As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete has a distinct culture, cuisine and hospitality scene. It’s now home to Greece’s first JW Marriott resort, which debuted in May 2025. Set across 100 coastal acres in the small seaside village of Marathi, the JW Marriott Crete Resort and Spa enjoys a tranquil setting overlooking Souda Bay, just minutes from some of the island’s most picturesque beaches and about five miles from Chania International Airport. The resort features a one-mile herb-scented hiking trail overlooking the White Mountains and the Marathi Gulf, three outdoor pools, a luxury spa, and 160 rooms, suites and villas, many with private plunge pools.
“For us, it was important that this resort feels connected to Crete in every sense,” says owner Antonios Vasilakis. “From the rooms to the design, we wanted guests to experience the island in a way that feels natural, warm, and genuinely local.” That welcoming philosophy begins with the dining experience, where locally sourced ingredients are paired with creative mixology and Cretan flavors to deliver variety, quality and a strong sense of place.
Dining at JW Marriott Crete Resort and Spa
The culinary program at JW Marriott Crete Resort and Spa centers on fresh, locally inspired cuisine that reflects both Crete and the Mediterranean, with many ingredients sourced directly from the property’s JW Garden. Each of the six venues offers a distinct experience, from Anóee’s fire-cooked Cretan specialties to Õnalos’ seafood-focused menu inspired by the Aegean. Fayi serves Mediterranean dishes throughout the day alongside buffet and à la carte breakfast options, while Cuccagna brings a rustic Italian influence to the resort’s culinary lineup. Guests looking for a more relaxed setting can head to Suncti for poolside cocktails and casual fare, while Eéxis transitions from a daytime lounge into an elegant evening bar with cocktails developed in partnership with Soul Shakers.
Resort Design
The resort’s architecture is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, with low-rise geometric buildings cascading down the hillside in an amphitheater-style layout that maximizes privacy and views of the Aegean Sea and Souda Bay. The interiors reflect a strong connection to the natural environment through the use of organic materials including linen, wood, rattan, terracotta and locally crafted ceramics. Sustainability is woven throughout the design approach, with green roofs and regional stone helping maintain natural climate control while contributing to the resort’s refined yet earthy sense of luxury.
Spa and Other Onsite Amenities
Housed in a unique subterranean cave-inspired sanctuary, the Anoseas Spa offers a full range of wellness experiences focused on relaxation and movement. The spa includes five treatment rooms, a beauty room, and a private suite with its own sauna and steam room. Guests have access to hydrotherapy facilities such as an ice fountain and vitality pool, along with treatments like the Mediterranean Detox Ritual. For those looking to stay active, the spa also provides personalized fitness programming, including high-intensity interval training and TRX sessions.
As demand for luxury wellness travel continues to grow, the resort plans to expand its focus on immersive well-being experiences. According to Vasilakis, “the resort is positioned to evolve the Anoseas Spa into a more comprehensive wellness concept that includes guided mindfulness rituals and customized fitness programs overlooking the Aegean Sea.” Future plans also call for family-focused wellness offerings, seasonal residencies with visiting practitioners and treatments featuring local botanicals. Beyond the spa, the resort aims to deepen guests’ connection to Crete through curated farm-to-table dining experiences, hands-on harvesting activities in the JW Garden and chef collaborations that highlight sustainable island cuisine.
Getting There
The resort is easily reachable via direct flights from Athens to Chania, as well as international routes into Chania and Heraklion. From Chania Airport, the property is just a 15-minute drive, while travelers arriving in Heraklion can expect a scenic three-hour journey across the island. The property’s location in western Crete also places many of the island’s most notable attractions within easy reach, including Chania’s historic old town and Venetian harbor, the pink-sand shores of Elafonissi Beach, and Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe. Guests can also explore nearby destinations such as Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, both known for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic landscapes.