Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Elounda, Crete, Greece

Morning slips over Plaka in a wash of silver-blue, the sea below as calm as glass and the scent of thyme on the breeze.

At Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, minimalist suites and villas step down a coastal hillside in Elounda, Crete, each terrace angled toward Mirabello Bay.

With 116 accommodations, it’s a modern resort that feels intimate in the details—quiet courtyards, pale stone underfoot, and water that glows turquoise from dawn to late afternoon.

What Makes It Special

• Coastal hillside location facing the bay and the islet-dotted horizon
• Infinity-style pools and private pools in select suites and villas
• Full-service spa with light-drenched relaxation areas
• Contemporary Mediterranean dining and sea-view terraces
• Design-led architecture that frames the water from almost every angle

A Day at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Morning

Begin barefoot on your balcony as the first light softens the bay. Breakfast arrives with warm bread, thick Cretan yogurt laced with thyme honey, and figs that taste like sunshine. Drift to the main pool where the water meets the sky; the stone warms quickly here, so slip your book onto the shaded table and let the cicadas set the rhythm.

Afternoon

The sea calls—sand underfoot, water clear as blown glass. Back at the resort, the spa is cool and cocooning: herb-scented oils, a slow massage, quiet breathing. As the sun slides lower, order grilled day-catch with lemon leaves and a glass of crisp Assyrtiko on the terrace; the bay turns from blue to indigo. Later, sink into your private plunge or simply watch the boats trace quiet lines across the dark water.

Insider Tips for Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

• For two guests, the Premium room is the sweet spot.
• Sun matters: some terraces lose light by mid-afternoon.Ask about terrace sunlight before you commit.

• Three pools: top pool (warmest, by breakfast); lower gym-side pool (quietest).

• Walk or shuttle to Plaka for dinner—try Maria’s or Carob Tree.
• Breakfast shines: buffet + eggs to order; occasional Cretan nights by the pool are worth it. Vegan? Tell the team—they’ll cook fresh, off-menu dishes.
• Day trips — Spinalonga is a must—wear proper footwear. Agios Nikolaos (~20 min by taxi) for a harbor stroll and dinner.
• Plan: dine in Plaka, visit in May/September, and time your terrace for the best sun hours.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Terraced-to-the-sea living – Rooms and villas cascade toward the water, so mornings start with horizon and hush.
• Private-pool serenity – Many categories offer plunge pools for unhurried, do-nothing afternoons.
• Cretan wellness notes – A spa that smells faintly of citrus and mountain herbs; treatments feel tailor-made.
• Mediterranean on the plate – Clean flavors, bay views, and a wine list that understands the island’s sun and salt.

For Whom

For couples: Private pools, candlelit terraces, and a horizon that does the talking.
For families: Villas and larger suites give everyone space; calm waters and easy beach access keep days simple.
For business/retreats: Quiet rooms with modern comforts; gather at sunset for effortless, view-filled debriefs.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Elounda (Plaka), Crete, Greece — roughly ~1 hour by car from Heraklion Airport (HER)

Rooms: 116 accommodations — contemporary rooms, suites, and villas (many with private pools)

Rates: From $408 USD — worth it for bay-front views, private-pool living, and a spa made for unhurried days

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, design lovers, beach-first travelers

Style: Modern coastal resort with clean lines, pale stone, and water-framed architecture