JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on the Aegean: A New Benchmark for Luxury on Greece’s Largest Island

Source: Marriott International, Inc.

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Greece’s largest island has long lured discerning travelers with its rugged coastlines, layered history, and sun-soaked spirit. Now, JW Marriott has added a new dimension to Crete’s luxury landscape with the opening of the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa—the brand’s first Mediterranean beach resort and its highly anticipated debut in Greece.

Set on more than 100 acres of prime waterfront in Marathi, near Chania, the newly opened resort is a sophisticated expression of Cretan coastal living, merging contemporary elegance with nature-forward design and rooted cultural experiences. With 160 guest rooms, suites, and villas, many featuring private pools and panoramic Aegean Sea views, this is not just a resort—it’s a reintroduction to the island through JW Marriott’s signature lens of tranquility, craft, and connection.

Designed by Athens-based studio Block722, the property balances contemporary minimalism with Crete’s natural textures. The architecture leans into the terrain rather than overtaking it, using planted rooftops, groves of olive and carob trees, and locally sourced materials like wood and marble to create a seamless, low-impact profile.

Guest rooms are arranged to maximize immersion in the setting—expansive windows frame seascapes, shaded terraces extend the indoors outward, and interiors layer earth-toned palettes with sculptural lighting and handcrafted ceramics inspired by traditional Cretan forms. The result is a calm, tactile environment where every detail whispers rather than shouts.

Sustainability has shaped every decision behind the resort’s development. From geothermal and solar energy systems to heat recovery mechanisms and graywater irrigation, the resort reflects a deep environmental ethic—without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

Dining at JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is a deep dive into island terroir, orchestrated through six dining concepts that honor local tradition while embracing global influence.

At the center of it all is the JW Garden, which supplies fresh herbs and vegetables like oregano, thyme, and capers used throughout the resort’s culinary and cocktail programs.

ANOEE, helmed by celebrated chef Manolis Papoutsakis, revives the ancient art of open-fire cooking with seasonal, foraged ingredients. For an elevated seafood experience, Õnalos serves a sea-to-table menu inspired by the Aegean, while Cuccagna reimagines rustic Italian dishes with a Cretan touch. Fayi offers Mediterranean sharing plates in a communal setting, while Suncti by the Pool and Eēxis deliver light fare and elevated drinks in casual lounge-style spaces.

The resort has also partnered with Line Athens—ranked No. 6 in The World’s 50 Best Bars—to create a bespoke mixology program that weaves local botanicals into craft cocktails. Guests can expect creations that feel both rooted in place and refreshingly unexpected.

Completing the culinary ecosystem is Europe’s first JW Market, a café-retail hybrid offering artisan goods and locally sourced fare, underscoring the brand’s philosophy of well-being and authenticity.

Wellness is not a trend at JW Marriott Crete—it’s a philosophy. At ANOSEAS Spa, ancient Cretan healing rituals meet modern therapies across five treatment rooms and hydrotherapy zones. The resort also includes a sea-facing yoga deck, four panoramic pools, and a fully equipped fitness center, creating a multi-sensory sanctuary for restoration.

Families are far from an afterthought. The Phestos Den, operated in partnership with Worldwide Kids, goes beyond childcare, offering curated activities rooted in local culture, eco-education, and creative exploration. Children can explore shaded outdoor areas, tend a dedicated vegetable garden, and engage with Crete’s culture through play.

For deeper immersion, the resort curates private sea excursions and guided cultural outings to nearby monasteries and archaeological sites—bridging luxury travel with meaningful connection.

The launch of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is more than an expansion—it signals a thoughtful integration into one of Europe’s most storied destinations.

With its refined design language, hyper-local culinary program, and multilayered approach to wellness, JW Marriott’s debut in Greece carves out a new chapter for luxury on the Aegean. This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel.