Minos Palace

For my first solo travel in 30 years, I chose to book a three day ‘longevity’ package and enjoy some sea swimming at Minos Palace, a breezy hilltop resort on the east coast peninsula of Agios Nikolaos, Crete. It was so much more than I could have expected. So much more insight, relaxation, connection, healing, wholesome and delicious food, and fun! I am leaving with a full heart and renewed strength. Many thanks to my health coach Sophia, my trainer Vagelis, my massage, meditation, breathing therapists Aspa, Despina, and Vivian. I could not have done it all without Talar, whose smile and creative scheduling kept me on cloud 9 for my entire stay. Her six languages and the range spoken by the entire team makes this not just a health and spa experience, but a harbor of welcoming wellbeing within a stunningly beautiful resort. The resort itself carries this gently relaxing spirit into guest services, where Sophia made me feel welcome when I arrived and organized a wonderful day trip to weave at a women’s workshop and explore the herbal museum at Kritsa. The restaurants offered amazing varied and healthy dishes, wine tastings, mixology and cooking classes that were filled with fun and insights into the treasures of the Greek Mediterranean. These experiences really made the difference for me as a solo traveler! I’m so grateful to the entire wonderful team here, for making this a magical and restorative experience - one I will be sure to repeat!

We have recently returned from our second stay at the Minos Palace Hotel within the last 12 months, and once the hotel lived up to all our expectations. There is something truly special about this hotel. The adults-only setting creates such a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind from the moment you arrive. The hotel is immaculately clean throughout, and every member of staff deserves recognition. They are genuinely friendly, professional and attentive, yet never intrusive. They quietly go about ensuring that every aspect of your stay is perfect, always available if needed but never overbearing, making us feel completely at ease throughout our weeks stay. The food is lovely, with breakfast being a particular highlight, with a varied choice of fresh food. We stayed on a half board basis, and enjoyed the evening meals that we had in the hotel, but also ate out a few times, simply because Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are such beautiful places to wander around on an evening. Our sea-view room was stunning. Waking each morning to views across Mirabello Bay was a joy. Returning to a hotel can sometimes be a risk, as memories can be difficult to live up to. However, Minos Palace has proved to be every bit as wonderful the second time around. In fact, our latest visit has confirmed that this has become one of our favourite places to stay. We would not hesitate to recommend Minos Palace to anyone looking for a luxurious, peaceful and genuinely relaxing holiday in Crete. We are already looking forward to returning for a third visit. Thank you to everyone at Minos Palace for another wonderful holiday.

A truly exceptional 5-star stay for our 10-year anniversary We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Minos Palace Resort for our 10-year anniversary. From the moment we arrived, everything felt warm, personal, and genuinely thoughtful. The hotel itself is beautiful, peaceful, and elegant, and even when it is fully booked it never feels crowded. It still feels like every guest is receiving a true 5-star experience. What stood out most was the attention to detail and the kindness of the team. There were so many small touches that made the stay feel special, from the personal greetings to the considerate way my pregnant wife was treated throughout our visit. Even details like the online hotel portal automatically appearing in our language, German, showed how much thought has gone into the guest experience. The food was also genuinely excellent throughout our stay. Breakfast and dinner at Mom restaurant were really, really good, with great quality, variety, and service. A special thank you to Popi, Ritsa and Sofia at Mom restaurant, Sofia at check-in, Leonidas at the seafood restaurant, and Sofia from housekeeping, who took such good care of our room. The restaurant cat also deserves a special mention — a small but lovely part of the hotel’s charm. A very special thank you to Mr. Patsakis and the entire Minos Palace team for making our anniversary stay so memorable. The level of care and hospitality was genuinely amazing, and we left with very happy memories. We would love to return.

We stayed at Minos Palace for our honeymoon and it was incredible. From the breastfast which was served with an impressive array of both healthy and delicious options, to the cocktails they offered at the bar in the evenings. The staff were all amazing from the moment we got there - in particular Yannis who served great drinks and was very welcoming and Leo who was highly knowledgeable and took us through our wine tasting experience which we highly recommend. The hotel facilities and grounds were stunning and could not be faulted.

This hotel is located just outside of Agious Nik (8 euro by taxi or 30 mins walk). It is on a quiet peninsula with stunning views. It is spotlessly clean and very quiet and relaxing with gorgeous gardens. Our room was comfortable and house keeping was excellent. We stayed on a bed and breakfast basis and the breakfast offering was fantastic. The pool area is gorgeous with a big infinity pool and lots of sun beds. The hotel also has a small private cove which is lovely with sun-bed terraces built into the cliffs ( probably tricky if you have mobility issues). The beach bar is also really good. We really enjoyed our stay , the spa looks lovely but we didn’t use it as treatments were expensive. There is a good water sports offering at the cove staffed by a really friendly man. The restaurants are good but again expensive- we ate in town most nights. The staff were pleasant but not overly friendly except for the lovely guy who runs the Amor restaurant by the beach cove, who was really friendly. Over all we recommend this hotel , we had a lovely time here.

