Minos Beach Art Hotel: A Haven of Contemporary Comfort and Cretan Heritage
Situated on a private peninsula, Minos Beach Art Hotel is just 900 meters from the heart of Agios Nikolaos. The hotel blends modern minimalism with Crete’s natural beauty, providing 125 rooms, villas, and suites. Each space features earthy-toned décor, with many offering private pools and stunning sea views. The rooms are designed with a contemporary atmosphere, creating a tactile world of concrete, exposed beams, wooden carpentry, and muted, neutral colors. Guests can enjoy spacious terraces for a perfect outdoor retreat.
The hotel’s culinary offerings reflect the island's gastronomic traditions. Chefs Poppy Kourkoutaki and Kyriakos Mylonas collaborate with local suppliers to present a farm-to-table dining experience. The La Bouillabaisse restaurant offers fine Mediterranean cuisine paired with sweeping panoramic views. Terpsis, a casual, seaside spot, serves authentic Cretan fare, while Bacchus presents a Greek buffet with live cooking stations. For a more relaxed setting, Adeste Traditional Kafenion offers mezze, grilled delights, and live music, showcasing local flavors. The hotel’s collection of bars includes the La Cave wine bar, featuring wines from Crete and beyond, and the Dionyssos Bar, perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.
Ananea Wellness by Aegeo Spas, set amidst olive trees and contemporary art, provides a tranquil sanctuary. The spa offers a wide range of treatments using natural ingredients, such as soothing massages, facials, and steam rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
After a day of indulgence, guests can enjoy a variety of experiences designed to immerse them in Cretan culture. A great place to start is a visit to Kritsa, a charming traditional village where you can explore the Xombli weaving workshop and meet the women of the Women Association of Kritsa and the Agricultural Cooperative of Kritsa, who are dedicated to preserving the island’s ancient craftsmanship. Another must-see is Spinalonga, a breathtaking island with Venetian-era fortresses. Here, you can explore the ruins with a knowledgeable guide and uncover the island’s fascinating history.
To further immerse yourself in the local culture, extend your journey to the nearby villages of Elounda, Plaka, Vrouhas, and Fourni, where you can discover the authentic flavors and traditions of Crete. Visits to local wineries for private wine tastings are also possible. Some activities are available year-round, while others are best enjoyed from April to October or June to October.
The hotel also offers cooking classes for those interested in learning the art of Cretan cuisine and exploring the island’s rich gastronomic heritage. For those who prefer more active pursuits, the surrounding area offers numerous hiking trails, climbing spots, and opportunities for diving. During the summer months, the hotel organizes a range of outdoor activities, including boat trips exploring the beauty of Mirabello Bay. Guests can also unwind with yoga sessions, tennis and pilates.
Sustainability Criteria
- 80% of the staff are local
- 94% of suppliers are local
- Barrier-free access and barrier free rooms are available
- More than 20 staff trainings so far in health & safety and environmental programs
- More than 60 kg of plastic bottle caps have been donated for a good cause
- More than 75 bottles of blood have been donated to local hospitals during two volunteer blood drives
- Regular beach clean ups are conducted by both Minos hotels
- Landscaping is carried out with native species
- Minos Beach Art Hotel avoids pesticides and any harmful paints and products
- The property offers activities to promote the local culture
- The hotel is ISO 14001:2015 certified. It was Travelife certified in the category of Gold in 2023 and Green Key in 2022
- The current carbon footprint is just 8.83 kg of CO2 per guest per night, lower than the average
- Energy efficient building (insulations, walls, windows)
- The property has solar panels to produce electricity
- Minos Beach Art Hotel was built using mainly natural materials
- Rooms are equipped with furniture made of organic materials
- Fabrics are made of organic materials, and even staff uses organic fashion
- Use of reusable towels in public areas
- Single use plastic free across all departments (including amenities)
- Products are purchased in bulk
- Waste is separated and recycled
- Compostable capsules for coffee
- Spa products and amenities are certified organic
- Spa offers holistic treatments with local ingredients
- Hotel offers bikes
- Hotel offers yoga
Features & Activities
- 24h Room Service
- Bar at Hotel
- Beach
- Culture
- Diving center nearby
- Hotel Close to Nature
- Pool at the Property
- Spa Treatments Available
- Yoga Room and Classes
Location
Minos Beach Art Hotel is situated on a private peninsula, just 900 meters from the center of Agios Nikolaos, in Lassithi. The property spans over 2 kilometers of coastline and boasts two blue-flag sandy beaches.
The hotel is easily accessible by a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport, a 60-minute drive from Heraklion Port, or a 3-hour drive from Chania Airport.
Car transfers can be arranged upon request.
