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My stay was an opportunity to visit the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa in its very early days. For families, the hotel proved to be perfectly suited, combining relaxation with upscale luxury. The establishment is ideal for relaxing, with numerous pools, delicious restaurants, and daily activities. We rented a car to explore the area and fully enjoy the olive groves, picturesque villages, and monasteries around Chania.
Having initially booked the basic room with a king bed and sea view, I was fortunate to get an upgrade a few days before my arrival, despite the summer crowds. Cash rates start at USD 325 per night in low season, and can reach USD 650 in high season. Marriott Bonvoy members can book nights starting at 44,000 points per night during the low season, but in summer, this option wasn’t ideal for me as a night cost around 85,000 points.
The JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is located in Marathi, a peaceful coastal village on the Akrotiri Peninsula, offering an authentic and serene setting. Just a 15-minute taxi ride from Chania International Airport, I found the location ideal: imagine landing and having your feet in the Aegean Sea just minutes later!
As soon as I slowed down at the gate, I was warmly welcomed. The staff immediately took care of parking my car, and priority check-in was quick and efficient. The whole family was greeted with welcome cocktails, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The entrance hall, beautifully lit by skylights, offers a spectacular view of the White Mountains and the Aegean Sea, immediately setting the tone for the exceptional experience that awaited us.
I stayed in a Premium Deluxe Suite featuring a king bed, a sofa that converts to a single bed, a terrace, and a private pool. The space is generous and perfectly designed to feel comfortable and at home. Whether from the bedroom, living room, or terrace, the view is stunning at any time of day. I spent a good part of my stay by the private pool, enjoying the peace and absolute comfort. Small personalized touches, such as a birthday cake and amenities offered to members, made the experience even more enjoyable.
During my 4-night stay at the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, I experienced the diverse selection of restaurants, each offering its own distinct and refined cuisine.
This is the hotel’s main restaurant: creative Mediterranean cuisine buffet and à la carte, open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for breakfast.
My favourite was the authentic Cretan cuisine served right by the sea. Live music and dance performances on select evenings, open until 10 p.m.
With its sea-to-table concept, the seafood dishes made from the daily catch are delicious and full of flavour.
Beautiful poolside and beachfront bar serving cocktails, coffee, and light fare; the perfect spot for lunch.
Main bar and ultimate relaxation spot after a day spent in the sun or exploring the island. Nestled in beautifully built-in banquettes within the water features, this was one of the magical moments I experienced during my stay.
The JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa features a collection of four indoor and outdoor pools, including a large main pool, an adults-only pool, and a family area. Each offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains. Personally, I also really appreciated the presence of sun loungers and cabanas (free of charge) arranged along the rocks; offering a bit more peace and seclusion than by the pool. Finally, for travellers who prefer the beach, the hotel has set up one, though small, but very charming.
The spa at the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa stands out with its design inspired by Cretan caves, featuring mineral tones and a soothing atmosphere. The experience there is intimate and relaxing, ideal after a day of exploration. As for the modern and fully equipped fitness center, it offers mountain views and features state-of-the-art equipment, perfect for maintaining your workout routine even on vacation.
Near the hotel, you’ll find the city of Chania, with its charming Venetian harbour and lively alleys. Additionally, the nearby Agia Triada Monastery is worth a visit for its architecture and serenity; a true highlight! Finally, several local olive groves offer tastings and a wonderful immersion into Cretan traditions. The hotel’s concierge service also gave me excellent recommendations for enjoyable excursions in the region.
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at more than 8,000 hotels worldwide is with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card). It is also possible to earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn everything about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, follow our guides:
My experience at the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa was simply wonderful and memorable — undoubtedly one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had. The hotel combines elegance, impeccable service, and authentic local ambiance with outstanding dining options and a breathtaking setting between the Aegean Sea and the White Mountains. The only drawback was that the establishment was still in its soft opening phase, but this did not tarnish the stay in any way. I highly recommend this hotel to families, couples, or travellers seeking to experience the idyllic side of Crete in luxurious relaxation.
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