A big thanks to the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa for hosting our visit so we could write this review of our experience. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
We’ve been planning a European cruise since last summer. We were actually supposed to take one in the summer of 2024 but our kids brought hand, foot and mouth home from school and as it made its way through our family, we finally realized that we would have to cancel our trip. Good thing we had travel insurance, otherwise we would have lost all the money we’d spent.
We recalibrated and rescheduled our trip for this summer and we’ve just returned home. One of the stops on our cruise aboard Sun Princess was Crete and while we were there, we got the chance to check out the brand new JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa. While we couldn’t overnight at the hotel, we were invited to spend a few hours visiting the beach and the pools, and to have lunch.
Our ship docked at the Port of Souda and we waited about five minutes for a taxi. I asked the driver how much it would cost to get to the hotel and she said she’d never heard of it – that’s how new the hotel is. But I showed her the address on Google and she quoted 35 euros. The ride took about 20 minutes.
The Newly Opened JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa
The Newly Opened JW Marriott Crete Resort & SpaThe hotel is located in Chania, Greece, about 15 minutes from Chania International Airport and 30 minutes from the Old Town. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, the resort features 160 rooms, suites and villas, all offering sea views. The property is designed to blend with the natural surroundings and emphasizes privacy, comfort and well-being. I was told that currently, 80% of the property’s guests are American but Crete attracts a lot of Scandinavians, too.
Pool and Beach
Guests have access to a wide range of amenities, including a small private beach and four pools (three outdoor heated and one indoor) as well as poolside and beach loungers.
We spent most of our day at the beach, swimming in the warm, calm waters of the Aegean Sea and relaxing on the loungers.
Afterwards, we headed up to the pools. There’s a very shallow pool that’s perfect for kids to cool off in …
… but our kids preferred the regular pool so they could swim.
The bright yellow beach loungers are a sunny addition to the pool’s decor and were the perfect spot to relax and take in the surrounding views.
Dining Options
The resort also includes four restaurants and two bars, each offering Mediterranean and international cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. On-site services include a 24-hour reception and concierge, complimentary Wi-Fi, and car parking, with additional options such as vehicle rentals, airport transfers, and VIP services available.
We ate at the poolside restaurant and enjoyed a light lunch of a burrata salad …
… sliders …
… and fresh squeezed juices.
Wellness
Wellness is a central focus of the resort, highlighted by the ANOSEAS Spa, which offers a sauna, hammam, indoor heated pool and signature treatments in five dedicated treatment rooms. Other wellness facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga deck and the Linovrochi cave space, known for its meditative ambiance and medicinal waters. A kids’ club, creche services and various recreational activities mean there are offerings for all age groups.
Curated Experiences
Guests can also take part in a variety of curated experiences, such as cooking classes, sunrise yoga and outdoor adventures like snorkeling, sailing, fishing or exploring local villages. The JW Garden and Serene Spaces on-site encourage moments of reflection and connection with nature, enhancing the holistic and immersive experience of a stay at JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa.
Overall
Our visit was short and sweet. We didn’t stay overnight but I did get to peek inside a room (pictured above) and while I can’t comment on the overall service and how comfortable the beds are, I would imagine the level of comfort and service is comparable to other JW Marriotts.
Good to Know: You can use your Bonvoy points to book your stay; at the time of publication, room rates are going for 92,000 points. Book your stay on Marriott here or on Expedia here.
KEEP READING
–How to make sure the TSA Precheck checkmark is on your boarding pass
–Did you know your electronic devices should always be charged when going through security?
–10 airport security hacks every traveler needs to know
–Mom shares hilarious reason she’s not getting TSA Precheck anytime soon
–How to get a full bottle of water through airport security
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
