If you’re looking for a unique place to stay on Greece’s largest island of Crete, then we know where you should be heading. Just a 40-minute drive from the capital of Heraklion, past exceptional vistas and countless churches, Minos Beach Art Hotel is a little slice of paradise that’s ready to welcome you with open arms.
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While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
A review of Minos Beach Art Hotel
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: Minos Beach Art Hotel
Location: Agios Nikolaos, eastern Crete, Greece
Address: 1 Akti Ilia Sotirchou, Agios Nikolaos, Crete 72100, Greece
Neighbourhood: Mirabello Bay, around a 10-minute walk from Agios Nikolaos town centre
Rooms: 125 rooms, bungalows, suites and villas
Brand: Design Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy
Style: Contemporary Mediterranean design, traditional Cretan architecture and a collection of modern art
Family-friendly: Yes, with larger villas and selected accommodation options for families
Wellness: Ananea Wellness Spa, gym, yoga sessions, massage treatments, and an outdoor freshwater swimming pool
Beach: Two private sandy beaches, with direct access to the clear waters of Mirabello Bay
Best for: Design lovers, couples, honeymooners, foodies, art enthusiasts and relaxed luxury holidays
Prices starting from: €300 per night, depending on room and season.
Setting the scene
Enjoy breakfast at Bacchus Restaurant
Part hotel/part open-air gallery, design lovers will discover sculptures and works of art by international artists from the moment they enter the gates at this stunning hotel. The architecture here is designed to sit low within the site and stretches over two beaches, with the stark white of the 100+ suites and villas contrasting superbly with the crystal-clear water and seemingly endless blue skies.
We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a One Bedroom Seafront Villa with Private Pool, and as the club car drove us to our accommodation, the fragrance from the immaculately kept gardens blended with the inviting scent of the sea, setting the scene for a blissful escape.
The room
The Villa was perched right by the beach so we could easily take to the scattered loungers around the coast and follow the sun along the way. Inside, Mediterranean minimalism greeted us with little pops of pattern in the soft furnishings, giving character to the spaces.
The pool deck was where we spent most of our time, with a generously sized swimming pool and comfy reclining loungers allowing us to switch into holiday mode pretty quickly. We even had a little ginger and white cat swing by from time to time to check on us and give us the quintessential Greek experience.
I was hoping for some big comfy robes to cuddle into during the stay, but was met with a scratchy towelling variety. However, at night, the sound of the waves lapping against the beach was heavenly, and this, coupled with a large comfy bed, made for a wonderful night’s sleep.
The food situation
Indulge in a wonderful selection of dishes crafted from local ingredients
Upon check-in, you’ll be shown how to download the hotel’s app, which is really useful for perusing menus, checking what’s on around the hotel, and even offering playlists for different times of the day (we liked the Infinity Pool Mini Mix). It’s also how you order room service, something I’d definitely recommend. We indulged in a wonderful selection of seafood and cheeses on our first night, the food showcasing just a sliver of what was to come.
Breakfast is a buffet affair fit for Bacchus himself. Of course the Greek yoghurt was divine (and thick), and the homemade jams in every fruit imaginable added a touch of sweetness. Fresh fruit, endless pastries (both sweet and savoury), and daily changing egg dishes and cakes will keep you full all day long. Don’t miss out on sampling the range of smoothies made with local ingredients. My favourite was blended almond milk with tahini and Cretan carob – divine.
Things to do
Contemporary works of art by global artists are waiting to be discovered
Be sure to give yourself some time to explore the 40 pieces of art that are dotted around the entire property. From exceptional static sculptures to kinetic pieces and even some works that sit by the ocean, these creations from international artists are a delight to behold.
The swimming pool sits at the heart of the property with plenty of seating to go around. A small but well-equipped gym gives you a place to work out, and there’s even a diving shop right next door should you want to learn to scuba dive, rent a boat or even take to the beach on a pedalo.
Decadent Ananea Wellness by Aegeo Spa offers a range of treatments to help you relax, incorporating natural ingredients like lavender, seaweed, and olive oil.
Out and about
We enjoyed a trip to the Cretan Olive Oil Farm, just a short walk from the hotel and an afternoon exploring the nearby town of Agios Nikalaos, including visiting the lake where Athena herself is said to have bathed under the moonlight.