Hotel/amenities: If you are after a laid-back, adults-only, “spa vibes all day” place, this is your hotel! Perched on its own headland just outside Agios Nikolaos (5 min taxi, €8-10 each way), it has its own private cove and small beach, seafront lounging areas and a huge and modern infinity pool. All set in generous grounds (no nearby hotels etc to worry about) The whole place has that “earthy-tone Mediterranean spa” aesthetic. Everything looks polished and sleek! Our room was a ‘Zen Sea View Suite with Private Garden’. It was spacious, well-appointed and full of clever controls for the lights and AC. The ceiling fan was a great addition to the AC, to be able to sleep comfortably without the drying effect of AC :) Our room was cleaned well every day and there’s a separate turn-down service every evening too, which is a nice touch! The breakfast offering is immense, loads of choice, high quality and you can enjoy stunning morning views back to Ag Nik or over the gardens. Tasty barista made coffee made-to-order as you sit down too. The landscaping and grounds are given such attention! - from the herb garden, their own kitchen garden, topiary olive and orange trees everywhere, and flowering plants and grasses that gently sway in the breeze… idyllic! The hotel has a new, really-well equipped gym (cardio machines, weight machines, free weights and yoga/pilates studio!). Really impressive for a hotel gym - I used it most days. The beach/cove is small but everything you need to enjoy the sea; and the little beach bar is much needed if you’re down there all day. By contrast, the main infinity pool is large, quiet with plenty of options to lie in/around the pool. As with a lot of hotels, sunloungers in preferred spots get snapped up early (before breakfast). I didn’t try out the flagship Nao spa, as I thought the prices were high and none of the treatments really stood out to me. Suggestions: 1. Our bathroom was a bit “style over function”. There was no vanity/close-up mirror available in the bathroom (there was one on the desk). The vanity unit was so low (see pic) it makes getting ready cumbersome for reaching your toiletries. Need a higher-level shelf I think? The hairdryer cord is too short, and no socket was close enough, making hair-drying an bit awkward. The toilet paper holder was also almost out of reach of “the throne”. 2. The gym could benefit from stronger AC or fans… there is no air movement down there while working out. Music would be good/motivating as well; it was so quiet in there. 3. Pool area, music(?) - While I appreciate the zen/spa vibes of the hotel, some low-level music would inject some energy into the pool area, while being low enough not to disturb guests’ quiet enjoyment. 4. Pool bar prices - I don’t mind paying “hotel bar” prices for prepared items like cocktails and alcohol… but €4.50 for just 250ml of a soft-drink is high. As a “wellness” hotel, staying hydrated in the heat is important. I’ve stayed at similar hotels where complimentary iced water is provide all day, which is a nice touch and small outlay for a hotel at this price-point! The staff and service: The staff are attentive and quick to address any request you have for them. However, the service style is somewhat transactional, a bit impersonal and “hands-off”… which some people will love, and others not (like me). Guests are directed to using QR codes and the ‘guest area webpage’ for contact with reception and requests. This worked well for food & drink orders, making restaurant reservations etc. It’s efficient, sure, but for me it lacked the personal touch I expect of a 5-star hotel. Call outs: 1. At check-in the lady was so welcoming and upbeat. Check-in was quick, we were given a lovely welcoming drink and we were escorted to our room and shown its features - excellently managed! It’s the only interaction I recall with the staff (perhaps not good?) 2. Bed firmness - First night sleep and the bed was too soft for me, giving me back pain. But I spoke to reception in the morning and the topper was swapped out for a firmer one during that day’s cleaning service - well managed and really appreciated. 3. On our check-out day, we had a late flight and were offered a booking of a private shower room at check-out, meaning we could enjoy the beach/pool until the very last minute before departure, and leave feeling fresh. Small suggestion: 1. Interact with guests - Maybe tour the busy areas every day and ask guests how they are? Simple, but it allows guests a chance to ask questions, feedback and it’s personal and memorable.

We loved this hotel and would definitely stay again. Relaxing atmosphere and super friendly staff really do add to the general feel of the hotel. Great location, views are exceptional. Breakfast is superb and lunch at the pool is good. We ate the first night in the restaurant over looking the sea, which was expensive and although the food looked good, it didn’t really deliver, a few dishes came out cold. The staff were very understanding and took the dishes off the bill and brought us the most delicious pudding on the house which was greatly appreciated. There is a small private beach, which is lovely and the pool is beautiful. Comfortable beds. The staff, as in all hotels make all the difference, they’re are genuinely nice and helpful. If you want a luxury hotel, relaxing stay, you won’t be disappointed. The town is 5 mins in a taxi, with some nice restaurants. Great trip all round.