Minos Palace Resort: A Serene Adults-Only Escape in Crete
A place of tranquility and seclusion, Minos Palace Resort is an exclusive adults-only retreat set on a private peninsula near Agios Nikolaos. Suites with private or shared pools, crafted from natural materials and defined by clean, contemporary design, offer views over the Cretan landscape, the town, or the open sea. Each accommodation features a private terrace or balcony – always with a sense of spaciousness. The hotel comprises a total of 150 rooms and suites, including accessible options.
The hotel’s dining experience includes Mom Restaurant, open all day with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and Amar Restaurant, a beachfront spot serving Mediterranean cuisine for dinner. Nama Pool Bar boasts stunning views of the infinity pool and sea, featuring cocktails from Baba Au Rum, ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars. Guests can also unwind at Mosa Beach Bar, set on the private sandy beach.
At Nao Wellbeing Center, wellness is built on four pillars: nutrition, sleep, movement, and self-mastery. Upon arrival, guests can complete a questionnaire, consult with an expert, and receive a personalized program. The center combines science and holistic therapies, offering sleep programs tailored to individual rhythms, as well as advanced assessments of respiratory function, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolism. Longevity programs are also available, ranging from one to 14 days.
Active guests can enjoy the indoor & outdoor gym, tennis court, and diving & watersports center, along with blue and electric bikes for exploring the surroundings.
A great introduction to Cretan culture starts with a visit to Kritsa, a traditional village where guests can explore the Xombli weaving workshop and meet local artisans preserving ancient crafts. Another must-visit is Spinalonga, a striking island with Venetian fortresses and a rich history, best explored with a knowledgeable guide. Nearby villages such as Elounda, Plaka, Vrouhas, and Fourni also offer authentic Cretan experiences, and private wine tastings at local wineries can be arranged. Some activities are available year-round, while others are best enjoyed from April to October or June to October.
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
- Landscaping is carried out with native species
- The 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 2021, 2022 and 2023, and Green Key in 2022
- The current carbon footprint is just 8.37 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
- The 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 electric bikes
- Hotel offers yoga
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Features & Activities
- 24h Room Service
- Adults only 18+
- Bar at Hotel
- Beach
- Culture
- Diving center nearby
- Gym at the Hotel
- Hotel Close to Nature
- Hotel offers mind, body wellness retreats
- Spa Treatments Available
Location
Minos Palace Resort is in Lassithi, Eastern Crete, just over 1.5 km from the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, featuring a private sandy beach. The hotel is easily accessible, located 50 minutes from Heraklion Airport (HER), 60 minutes from Heraklion Port, and 180 minutes from Chania Airport (CHQ).
