Phaea Blue

Crete, Plaka Near Elounda

Tripadvisor rating Based on 2450 traveller reviews
Thumb image 80% of travellers recommended this hotel
Spa Family Suites Private Pools Hotel Villas

  • Rated as one of the best places to stay in Greece by Condé Nast Traveller 
  • All rooms feature a stunning sea view, with superior rooms looking out over the famous Spinalonga island
  • Enjoy a number of destination experiences
  • Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio

A recommendation from Condé Nast traveller promises exciting things and the Phaea Blue certainly doesn’t disappoint. Overlooking a beautiful bay with views of Spinalonga (the island immortalised in Victoria Hislop’s The Island), this boutique hotel is a treat for all the senses.

The rooms are as impressive as the views – from a Deluxe Bungalow right up to the jewel in the crown, The PHĀEA Blue Villa – a three-bedroom villa with private heated pool, a private chef and butler. Honeymooners will fall for the romantic views and private plunge pools of the Deluxe Bungalows.

Recently renovated, the Phaea Blue invites you to enjoy a brand-new look and feel with rooms enjoying a relaxed and refined island aesthetic with neutral tones for a calming stay. Committed to conscious luxury, this hotel allows you to have a deeper connection with the timeless heritage of Crete.

The diverse restaurants offer something to please every palate. Enjoy Greek delights at Anthós or the Blue Door. Celebrating farm to table meals with homegrown produce, the new Phāea Farmers Feast invites you to embark on a journey of culinary discovery. After dinner make time for a drink in the scenic Votsalo bar – overlooking the sea it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a cocktail. 

The Phaea Blue is also the perfect base for some gentle exploring. Head into the charming hamlet of Plaka, where among the narrow streets you’ll find a selection of tiny restaurants, tavernas and cafés for a lunchtime snack or buzzy evening drink. For a day trip take a boat over to the former leper colony of Spinalonga for a breathtaking history lesson. Guests can also experience the beauty of the Mirabello Gulf on a caique, a traditional Greek fishing boat. 

Hotel child prices apply to ages 2–12 years. The hotel has 47 bungalows and suites.

 

Facilities

Bars & Restaurants

Anthós

Enjoy the finest Greek dishes, cooked in an open air kitchen by a team of highly skilled chefs in this restaurant located located at the hotels outdoor pool overlooking the sea and Spinalonga.

Dress code is smart casual - gentlemen are required to wear long trousers.

 

Blue Door

A picturesque Greek taverna serving local specialities and fresh fish, the waterside location is as delicious as the dishes.

Open: 12:00-00:00.

Votsalo Bar

Cool and calm, the Votsalo bar offers complimentary Wi-Fi and enjoys stunning views of the resort.

Open: 19:30-00:00.

Phāea Farmers Feast

Enjoy a farm to table experience at Phāea Farmers Feast where every meal invites you to try some Cretan delights.

 

 

Private Dining

Enjoy an intimate experience with private dining at the Phaea Blue.

Beach & Pools

Beach

The private 200m pebble beach is surrounded by stylish wooden decking and comfortable loungers.

 

 

Swimming Pools

From the 28 private plunge pools to the one main outdoor pool you’re never far away from water at Phaea Blue.

For Families

Kids Club

The little ones can have fun all day long at the playground, with plenty of exciting activities at the Kids Club.

Activities & Entertainment

Movie Area

Sit back and relax in the movie area with a fantastic range of films being shown. 

Watersports

Enjoy a range of watersports at Phaea Blue including scuba diving.

Spa & Wellness

Spa

Phaea Blue offers relaxing spa treatments, yoga & Pilates classes as well as a fully equipped indoor/outdoor gym.

Experiences

Traditional Caique Experience

Set sail from the hotel’s jetty on a traditional Greek fishing boat for a journey around the Mirabello Gulf. Cruise along the coast of Elounda and Spinalonga Island, enjoying the fresh air, remote beaches, and clear cobalt waters. This trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Relish exquisite Cretan wines and local cheeses, enhancing your experience with authentic flavours of the island.

Welcome to the Hive

PHĀEA PLAN BEE is an innovative and seasonal project focused on supporting pollinators, especially bees. To promote their protection, the hotel has installed beehives and created a bee-friendly landscape with year-round flowering plants and ample water sources. They celebrate this initiative with special events where guests can tour the organic garden and beehives, participate in mini-harvesting and honey tasting sessions, and enjoy traditional Cretan pies drizzled with honey and a celebratory cocktail.

