JW Marriott prepares for Greek debut as bookings open for new Crete Resort & Spa

Richard Alvin

ByRichard Alvin

January 13, 2025
JWM Crete_Exterior & View

JW Marriott has opened bookings for its inaugural Greek venture, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, ahead of a planned summer 2025 launch.

Situated along Crete’s sun-drenched Marathi coast near Chania, the upmarket property blends the island’s striking natural scenery and rich cultural heritage with contemporary architecture by Athens-based firm Block722. Managed by SWOT Hospitality, the resort features 160 rooms, suites, and villas—many with private pools and sweeping sea views.

Guests can look forward to a diverse culinary scene with six dining venues. Underpinned by produce sourced from its JW Garden, offerings include sea-to-table dishes at Õnalos, rustic Italian fare at Cuccagna, and Cretan-style open-fire cooking at Anoee, as well as a pair of chic bars serving signature cocktails and curated wine lists.

Wellness is central to the resort’s ethos. At its core is ANOSEAS, a spa featuring treatment rooms that incorporate Cretan traditions and locally sourced ingredients, plus an unusual subterranean cave space for guided meditation. A state-of-the-art fitness centre, four pools overlooking the Aegean, and padel courts enhance the active lifestyle offerings, while an on-site hiking trail winds through olive groves, delivering panoramic vistas of Crete’s White Mountains and the Marathi Gulf.

Families are also well catered for, with spacious accommodation options and a bespoke Kids Club offering cultural immersion and educational activities. According to General Manager Iosif Christakis, the resort aims to create a “sanctuary” that fuses traditional craftsmanship, modern design, and Cretan hospitality: “Every corner tells a story — from the design inspired by local traditions to the culinary experiences rooted in our JW Garden.”

Located a short distance from Chania’s storied Venetian harbour and the famous pink-sand shores of Elafonisi, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa promises a restful retreat infused with the island’s vibrant spirit. Its combination of high-end facilities, eco-conscious focus, and regional authenticity makes it one of the most anticipated openings of 2025.