5 reasons why Crete’s Phāea Blue is the ultimate summer getaway

The reimagined Phāea Blue (formally The Blue Palace) is well-known among the A-list crowd, having hosted famous guests in the past such as Rhianna and Lady Gaga.

And it’s not just the stars who are raving about this five-star resort – it’s a favourite of the top travel magazines as well. It was recently hailed as the 'Crown Jewel of Crete' by Vogue magazine and its transformation is capturing the attention of luxury insiders everywhere. Heather, one of our Greece experts, jetted off to this sun-soaked isle to find out why a stay at Phāea Blue should be on your summer wish list.

1. Private infinity pool sanctuaries

Luxury and seclusion are no longer just a want – they're non negotiables. Luckily,  Phāea Blue delivers both. Ultra-chic rooms and suites overlook the glittering ocean and are decorated in a simple modern style, with eclectic artwork and splashes of Aegean blue. Opt for a more bijou style room with your own private plunge pool, or go all out and treat yourself to a suite with infinity pool and stylish canopy bed. After a day of relaxing in the sun, there’s nowhere better than your own pool to watch the sky turn pink over Spinalonga Island.

2. Taste, toast and drift away

The ancient Greeks believed in the pursuit of pleasure, and Phāea Blue takes this philosophy seriously. Sign up for a Phāea Farmers' Feast, where you'll harvest organic ingredients from the hotel's garden and cook traditional dishes alongside the executive chef. Sip and swirl your way through a local Cretan wine tasting, catch an old Hollywood movie in the olive groves (think Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany’s) or hop on a wooden caique for a sail around Mirabello Bay, glass of rosé firmly in hand. 

3. Refresh and rejuvenate at a world-class spa

The award-winning spa at the Phāea Blue is more sanctuary than spa. Set directly on the beach, this tranquil oasis instantly transports you to a state of bliss with aromas of eucalyptus, soothing tones and low lighting. Signature treatments include scented oil massages and sea salt body scrubs, as well as skincare therapies from renowned brands like Valmont and Kos Paris. And the focus on wellness goes beyond the spa walls. Start your day with an energising Pilates session, zen out during a sunset yoga class on the dazzling-white pebble beach, or head out on an exhilarating hike organised by your concierge.

4. Eat, sip, repeat: island dining at its best

One of the highlights of any holiday has to be the dining, and Phāea Blue dishes up a delightful choice of cuisine. Kick off the evening with a pre-dinner aperitivo at Votsalo Bar, where the cocktail menu is as dreamy as the sea views – spritzes, herb-infused negronis and martinis – shaken, not stirred. Wander down to the legendary Blue Door Taverna, still one of the island's most iconic waterfront dining spots, set in a restored fisherman's house. Graze on warm pitta, just-caught seafood and soak up the old world charm. Or choose Anthos, where Crete's bold flavours meet fine dining with a fresh edge. Expect knockout local wines, dishes that are summer on a plate and a setting made for long, languid dinners.

5. Spellbinding views of Spinalonga

Phāea Blue overlooks the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea and the mysterious island of Spinalonga dominates the horizon. Made famous by the book ‘The Island’, by Victoria Hislop, the UNESCO-listed site of Spinalonga is a picturesque rocky islet with a rich history. As you relax on the open-air terrace, listening to live piano music and watching the stars twinkle above Spinalonga, you can’t help but feel there’s something magical about this beautiful corner of the world.

This feature was updated on 7th April 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.