combined.'
Phāea Blue is a 47-room boutique hotel on Crete's northeast coast, terraced into a hillside between the fishing village of Plaka and the port of Elounda. It sits directly on a private pebble beach with unobstructed views of Spinalonga Island — a historic Venetian fortress and former leper colony — just a 90-second speedboat ride away. The only luxury boutique hotel in Crete with direct beach access, it is owned and run by sisters Agapi and Costantza Sbokou, whose family-run ethos permeates everything from the eclectic Greek artwork on the walls to the organic garden where chefs handpick ingredients for the day's menus. Be aware: the hotel is built on a hillside, so mobility-limited guests should plan around the buggy service. Also note it closes seasonally from November through April.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Blue Maisonette Suite Private Heated Pool
The largest of the suites at 67 sq.m., on two levels. Sleeps up to 5, making it genuinely good for a family. Private heated pool, private sanctuary feel. One guest noted the balcony has limited privacy — worth flagging.
King · 67 sqm
Deluxe Bungalow Seaview
Light and airy, facing straight out to the Aegean. At 39 sq.m., it's compact but well-designed with island-aesthetic furnishings, balcony, and unobstructed Spinalonga views. No private pool — this is the option for guests who'd rather save the cash and use the communal pool.
King · 39 sqmDeluxe Bungalow Seaview Private Heated Pool
Same footprint as the Deluxe Bungalow Seaview but adds a private heated plunge pool on the terrace. The best balance of value and experience at Phāea Blue — you get the Spinalonga views plus the pool all to yourself.
King · 39 sqm
Deluxe Suite Seaview
A spacious, light-filled suite at 50 sq.m. with authentic local touches, natural elements, and luxury textures. Works well for families — sleeps 4. No private pool but generous size and seaviews. Interiors lean into the local art and craftsmanship theme.
King · 50 sqmIsland Suite Seaview Private Heated Pool
At 60 sq.m., this is described as the 'epitome of indoor and outdoor living' and the closest to a real summer island home. Direct Spinalonga views, private heated pool, and a layout designed to blur the boundary between inside and outside. Sleeps up to 4.
King · 60 sqmJunior Suite Private Heated Pool
Spacious interior opening onto a private garden and pool. Sleeps up to 4. One of the mid-tier sweet spots — enough space for a small family, a proper private outdoor sanctuary, and the views guests come here for.
King · 54 sqmPhāea Blue Villa
The only standalone villa on the property and a serious step up. At 290 sq.m. across 3 bedrooms, it sleeps 8 and comes with a dedicated private chef and butler service included — not as an add-on. The master bedroom has a four-poster double bed and fireplace. Two further en-suite bedrooms below. Fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, private heated pool with Aegean and Spinalonga views, outdoor patio dining, and an in-room gym (treadmill, TRX, Technogym bench). Interiors feature iconic Klismos chairs designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings and original works by Panayotis Alexiou, Philippos Theodorides, and Iannis Ganas. Available as 3-bedroom or 2-bedroom configuration. Complimentary airport/port transfers included for bookings of 4+ nights.
King (master) + Double + Twin · 290 sqmSignature Room
The entry-level room, and still perfectly decent. Light, airy, designed with Greek island touches — natural materials, local art, and a feel-at-home simplicity. No private pool, but seaview and a clean, refined aesthetic. Ideal for guests who plan to spend most of their time outdoors.
King · 36 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A hands-on Greek cooking class focused on traditional island recipes and authentic Cretan flavours. Taught by the hotel's culinary team.
Seasonal pop-up in the organic garden. Guests handpick ingredients alongside a Phāea farmer and Executive Chef Kalivretakis, then cook and eat together around a communal table. The ancient method of cooking directly in soil is part of the experience. Dates are limited — book ahead.
Bikes available for guest use. Good for the flat road into Elounda, less practical for the hillside terrain immediately around the hotel.
Access to Crete Golf Club with special discounts for Phāea Blue guests. Arranged through the concierge.
Organised snorkelling excursions led by hotel staff. The water around Elounda is clear and calm — good visibility for marine life.
A range of water sports available from the beach and jetty, including windsurfing, scuba diving, and water skiing. The calm, sheltered waters of Elounda Bay make this a good base for all skill levels.
An on-site cinematic viewing area — good for a romantic evening or a cosy gathering. Details kept intentionally vague by the hotel, but reviewers mention it as a nice surprise.
A mini road trip to traditional Cretan villages in the hotel's vintage Mercedes or Cadillac. More memorable than a standard taxi tour — the car alone generates conversations.
A guided introduction to Greek olive oil varieties, held in the hotel's organic garden. Focused, hands-on, and genuinely educational.
A guided tasting of Greek wines — primarily Cretan varieties — held in the organic garden. Good for guests who want context beyond the wine list.
The hotel has partnered with Bee for Planet and adopted 25 beehives supporting over 500,000 bees. The Plan Bee experience takes guests on a tour of the hives, followed by a mini-harvesting session and organic honey tasting. Genuinely fascinating and totally unique to this property.
A private table on the beach, or a candlelit dinner in the villa — arranged for special occasions. Works well for honeymoons and anniversaries.
The hotel's private speedboat to the island fortress of Spinalonga — €40 for up to 4 people, 90 seconds each way. Much better value and more fun than the public ferry at €12 per person each way. Flexible timing too.
Sail from the hotel's own jetty aboard a traditional wooden Greek fishing boat. Routes run around Spinalonga Island, into Elounda's hidden coves, and out to Kolokytha for a BBQ on a remote beach. Sunset and sunrise departures available. Can be combined with a Cretan picnic on a serene bay. One of the best things you can do from this property.
Regular sessions on the outdoor yoga platform and in the indoor Blue Room. Listed on the hotel's daily activities calendar. Part of the wellness programme rather than an extra booking.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The hotel's own beach with sun loungers and parasols (fixed sunshades, some guests note they are small). Pebble rather than sand — water shoes recommended for entry. A pier with steps offers an alternative easier access point for swimming. Views straight to Spinalonga Island.
An on-site gallery featuring works by local and contemporary Greek artists — part of the hotel's active arts and craftsmanship programme in collaboration with the Benaki Museum.
An outdoor deck for yoga, Pilates, and guided movement sessions, set within the hotel gardens with sea views.
Pets accepted on request.
Most bungalows, suites, and the villa include their own private heated pool. 28 across the property.
One main outdoor shared pool for guests not staying in pool-equipped rooms.
An indoor heated pool linked to the spa area — useful for shoulder season or post-treatment relaxation.
The hotel's own organic garden supplies ingredients to the kitchen and is the setting for the Farmers Feast pop-up. Guests can visit and participate in picking.
An on-property buggy shuttles guests up and down the terraced hillside. Important for guests with limited mobility.
BUILD YOUR PHAEA BLUE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning