With its awe-inspiring views over the Aegean Sea, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa is a wonderful option for those looking for a stylish hotel in Crete. The sister hotel to The Royal Blue Resort & Spa, expect fine food, stunning vistas, and stellar service.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa review
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 58 km Herakliou Rethymnou, Panormo, 74057, Crete, Greece
Location: Panormo, on Crete’s north coast, around 20 minutes from Rethymno
Brand: Curio Collection by Hilton
Style: Contemporary Cretan resort with modern architecture, natural materials and references to local culture
Best for: Families, couples, spa breaks, beach holidays, food lovers and travellers looking for a full-service resort
Family amenities: Topi Kids Club, playground, childcare, family suites, water park and multiple pools
Wellness facilities: Pure Senses Spa, thalassotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, gym, yoga, Pilates, TRX and tennis court
Beach: Private beach located across the road
Dining: Multiple restaurants and bars, including Cretamos and Gea, plus wine experiences, culinary workshops and pop-up dining
Prices starting from: €220 per night, depending on room and season.
Setting the scene
Opened in 2021, the architecture here blends seamlessly into the surrounding hills. Inside, natural materials and muted tones sit next to a plethora of exceptional artworks, ceramics, and crafts. Interiors were conceived by Constantina Tsoutsikou, formerly of HBA but now Creative Director of Studio LOST.
“We wanted to create a destination that benefits local communities,” says Tsoutsikou, who briefed local artisans in their workshops and on-site. “I found a wealth of excellent craftsmanship and local techniques that informed the design as we went along. We created handcrafted bespoke furniture, repurposed items, objects and artwork that celebrate the artisanal skills of the islanders throughout”.
The room
Muted tones and natural materials can be found throughout the interiors
We stayed in a King Deluxe room with Sea View and were delighted by an expansive terrace – the ideal spot for reading under the afternoon sun. A wonderfully large bed positioned to afford sweeping views of the coastline was a pleasure to wake up in each morning. I also appreciated the generously proportioned shower which included an inset marble seat for a little indulgence.
All about the food
Food is taken very seriously here
A cable car connects all the rooms with the communal areas, including the restaurants. We were very impressed by the sophisticated buffet spread available at Gea, which included perfectly grilled salmon, a vegan corner overflowing with vegetables, and a dessert bar fit for royalty. The breakfast buffet is also served here and does not disappoint. Enjoy eggs made-to-order, a range of pastries and cakes, and lashings of fresh fruit and vegetables. There’s even a bubbly station should you want to start your day with a bang.
Mitato is an a la carte restaurant that specialises in local lamb, and the cuisine we sampled here was sublime. From the Cretan wine selection to the lamb that was cooked to perfection over open flames, it was a very luxurious affair and should not be missed.
Things to do
It’s not hard to imagine yourself next to the pool
The swimming pools lie at the heart of the resort and are heated, so great for any weather. Those looking for a little more adventure will want to make a beeline for the on-site water park that includes hydro slides and trampolines. There’s also a kids club to keep the young ones entertained.
If it’s relaxation you’re after, then The Spa is the place to be. The largest of its kind in Crete, choose from a selection of massages, facials, and treatments, many of which use traditional Cretan ingredients. We opted for a one-hour Thalassotherapy session where we enjoyed the heated pools and thermal massages available.
A well-equipped gym awaits anybody wanting to work out, and a number of classes including yoga, bootcamp, and stretching are on offer, all overlooking the wonderfully blue sea.
Frequently asked questions: The Royal Senses Resort & Spa
The resort is on Crete’s north coast near Panormo, approximately 20 minutes from Rethymno. Its location makes it a good choice for combining a resort holiday with visits to places such as Rethymno, Melidoni Cave and Margarites Village.
Yes. Family travel is a major focus of the resort. There is a Topi Kids Club, playground, childcare, family suites and a water park, alongside several swimming pools. The King Family Suite and King Family Accessible Suite are particularly suited to families, both accommodating up to four guests. Villas can also be a good option for families wanting more privacy and their own pool.
Yes. The resort has a private beach across the road from the hotel. This means the property works well for travellers who want both a pool-focused resort and access to the Mediterranean.
Yes. A number of room and villa categories have private pools. Options include King Deluxe Rooms with sea views and private pools, Grand Deluxe Rooms with private pools, Royal Senses Villas and Grand Villas with private pools.
Rooms and suites combine contemporary design with Cretan influences and are intended to feel like a luxurious sanctuary. Accommodation ranges from sea-view rooms sleeping up to three people to family suites and villas sleeping up to four.
Yes. The spa offers treatments inspired by Cretan traditions and local ingredients, including herbs, olive oil and honey. Facilities include a thalassotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, alongside treatment rooms.
The resort has a 24-hour gym, tennis court and fitness programme including yoga, Pilates and TRX classes, as well as personal training. This makes it a good option for travellers who want to maintain an active routine while on holiday.
Yes. Although it is particularly family-friendly, couples can make use of the spa, private-pool accommodation, restaurants and quieter areas of the resort. A private-pool room or villa would be particularly appealing for a romantic stay.
Heraklion International Airport is approximately 63km away, while Chania Airport is approximately 80km away. The hotel can arrange dedicated taxi transfers from the airports.
Rethymno is approximately 20 minutes away by car, making it relatively easy to combine a resort stay with exploring the historic town.
A car can be useful if you want to explore more of Crete independently, particularly beaches, villages and archaeological sites. The resort itself offers plenty to do, however, so a car isn’t essential for a purely resort-based holiday.
Yes. The location provides access to a number of attractions, including Rethymno’s medieval streets, Melidoni Cave and Margarites Village. The hotel also encourages guests to explore the island by bike or car.
Yes. With multiple pools, a private beach, spa, gardens, restaurants and wellness facilities, it is possible to spend most of your holiday within the resort. The choice of private-pool rooms and villas also allows guests to create a more secluded experience.
It can be a good choice for couples wanting a luxury Cretan resort with private-pool accommodation, spa treatments, good dining and sea views. For maximum privacy, consider one of the villas with a private pool.
No. The hotel currently states that pets are not allowed.
Final verdict
With its breathtaking Aegean views, beautifully designed rooms, exceptional food and extensive pool, spa and family facilities, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for a luxurious Cretan escape. Whether you’re travelling as a couple looking to unwind or as a family wanting plenty to keep everyone entertained, this stylish resort delivers a polished experience with a strong sense of place and genuinely memorable service.
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