Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa – Crete, Greece
Built terrace-style into the hillside overlooking Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga Island, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa exudes a laidback, cosmopolitan air. The interiors are bold and geometric, furnished with an eclectic mix of objects from around the world. Whilst only a short walk to Plaka village, with its tavernas and shops, it feels remote and guests are surrounded by peace and quiet.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
We love Cayo Resort's proximity to the town Plaka, and its spacious rooms with full sea views and views to Spinalonga island.Style:
Eclectic contemporary Greek.Location:
On a hillside close to Plaka, overlooking Elounda Bay and Spinalonga Island.Rooms:
70 airy rooms, suites & villas.Swimming:
Two hotel pools, private pools & abeach just a short walk / shuttle ride away.Children:
Families of all ages are most welcome.Accessibility:
Some of the rooms are specially adapted for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
April to Octoberrooms
Every room, suite and villa at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa has sweeping views across the bay and over to Spinalonga. Light filled and spacious, they’re a refreshing blend of contemporary design and Cretan charm. Beds are supremely comfortable with Cocomat mattresses, and all but three come with a private pool. Superior and Premium Rooms are perfect for couples, and the split level Duplex and Two Bedroom Villas or Suites offer families ample space and freedom.
food
For a small resort, there’s plenty of choice. Start the day at Ambrosia, on a sunny terrace for breakfast. Kelari has an à la carte menu, overseen by Lefteris Lazarou, who was awarded the first Michelin star in Greece. Make sure you try the tasting menu. For pizzas and pasta, Sage & Thyme, next to the pool, has an extensive menu, and there’s nowhere better for meze and a glass of something chilled at Stone Beach which is located by the beach in Plaka Village.
activities
With the waterfront just 250m away, there’s ample choice of water sports. Guests can have a gentle kayak or paddle board, or for a bit more adrenalin, there’s waterskiing and windsurfing. The clear waters here are also ideal for scuba diving. If you’d like to explore further, guests can charter a boat. Sail over to Spinalonga – one of Crete’s most famous archaeological sites, with its fortress and impressive views back to the “mainland”.
family
A very family friendly resort, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa has a good choice of interconnecting rooms, suites and villas, with children under the age of two going free. Babysitting can also be easily arranged.
sustainability
Built to blend in with the landscape, the architecture and design is focused on having as little impact on the environment as possible. Solar panels heat over 60% of the hotel’s water and the pools use water recycling technology. Produce for the restaurants is locally sourced and grown on organic farms, with much also coming from the resort’s own garden.
Location
Elounda Bay
On a hillside close to Plaka, overlooking Elounda Bay and Spinalonga Island – 50 minutes from Heraklion airport, 25 minutes from Agios Nikolaos & 10 minutes from Elounda village.
