JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, the brand’s first highly anticipated Mediterranean beach resort, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality on the island. The resort offers 160 luxuriously appointed rooms, villas and suites with sweeping views of Aegean sea. Most of them have private pools, which enhances the feeling of exclusivity and relaxation. The resort is nestled in Marathi near the charming town Chania. It spans 100 acres of idyllic coast, designed to harmonize Crete’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
“The opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa marks a milestone moment for the brand with its entrance into Greece,” says Bruce Rohr Vice President, Global Brand Leader at JW Marriott. This extraordinary property captures JW Marriott’s essence, combining warm, intuitive service and serene, thoughtfully-designed spaces that invite guests be present and connect. Crete is a timeless island with a rich heritage. Its beauty and history make it ideally suited for the first JW Marriott property to be built in the country. We look forward to welcoming our guests to this iconic place to experience the brand’s signature approach to hospitality.
With its natural surroundings, artful design, and immersive guest experiences, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa combines carefully curated design with experiences that reflect the authentic spirit and culture of the island.
Architects in Dialogue with Nature
Crafted by the acclaimed Athens-based studio Block722, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa embodies contemporary elegance rooted in a deep respect for its natural surroundings. Set on one of Greece’s most beautiful coastlines with planted roofs. Olive and carob groves are also present. Natural materials like wood and marble have been used to integrate the resort into the surrounding landscape. Each carefully selected design element is a reflection of a commitment to allow the environment to guide architecture. This creates a seamless link between nature and luxury.
The Aegean sea is visible from every guest room, and the shaded terraces with private pools provide a peaceful connection to the sky and the sea. In the interior, there is a calm, tactile aesthetic: soft, organic shapes and earthy Mediterranean shades, such as olive, sand or stone, give a feeling of effortless harmony. Handcrafted ceramic pieces and sculptural lighting nod subtly to Crete’s traditional forms.
The resort was built with sustainability in mind, including geothermal, solar, heat recovery for hot water from the air conditioner, and using treated graywater for irrigation. This commitment to the environment has guided all aspects of the resort’s development. It results in a destination where not only does it blend seamlessly into its surroundings, but that is also deeply shaped.
A celebration of Gastronomy and Mixology
At JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, culinary artistry takes center stage across six distinctive dining venues, each carefully designed to celebrate local ingredients and seasonal flavors. JW Garden anchors the resort’s culinary approach. It is a JW Marriott signature feature that showcases its commitment to sustainability and well being. The JW Garden is a meticulously maintained garden that cultivates fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits, including thyme oregano and capers. These are then used in dishes and cocktails throughout the resort to enhance flavor and connect guests with nature.
One of the best venues to visit is ANOEEManolis Poutsakis is the chef of this Cretan open fire restaurant, which uses local foraged ingredients and traditional island techniques. Õnalos Presents a refined concept of sea to table, highlighting all the best from the Aegean. Cuccagna Delivers rustic Italian dishes with an updated touch. Fayi Serves Mediterranean style sharing dishes in a warm and convivial environment.
Enjoy more relaxing moments Suncti By The Pool The following are some examples of how to get started: Eēxis Enjoy wine, cocktails, light dishes, and other drinks in a tranquil setting. Line Athens was ranked as the No. The resort is also ranked No. 6 in The World’s 50 Best Bars. It offers a bespoke program of mixology based around Cretan herbs and botanicals from JW Garden.
It is also the home of Europe’s first JW Market, a vibrant café-retail concept that reflects the brand’s commitment to well-being and authenticity. JW Market, a vibrant cafe-retail concept, offers products that are locally sourced. They’re also passionately made.
A Sanctuary Discovery, Wellness, Togetherness
The ANOSEAS Spa is at the core of the wellness offerings. It combines traditional Cretan rituals and modern immersive therapies. Spa facilities include five treatment rooms and hydrotherapy experiences. A yoga deck, four swimming pools and a fitness center with the latest technology are also available.
For families, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa delivers rich, multi-generational luxury experiences thoughtfully tailored to younger guests. The Phestos Den powered by Worldwide Kids offers a stimulating environment for hands-on learning and creative play. The outdoor spaces include shaded tents and imaginative play zones as well as a dedicated veggie garden. These areas are designed to promote curiosity and a relationship with nature. Families can also enjoy cultural and sea adventures, or tailor-made excursions to monasteries and archeological sites in the local area. These immersive journeys bring Crete’s rich traditions and heritage alive.