Phaea Cretan Malia
Earthy boho-meets-modernist Design Hotels member. Whitewashed walls, Cretan courtyard vibes, street-art murals, rope-and-rattan furniture, and a relaxed Mediterranean pace. Smart enough for design nerds, laid-back enough for families in swim trunks.
Book the Cretan Breakfast at Mouries in advance through the concierge — it's set in a gorgeous mulberry-tree courtyard and fills up
Why It Matters
One of the most-awarded family-friendly hotels in Greece — named No.1 Best Family Hotel in Crete by Condé Nast Traveller and featured in the Michelin Guide. It's a rare property that takes sustainability seriously (over 25 years of eco-commitments, Blue Flag beach for 35 consecutive years) while delivering real design quality under the Design Hotels umbrella. The dining program is genuinely exceptional for a resort, with five distinct restaurants anchored by a Cretan courtyard fine-dining experience.
Phāea Cretan Malia sits on Crete's northern coast near the village of Malia, surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens of palm trees, banana trees, fig trees, and indigenous Cretan flora. It's a slow-living, eco-conscious resort with 204 rooms, suites, and bungalows that draw on local natural materials — Cretan marble, chestnut wood, rattan — and feature hand-crafted furniture and art by contemporary Greek artists. The whole operation runs on a genuine sustainability ethos, not just greenwashing: they grow produce for the restaurants in their own on-site Bostani garden, run a Phāea Farmers program supporting local agriculture, and hold ISO 21401 certification for sustainable accommodation.
Where You'll Stay
15 room types available
Bungalow Beach Front
The best beachfront bungalow position in the house — calm white and blue hues, uninterrupted sea views directly overlooking the resort's 35-consecutive-year Blue Flag beach. Max 3 adults.
1 king & 1 custom daybedBungalow Garden View
Spread around the resort's lush gardens. Full communion with nature — think Cretan flora, palm trees, and birdsong from your veranda. Max 3 adults.
1 king & 1 custom daybedBungalow Pool Front
Prime poolside location with a large veranda leading directly to the river pool. A popular pick for families who want the convenience of pool access without a swim-up room price.
1 king & 1 custom daybedBungalow Pool View
Scattered around the resort's river pool. A calm, immersive option for guests who want the sights and sounds of the pool without being directly in it.
1 king & 1 custom daybedBungalow Side Sea View
Partial sea views — a strong middle-ground option if you want the Mediterranean in frame but can't stretch to beachfront. Calm, garden-surrounded setting.
1 king & 1 custom daybedDeluxe Family Bungalow
Two distinct, separated sleeping areas in elegant blue and white. Master bedroom with king-size and luxury bedding; kids' room with bunk bed and sofa bed plus its own smaller shower bathroom. Ideal for families with 2–3 children. Max 5 adults.
1 king + 1 bunk bed + 1 built-in sofa bedDeluxe Suite
A showpiece room. Four-poster king-size bed, beautifully custom-made furnishings, and items that honor Mediterranean heritage throughout. The bathroom opens to a dressing area; the balcony is large and furnished for serious sunset contemplation. Max 4 adults.
1 king four-poster + 1 built-in sofaDouble Room
Entry-level rooms in the main building with a sophisticated, cozy-yet-clean interior. Earthy boho mood with Mediterranean garden color palette. Private furnished balcony or terrace.
1 king or 2 twinsJunior Suite
King-size bed with luxurious bedding and custom-made furniture using traditional, sophisticated materials. Separate sitting area, private balcony. Max 4 adults.
1 king + 2 sofa bedsJunior Suite Sea Front
Same layout as the Junior Suite but placed directly on the seafront with direct views of the Blue Flag-awarded beach. A significant upgrade in outlook — waking up to open Mediterranean sea is hard to beat.
1 king + 2 sofa bedsOne Bedroom Suite
Refined yet casual Mediterranean island-style luxury with a proper separate bedroom, spacious bathroom, and a sitting area with sofa bed. Solid choice for couples wanting a step up, or small families. Max 3 adults.
1 king + 1 sofa bedSignature Bungalow Garden View
A step up from the standard garden bungalows with a more sweeping outdoor space and upgraded design finishes. Crete's signature flora fills the outdoor view.
1 king & 1 custom daybedSignature Room
Located in the main building, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a balcony with pool or garden views. Interconnecting available on request. A step up from Double Rooms in positioning and finishes.
1 king or 2 twinsSwim-up Bungalow
Extended veranda with private outdoor sitting area, luxurious double sunbed, and direct pool access — just step out and in you go. Maximum 3 adults.
1 king & 1 custom daybedTwo Bedroom Suite
The resort's largest accommodation at 95 sq.m. Master bedroom with four-poster king-size bed opens to an open-space bathroom with custom double vanity, bathtub, and dressing area. Second bedroom has a king-size bed and sitting area with sofa bed. Full living spaces include a dining area and library made from solid aged oak hand-crafted in Crete. Expansive furnished balcony with sea views. Max 6 guests.
2 king-size beds + 2 built-in sofas + 2 sofa beds · 95 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
8 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site basketball court for guests.
Guests of Phāea Cretan Malia receive a 15% discount on green fees at the nearby Crete Golf Club.
E-bikes available to rent for exploring the surrounding Cretan landscape.
On-site tennis court available for guests.
Chef Lefteris Iliadis leads guests directly to the hotel's organic Bostani kitchen garden to gather fresh ingredients before sitting down to a farm-to-table dinner under the stars. Arguably the best single experience on property.
A curated private breakfast celebrating Crete's flavors and traditions, available as a bookable experience beyond the standard buffet.
Cooking classes led by the executive chef. Learn techniques and traditional Cretan recipes in a hands-on setting.
Crete's finest wines paired with local cheeses in a gazebo setting with an expert sommelier.
Regular evening events celebrating local Cretan culture and cuisine, including themed tasting menus with performances of traditional folk dancing.
Join the head gardener for a tour of the resort grounds to learn how the hotel's conservation efforts support local flora and fauna.
Creative kids' club for ages 3–12. Activities include baking, learning about the local environment, Cretan culture through cooking and crafts, nature play, storytelling, and dance. Set with indoor and outdoor areas including a garden, eco activities, and a reading hut.
Dedicated teen area with table tennis, billiards, and hammocks. Also includes a Nipper program for 11–15 year olds covering first aid and life skills.
Dedicated program for babies and toddlers up to age 3, accompanied by parents. Baby packages and paddling pool included.
Movies under the stars at The Place open-air theater on the resort grounds.
Curated retreat programs combining fitness, yoga, meditation, Pilates, and sound healing in a serene setting.
Water sports including snorkeling and scuba diving accessible from the private beach.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Sandy beach directly on the property, awarded the Blue Flag for 35 consecutive years. Shallow waters, reserved sunbeds available for certain room categories. Beach bar service available.
Meeting and event space available on property.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the resort.
Fitness center with both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a dynamic experience for all fitness levels.
Full concierge services available for booking excursions, restaurant reservations, and activity planning.
In-room dining available for guests.
Standard in-room amenities: Smart TV, minibar/mini fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, safe box, Bioaroma organic bath amenities made with Greek olive oil.
Large heated outdoor pool flanked by sunloungers and parasols. Separate from the river pool.
A flowing river-style pool that winds through the lush botanical gardens, with several lagoons and shallow child-friendly sections woven throughout.
The hotel's on-site organic kitchen garden, from which produce is harvested for the restaurants. Bee-friendly, composted, and integral to the Phāea Farmers program.
A dedicated outdoor yoga pavilion set amidst nature, used for morning yoga sessions and fitness classes.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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