Getting there and around
Minos Beach Art Hotel is around 60km from Heraklion International Airport, with the drive typically taking around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. A private transfer or hire car is the most convenient option, particularly if you plan to explore eastern Crete during your stay. The hotel can assist with transfer arrangements. If you are arriving by ferry, Heraklion Port is around a one-hour drive away. Chania International Airport is considerably farther away, at approximately three hours by car, so Heraklion is generally the more practical airport for this hotel.
Once at the resort, Agios Nikolaos town centre is around a 10-minute walk away, making it easy to visit the waterfront, browse shops and dine at local tavernas without needing a car every evening. The hotel also offers complimentary bicycles to aid in your travel. For exploring further afield, a hire car is useful for visiting the traditional villages, beaches and archaeological sites of eastern Crete. Popular excursions include the island of Spinalonga, the fishing village of Elounda, the archaeological site of Gournia and the palm-fringed beach at Vai. Taxis and organised excursions are alternatives if you prefer not to drive.
Final thoughts
This is a very special kind of hotel. It’s small enough to feel private and bespoke, yet large enough to have everything you need at your fingertips. The art elevates the stay to new levels, and the proximity to the beach is second-to-none. I’m still dreaming about our stay, and would go back in a heartbeat.
One final thing that needs to be shouted about at Minos Beach Art Hotel is the exceptional service. Friendly faces greet all guests at every interaction, with the team only too happy to help answer any questions. They are the very definition of what excellent service looks like and a credit to the management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Crete?
The best area depends on the type of holiday you want. Chania is a popular choice for first-time visitors, with its Venetian harbour, historic streets and access to famous western beaches. Rethymno combines a characterful old town with a long sandy beach. Heraklion is best for archaeological sites, museums and transport connections, while Agios Nikolaos and Elounda in the east are particularly appealing for luxury resorts, scenic bays and a more relaxed atmosphere.
For quieter countryside stays, consider the south coast or the island’s traditional inland villages.
Is Agios Nikolaos a good place to stay in Crete?
Yes. Agios Nikolaos is an attractive coastal town in eastern Crete, known for its picturesque lake, waterfront restaurants, small beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It offers a good balance between local life and resort comforts, while providing access to Elounda, Spinalonga and the wider Lasithi region. It is particularly suitable for couples, food lovers and travellers who want a less hectic base than some of Crete’s larger resort areas.
Is Minos Beach Art Hotel a good choice for a luxury holiday?
Yes. Minos Beach Art Hotel is especially appealing to travellers who prefer individual bungalows and villas, direct access to the water and a strong sense of place over a conventional large resort. Its sculpture garden, contemporary Mediterranean design, private beaches and Cretan-focused dining distinguish it from more generic luxury hotels. Its proximity to Agios Nikolaos also means you can explore local restaurants and shops rather than spending your entire holiday on the property.
How many nights should I spend in Crete?
For a relaxing beach holiday based in one area, five to seven nights is a good starting point. A week allows time to enjoy the hotel, explore nearby towns and take a few excursions without rushing. If you want to see both eastern and western Crete, consider spending at least seven to ten nights and dividing your stay between two bases.
For a short break, three or four nights works best if you concentrate on one town or region rather than attempting to see the whole island.
Is it worth hiring a car in Crete?
A car is useful if you want to explore beyond your immediate resort, particularly in eastern and southern Crete, where villages, archaeological sites and beaches can be spread out. It is less essential if you plan to stay in a town such as Chania or Agios Nikolaos and focus on nearby attractions.
If you hire a car, allow extra time for mountain roads and winding coastal routes. Alternatively, taxis and organised tours can be convenient for individual excursions.
When is the best time to visit Crete?
May, June and September are excellent months for a balance of warm weather, outdoor activities and fewer peak-season crowds. July and August are generally the hottest and busiest months, with lively resort towns and high demand for accommodation. April and October can also be rewarding for sightseeing and walking, although the sea may be cooler and some seasonal hotels and restaurants may have limited opening dates.
Many beach resorts operate seasonally, so check opening dates before booking an early-spring or late-autumn trip.
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