Cretan Feast

Crete offers countless opportunities to celebrate life with good music, endless dancing, and vibrant festivals. The island is alive with feasts for religious holidays, weddings, and baptisms, where eating, drinking, and celebrating with family and friends is a way of life. Enjoy a unique Cretan feast on the hotel’s private beach, featuring the famous “antikristo” lamb, seasoned with sea salt and slow cooked for five hours over a bonfire, along with authentic local delicacies.

A Lesson in Greek Cuisine

Join Phaea Blue’s Greek cooking class to explore the authentic flavours and traditional recipes of Crete. Learn to make Dakos (Cretan salad), aromatic Dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves with rice and herbs), and Prawn Saganaki. Discover valuable cooking secrets, practice hands-on techniques, and enjoy the meal you've prepared at Blue Door Taverna.

Wine Tasting

Join Phaea Blue’s Greek cooking class to explore the authentic flavours and traditional recipes of Crete. Learn to make Dakos (Cretan salad), aromatic Dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves with rice and herbs), and Prawn Saganaki. Discover valuable cooking secrets, practice hands-on techniques, and enjoy the meal you've prepared at Blue Door Taverna.

Classic Car Village Tour

The Classic Car Village Tour offers a nostalgic journey reminiscent of classic movies. Guests will travel in a vintage Mercedes or Cadillac to explore four traditional villages, each with unique charm. The tour includes a visit to the historic Areti monastery, lunch at Platanos, coffee in Kasteli, and a scenic return to the resort through Neapoli and Agios Nikolaos.

About the location

Phaea Blue is found nestled on the north east coast of the Greek island of Crete, in Plaka. It’s located close to a pebbly beach and enjoys spectacular views of Spinalonga Island. This former leper colony is home to a historic fortress and is the setting for Victoria Hislop’s best selling book, The Island. Plaka itself takes you back in time to the idyllic little villages and beautiful whitewashed architecture of the Greek islands. 

Head into nearby Elounda for a bustling harbour area and a selection of authentic restaurants. It also has a sandy beach where you can spend long lazy days soaking up the sun before ordering refreshments straight to your lounger. 

Transfer time

Phaea Blue is an hour and ten minutes’ drive from Crete Heraklion Airport. 
Blue-Palace-2024-Deluxe-Bungalow-Sea-View-009-114560-Hybris
Deluxe Bungalow Sea View

Max 2 persons

Enjoy beautiful views of the Aegean Sea from the Deluxe Bungalow. These rooms come with a private furnished balcony and a comfortable king size bed.

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Deluxe Bungalow Sea View with Private Heated Pool

Max 2 persons

With your own private heated pool, the Deluxe Bungalow comes with fantastic sea views for a relaxing holiday in Crete.

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Deluxe Suite Sea View

Max 4 persons

Spacious, with plenty of natural light, the Deluxe Suite enjoys authentic local touches and views across the blue of the sea.

Blue-Palace-2024-Junior-Suite-Private-Pool-Sea-View-003-114560-Hybris
Junior Suite with Private Heated Pool

Max 4 persons

Step into the private heated pool at the Junior Suite and enjoy moments of pure relaxation surrounded by greenery.

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Blue Maisonette Suite with Private Heated Pool

Max 5 persons

Sink into a comfortable king size bed in the Blue Maisonette Suite. With views of the Cretan landscape, the whole family can enjoy dining on the private veranda.

Blue-Palace-2024-Island-Suite-Private-Pool-Sea-View-007-114560-Hybris
Island Suite Sea View Heated Private Pool

Max 4 persons

The perfect choice for holidays in Crete, the Island Suite comes with its own private pool, comfortable king size bed and views across the Aegean Sea. 

Early Booking Discount

Save up to 20% discount on the hotel price for holidays between 01 May - 30 October 2025, booked by 15 December 2024.

Sovereign Plus Offer

Sovereign guests receive a complimentary bottle of Cretan red wine in room on arrival.

A minimum of 5 nights stay is required for the above special offers.

Honeymoon Offer

Guests receive special signature honeymoon amenities (offer must be requested at the time of booking and wedding certificate to be presented in resort).

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Tripadvisor rating Based on 2450 traveller reviews
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Reviews

Relaxing and beautiful

1_Greece_Lover, San Francisco, California

Tripadvisor review Nov 25 2024
First impression was wow ! The lobby is gorgeous and welcome drink is the best I’ve ever had. Check in was easy, I didn’t have to leave the couch, the check in lady came to me with an iPad and made...
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A True 5 Star

sm991122, Irvine, California

Tripadvisor review Oct 23 2024
Blue Phaea in Crete was an exceptional stay for us, with top-tier service from start to finish. Located in a prime area, walking distance to vibrant spots, the hotel offered stunning scenery, clean...
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What our guests think

We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it. 
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