With Crete named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026 Βluegr Hotels & Resorts’ collection of three luxury Crete properties are delighted to welcome guests for another season of world-class wellness, fine dining, authentic Cretan experiences and warm Greek hospitality.
All opening on 17th April 2026, the five-star resorts are thrilled to unveil new launches and upgrades for the upcoming season. From luxurious suites designed to resemble the flow of water, to new longevity retreats and immersive experiences with locals and guest chefs, travellers can expect a host of new ways to discover the beauty of Crete, alongside exclusive opening offers for spring sun this year.
Minos Palace Resort – Infinity Blue Lagoon Suites, After-Dark Experiences, Visiting Wellness Practitioners, Longevity Retreats and the G&A Mamidakis Art Prize
Following the launch of the innovative Nao Longevity Hub in 2025, which put Minos Palace Resort on the map as Greece’s hottest wellness destination, the resort will open with a host of exciting updates in 2026, to elevate the guest experience to new heights. New Infinity Blue Lagoon Suites will feature private pools that flow seamlessly into a shared lagoon-style pool, creating a blissful balance between seclusion and community. Nao, from the ancient Greek meaning “to flow”, draws inspiration from water as the source of life. These new suites perfectly embody this, designed to showcase the flow of water.
Additionally, inspired by the trend of ‘noctourism’ where travellers increasingly embrace quiet and stillness, and seek holidays with after-dark experiences*, Minos Palace Resort will offer new curated night-time wellness experiences. These include tranquil floating sound baths and evening meditation, to aid deep relaxation and sleep – a key pillar of Nao. Minos Palace Resort will also offer Nao Longevity Retreats, a schedule of visiting wellness practitioners throughout the season beginning in May, alongside other educational events led by the Nao Scientific Board throughout the year, with further details to be announced.
Furthermore, this summer, the G&A Mamidakis Foundation – renowned for supporting and promoting contemporary art and culture – will present the 2026 Art Prize at Minos Palace Resort, culminating in a dedicated inauguration on 6th June.
Minos Beach Art Hotel – Guest Chefs and F&B Renovations for Crete’s ‘Year of Gastronomy’
With Crete named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026, and gastronomy at the heart of Minos Beach Art Hotel’s identity alongside art and design, the hotel’s news for this year is perfectly aligned. Following the success of its 2025 Athenian Waves event, Minos Beach Art Hotel is set to host a line-up of monthly guest chef residences from June, offering gourmands the chance to savour cuisine from across Greece cooked by award-winning Greek chefs. Additionally, 2026 will see the completion of the hotel’s food & beverage renovations, bringing to fruition a comprehensive, multi-year transformation that has encompassed guestrooms, public spaces and culinary venues alike.
As Crete’s original five-star resort, Minos Beach Art Hotel is passionate about honouring local practices and artistic heritage. In May, the resort will launch a new ‘Yaya’s Table’ experience, offering the chance to spend the day with a local family in a Cretan village, sharing authentic home-cooked dishes and traditions. Guests will have the unique opportunity to truly ‘live like a local’.
Candia Park Village – Cretan Family Experiences
Resembling a soulful and colourful Cretan village, the family-friendly Candia Park Village is introducing a new ‘Village Renaissance’ concept in 2026, to celebrate authentic Cretan life and traditions through immersive family experiences. A highlight of this will include the launch of the new ‘Glenti’ experience, inspired by local village festivals. This is a small open-air marketplace where local producers and artisans will offer charming stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing and regional delicacies such as honey, olive oil and sweet treats.
