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Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Elounda

Crete • Elounda • SPLURGE

avg. $454 / night

Includes $24 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

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Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

Crete resort with Cycladic-Venetian architecture overlooking Spinalonga island, featuring fibre-optic pool and timber pergola dining.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts drawn to Aegean vernacular

Highlights:

  • White-rendered volumes and dry-stone walls anchoring hillside setting
  • Pool with fibre-optic floor tiles dissolving toward sea
  • Dining terrace under raw-pine pergola facing Spinalonga ruins
Restrained-Aegeancontemplative

PB hotel design editorial

Facing directly across the Gulf of Elounda toward the illuminated ruins of Spinalonga island — one of Europe's last active leprosy colonies, abandoned only in 1957 — Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa carries an unusually charged relationship with its landscape. The resort's architecture responds to this setting through a vocabulary drawn from Cycladic and Venetian Cretan tradition: rendered white volumes, broad arched openings at the entrance pavilion, and dry-stone boundary walls that anchor the complex to the rocky hillside without competing with the horizon beyond. The interiors establish a palette of dove grey and chalky white, with fluted headboards in pale blue-grey linen, large-format ceramic floor tiles, and pendant lights in textured glass that catch the Aegean light filtering through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Compact armchairs upholstered in a geometric teal-and-cream check introduce a note of pattern against the otherwise restrained tonal scheme. Outside, the main pool is finished in fine mosaic tile with fibre-optic illumination set into the pool floor, its edge dissolving toward the sea and the bare limestone headland to the east. The dining terrace is structured by a heavy timber pergola of natural pine — raw-edged planks running in parallel — beneath which black powder-coated rattan chairs surround granite-topped tables, Spinalonga glowing across the water as the evening light drops. The overall atmosphere is closer to considered Aegean understatement than to the maximalist resort idiom that dominates much of this coastline.

Travel notes

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About

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is nestled in one of the most enviable scenic spots on the island of Crete, just above the picturesque village of Plaka in Elounda. Overlooking the islet of Spinalonga and the ever-tranquil bay of Elounda, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is a place where luxury is defined both by its earth-given beauty and its opulent facilities. Blending harmoniously with its surroundings, the resort features chic accommodations that offer luxurious living at its finest, exquisite culinary proposals, a holistic spa experience, and idyllic beachfront moments at the iconic beach of Plaka.

Amenities

Pool

Internet

Suites

Room service

Free Internet

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Airport transportation

Wifi

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Elounda Reviews

370 reviews

"Currently staying in a stunning room with a private pool overlooking Spinalonga, and it truly feels like a slice of paradise. Breakfast has been exceptional each morning, the Eggs Benedict in particular was perfectly cooked and among the best I’ve had. Last night, we dined at Kelari Restaurant, which was a genuinely special experience. The food was both delicious and beautifully presented, and dining with views of Spinalonga illuminated at night created an unforgettable atmosphere. I’m here with a friend, but it would be incredibly romantic for couples too. We also visited the Aegeo Spa, which was wonderful. Erofili was an incredibly skilled and attentive beauty therapist, my facial was outstanding, and my friend was equally delighted with her treatment. Constantina was incredibly welcoming. We’ll definitely be returning. The hotel itself has a truly exclusive feel, yet remains warm and welcoming. The smiles are genuine, and every member of staff goes out of their way to ensure you feel cared for and happy. There are many other special touches provided that make it super special, but I am not going to tell, you will find them out yourself! Having stayed in several five-star hotels in Plaka and Elounda over the years, this is fast becoming my favourite."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 09, 2026

"This is a beautiful resort run by a fanatic, friendly team of people. It really is stunning. The locations also brilliant. A gentle 5 minute walk down the hill to Plaka Beach. Full of lovely little places to eat and drink. Would really love to return but there were a couple of things that put us off, and I don’t think there’s much that can be done to resolve sadly. Firstly it is very windy on this part of the coast, and sadly as a shade lover, this made it difficult as the shades by the pool are very heavy and not able to move, and by your own private pool, there’s no moveable shade - and the shade screens they have beautifully built do not give full shade. Secondly think it’s also due to this wind that the pools are very cold. I actually don’t mind a cool pool, but during our stay there were a few days where I just couldn’t face going in. And the little pool at the villa was even colder. You can pay to heat it but the daily cost is high (which I know ties in with the sustainability objectives - so totally understandable). So it’s a real shame but for this traveller who needs shade, probably not able to return. Which genuinely makes me sad as it really is a super place!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 02, 2026

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