We booked a trip to Crete around two design forward properties

Phāea Blue and Phāea Cretan Malia

Upon landing on Greece’s largest island, it becomes immediately clear that Crete is the birthplace of olive farming. The drive in any direction consists of miles and miles of ancient olive groves. While squeezing through one lane villages and spiraling up and down rugged mountainous terrain, it’s easy to appreciate how high-quality olive oil, known locally as liquid gold, is Crete’s best export. Greece’s southern outpost has some of the world’s most fertile and productive regions, and after recently spending a week on this remarkable island, I realized that it wasn’t nearly enough time to explore it all. Thank you to the Phāea hospitality group for hosting me, so that I could write about my experience at two of their properties.

Phāea Blue, a timeless luxury escape

Hanging above the ocean and nestled into the land, find serenity at Phāea Blue’s newly renovated compound of 47 suites, bungalows, and exclusive villa – with expansive terraces, luxe verandas, and private heated pools. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the hotel aims to provide a deep connection to authentic Crete heritage. Stepping into the lobby is like entering a private estate – with the pristine living room oozing a sexy simplicity of fresh flowers, modernist furniture, thoughtfully curated art, and beautiful ceramics. Due to Phāea Blue’s partnership with Benaki Museum, thousands of years of Greek history and artistry can be viewed in the main lobby, along with inspiration from Greek fashion and jewelry designers.

Under the vibrant stars and full moon, settle in on the terrace at Anthós restaurant, to indulge in what was my favorite dinner in Crete. The true flavors of the island come alive, as chefs use carefully selected organic seasonal ingredients, with most sources local to the area and many purveyors proudly displayed on the menu. The Phāea group produces their own honey and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which are used exclusively at their hotels and restaurants.

Known for a fresh take on Greek contemporary cuisine, Anthós offers an elevated dining experience with outstanding service, in a tasteful dining room or on a sheltered outdoor patio. Most dishes are served in the traditional shared style and portions are generous. Start with something light – like the bulgur salad mixed with diced avocado, cucumber, tomato, and onion topped with prawns – a dish so fresh and flavorful it feels like it could be a star entrée. It pairs well with local dry white Assyrtiko from Terra Nera, a variety native to Greece.

Save space for the restaurant’s “Celebratory Dish”, the Greek lamb shoulder cooked in open wood fire, and watch in awe as it is deboned tableside. You might chuckle at the enormity of the portion – as this scrumptious, succulent, and juicy lamb could easily be enough for four. Greek Syrah perfectly complements the gluttonous and extremely satisfying lamb dish. Add a side of health – like grilled eggplant topped with crunchy kale plated with bed of tahini doused in a pool of olive oil.

In the morning, warm winds welcome the day, with a dazzling unspoiled view of the Aegean, hugged by mountains with Spinalonga Island in the distance, a former leper colony until 1957. The rugged hillside terrain and surrounding foliage are reminiscent of coastal Southern California. Below the property, a rocky private beach beckons guests to soak up the sparkling azure ocean on a lounge chair with umbrellas, or dip into the warm waters off a private dock.

Just walking around the lush garden feels ceremonial, as the subtle scents of wild herbs and flowers intermingle with the salt air. The view alone at this Greek Shangri-La may have you wondering how you can be in this mystical birthplace of Zeus and live like Dionysus, Aphrodite, Apollo or Artemis. The enormous suite adds to the tranquility – donned in white with blue accents and curated Greek art, plenty of closet space, a communal living room, two bathrooms, and grand marble bath with walk-in shower for two. But the massive outdoor pool terrace is the real star and creates the feeling of a private retreat.