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

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

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa review Crete suite
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 such 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

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa review Crete 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

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa review Crete swimming pool
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 onsite 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.

Learn more about The Royal Senses Resort & Spa

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