Discover the Magic of Phaea Blue Palace: Crete’s Hidden Gem for Luxury Travelers

A Culinary Journey to Remember

I was first introduced to Phaea Blue Palace through Christina Krey, the luxury leisure sales manager. We crossed paths at various industry events, and her passion for the property was infectious. It was through her detailed presentations that I began offering Blue Palace to my clients, and the experience has always been exceptional.

One of my most memorable experiences working with Phaea Blue Palace came when I had a client traveling with her two young children. As a mother myself, I understood how important it was for her to make this trip magical for her kids. I wanted to give them an experience they’d never forget, so I reached out to Christina and her incredible team at the resort. I asked if we could create something truly special, something that would turn a regular family vacation into a lifelong memory.

The team didn’t hesitate. Together, we crafted a personalized scavenger hunt just for the kids. But this wasn’t any ordinary hunt. It was designed around the rich Minoan history of Crete, with clues and puzzles scattered throughout the property. Staff members across the resort eagerly got involved, playing their parts in the adventure. The children were greeted by friendly faces at each stop, learning bits of history as they solved each mystery.

At the end of their journey, after a day filled with excitement and discovery, the kids were met with one last surprise—a custom gift bag to celebrate their hard work. Watching their joy unfold from afar, I realized just how far Phaea Blue Palace was willing to go to make this family’s stay unforgettable. They didn’t just provide luxury accommodations; they created a meaningful experience for this family, leaving a lasting impact.

For a resort to invest this much care into a family’s experience, especially young children, showed me the depth of their commitment to personalized service. It’s a level of dedication that is rare, and it’s why Phaea Blue Palace has earned a permanent place in my heart—and my top recommendations for future travelers. After organizing such a special moment from afar, I couldn’t wait to visit the resort myself and thank the staff personally for going above and beyond for my clients.

Seeing the resort in person was a dream come true. Nestled between two picturesque villages in the Elounda area, the resort offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of Spinalonga Island and the Aegean Sea. The property is spread across multiple levels, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. The recently renovated 47 bungalows and suites are now part of a boutique resort, with the rest of the property set to reopen in 2025 as a Rosewood Luxury Resort.

The design of the resort is what makes it truly special. From the architecture to the décor, everything stays true to the authentic Cretan aesthetic. It’s a rare find in a world of increasingly commercialized hotels—Phaea Blue Palace stays grounded in its roots while offering modern luxury.

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Dining at Phaea Blue Palace was an experience I won’t soon forget. The resort’s beachfront restaurant, Blue Door Tavern, serves up a feast of local delicacies, including freshly caught seafood and vegetables sourced directly from their private organic garden. It was easily the best meal I had during my trip to Greece. Twice a week, the resort hosts a special Phaea Farmers’ Feast in the garden, allowing guests to enjoy a meal prepared from the freshest local ingredients while surrounded by the beauty of Crete.

For those looking to lose themselves in luxury, I highly recommend the Seaview Island Suites with their heated private pools. The moment I stepped into one, I could already imagine spending a few days here, soaking in the views and serenity. These suites, much like the rest of the resort, offer the perfect balance between traditional Greek aesthetics and modern comfort.

While the beach at Blue Palace is rocky, the resort has gone above and beyond to ensure comfort. Walkways lead guests to the ocean, and plush beach beds are scattered along the shore, creating a relaxing space to enjoy the sea. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic escape or a family seeking space and privacy, Blue Palace caters to all. If you need more room, their three-bedroom villa comes with its own private chef and additional amenities, making it ideal for families.

The resort is located in a serene area, but if you’re seeking a bit of local entertainment, the nearby villages are just a short cab ride away. Evenings at Blue Palace are quiet and peaceful, but for those who want a taste of local life, the charm of the nearby towns adds another dimension to your stay.