JW Marriott Opens First Greece Resort, Bringing ‘Contemporary Coastal Living’ to Crete

Marriott International has officially entered the Greek market with the debut of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, a 160-room seafront retreat set on 100 acres of coastline near Chania. As the brand’s first Mediterranean beach resort, the property is poised to reset expectations for high-end hospitality on the island, offering a seamless blend of modern design, well-being-focused amenities, and immersive cultural programming.

Designed by acclaimed Athens-based firm Block722, the resort’s architecture is rooted in natural harmony. It features living rooftops, hand-laid stone paths, and a palette of earthy materials, including marble and local wood. The majority of rooms and suites have private pools and panoramic sea views, and the interiors carry a tactile calm with terracotta hues, sculptural lighting, and ceramic accents that nod to Crete’s ancient traditions.

For advisors, the resort offers a compelling culinary and wellness narrative to share with clients. Six dining venues emphasize local ingredients and seasonal fare, including ANOEE, an open-fire Cretan restaurant helmed by chef Manolis Papoutsakis. The JW Garden supplies fresh herbs and vegetables for both dishes and cocktails, and a signature mixology program—created in partnership with award-winning bar Line Athens—brings Cretan botanicals to the forefront.

The property also debuts Europe’s first JW Market, a café-retail hybrid offering locally made products that reflect the island’s artisanal culture. On the wellness front, the ANOSEAS Spa blends traditional Cretan rituals with modern therapies, supported by a yoga deck, four pools, and a fully equipped fitness center.

Families will find multi-generational offerings like the Phestos Den, a culturally driven kids’ program with nature-forward play zones, hands-on learning, and access to sea-based adventures and curated heritage excursions.

With its refined positioning, strong sustainability ethos, and intuitive service model, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is a fresh luxury option in the Mediterranean that will bridge the gap between barefoot elegance and mindful sophistication.