My Dreamy Long Weekend at Phaea Blue Palace, Crete

First Impressions: That “Pinch Me” View

Phaea Blue Palace is perched on the hillside looking out over the Gulf of Elounda, with dreamy views across to the island of Spinalonga.

When I arrived and saw that view properly for the first time, it was a real pinch-me moment: a sweep of blue sea, boats in the distance, mountains behind and that brilliant Cretan light.  It somehow manages to feel tucked away and peaceful, yet you are only around an hour from the airport, so it works perfectly for a long weekend.

It struck me as the ideal mix: close enough to local life that you do not feel “stuck in a resort”, but tranquil enough that you can genuinely switch off.

My Maisonette Suite: Coffee, Pool & Sea Views

The best bit for me was the multi-level accommodation – I stayed in a Maisonette Pool Suite, with a private pool.  A first for me, and certainly not my last!  It quickly became my happy place.  Homely & stylish, the look is relaxed and modern, with lots of natural textures, soft colours and little Greek touches that give it personality without ever feeling fussy.

The best bit for me was having my own pool just steps away.  Mornings started with coffee outside by the water, easing into the day in my own little cocoon of calm.  In the evenings, I loved a quiet dip in the pool, then simply sitting out, listening to the cicadas and enjoying the warmth of the night air.

It felt calm, comfortable and wonderfully easy to settle into, which is exactly what you want when you are only away for a few days. 

A Stroll to Plaka: Simple Pleasures

One of the things I loved most was how easy it was to wander down into the local village of Plaka.

It is a short walk from the hotel, and it is everything you hope for in a Cretan village: cobbled streets, pretty whitewashed buildings, little boutiques with an array of homemade gifts and the perfect selection of traditional tavernas looking across to Spinalonga.  Lovely little atmosphere for an evening.

I spent time just pottering: browsing little shops for handmade bits and pieces, stopping for a drink by the sea, soaking up the atmosphere.  It felt very real and very relaxed.  Being able to drift between the comfort of the hotel and the charm of Plaka made the whole weekend feel more authentic and connected to the island.

Dining: A Real Treat For The Tastebuds

Food is a big part of any trip for me, and Phaea Blue Palace really delivered.

On our first night, we headed to Blue Door Taverna for a traditional Cretan evening and it was just gorgeous.  Think rustic charm, checked tablecloths, live music and Greek dancers, all right by the water.  The fresh fish and local ingredients really captured that laid‑back island feel, and it was the perfect way to ease into the trip.  A first for me was experiencing snails!

The standout experience was the Phaea Farmers’ Feast, a beautiful pop-up style dinner held in the hotel’s organic garden. It was one of those evenings that just felt special from the start.

We began by walking through the garden with one of the Phaea farmers, learning about the different vegetables and herbs and even picking some of the ingredients ourselves.  Within a short time, those same vegetables were being cooked over open flames a few steps away.

We ate at a long communal table under the trees, with softly glowing lights, surrounded by the scent of herbs and warm earth. The food was simple in the best way: fresh, flavourful and full of that “grown here, cooked here” energy.  It felt more like being at a relaxed, generous dinner party than in a hotel restaurant, and I loved that.

We saved Anthós, the hotel’s signature restaurant, for our final night, and I am so glad we did.  Sitting out under the stars with a gentle breeze and the soft clink of glasses around us, we tucked into plates that gave Cretan classics a modern, refined twist.  The flavours were bright and fresh, thanks to local meats, fish and vegetables pulled from the organic garden, and the presentation was just as impressive.  It was a really special way to say goodbye to Blue Palace.

My Favourite Part: Sailing on a Traditional Caique

If I had to choose one moment that really made me fall for this place, it would be the traditional caique boat experience.

On our final day, we headed out on a beautifully restored wooden caique, the kind of boat that has sailed these waters for generations.  The sea was calm, the breeze was warm and we slowly cruised along the Elounda coastline, with views back to the resort and across to Spinalonga.

There was local wine, a platter of Cretan cheeses and fruit, and that wonderful feeling of being completely unhurried.  Nothing to do except sit back, chat, take it all in and watch the light dance on the water.

It was peaceful, a little bit nostalgic and incredibly relaxing.  For me, it summed up what made this trip so special: the blend of simple pleasures, local character and quiet luxury.

Slowing Down: Life Around the Resort

When I was not out exploring, Phaea Blue Palace made it very easy to relax:

• Time by the sea, with a gentle swim or just lying back and listening to the waves.  The beach very easily accessible with a golf buggy to deliver you to the shoreline.
• Spa treatments inspired by Greek wellness traditions, which feel very fitting in a place with such a rich history.
• Little corners to curl up with a book, or terraces where you can linger over a drink and watch the colours of the sky change.

What I appreciated most was that nothing felt rushed or overly “scheduled”. You can simply follow your own rhythm, which is exactly what you need from a short break.

Warm, Genuine Service

The other thing that really stood out was the people.  The service was polished, of course, but also warm and genuine.

From the welcome on arrival to the little conversations throughout the stay, the team made everything feel easy.  It never felt stiff or formal, more like staying with people who are genuinely proud of their island and happy to share it with you.

Why I Cannot Wait To Go Back

When I think about my time at Phaea Blue Palace, it is a collection of small, lovely moments: wandering down to Plaka in the late afternoon, laughing around the Farmers’ Feast table, quietly floating in my pool, that soft sway of the caique on the water.

It was only a long weekend, but it felt like a proper escape, and I left with that bittersweet feeling of not wanting it to end.

I am already dreaming of when I can return.

Your Turn to Fall in Love with Crete

My time at Phaea Blue Palace was one of those trips I keep replaying in my head.  It blends easy-going luxury with real Cretan character and makes you feel instantly at home.  If you are craving a holiday where you can slow down, soak up the island and still feel thoroughly pampered, I would absolutely recommend it.  Whether you are marking something special or just need a few days away, it is a very hard place to leave.