JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa
New for Summer 2025, with striking contemporary architecture Elevated seafront setting with sweeping views over Marathi Bay Four distinctive restaurants, from Italian comfort food to flame-grilled Cretan cuisine Suites and villas with private pools and outdoor whirlpools available Impressive interiors with crafted details and cave-inspired spa sanctuary Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
The brand-new JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa brings polished, design-led luxury to one of Crete’s most charming corners. Draped along the Marathi seafront near Chania, this low-rise resort is all about horizon-wide sea views, refined architecture and soulful wellness. Expect elegant rooms, suites and villas – many with private pools – destination dining that champions Cretan flavours, and a spa anchored by a dramatic cave sanctuary for meditation and holistic rituals. With a kids’ club, family-friendly pools and short stroll to Marathi’s calm, south-facing beach, it’s as well suited to style-conscious families as it is to couples in search of a serene escape.
Gallery
19 photos
Map & location
Marathi, Crete (Chania Area), Greece
Marathi is one of Crete’s quiet gems – a small, south-facing bay with shallow, glass-clear water and a relaxed scattering of tavernas. JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa occupies a privileged seafront spot here, looking straight across the bay and out to the open sea.
From the hotel you’re just a short walk to Marathi’s sandy beach, where the sheltered setting means gentle waves and minimal wind – great for younger swimmers and paddle-boarding. Chania’s atmospheric old town and Venetian harbour are an easy excursion away, so you can alternate lazy days by the pool with evenings wandering harbourfront lanes and trying Cretan mezze in tucked-away courtyards.
- • Chania town and Venetian harbour around 15–20km (local bus or taxi)
- Approx. transfer time from airport 15 minutes from Chania (CHQ)
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
Pool life at JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is all about layered views and relaxing, sun-drenched spaces.
You’ll find two outdoor infinity-style pools:
• A freshwater adults-focused pool with ample sun loungers and parasols – ideal for uninterrupted laps and quiet reading time.
• A saltwater pool with an integrated children’s section by the beach side, giving families the best of both worlds: easy sea access plus a safe shallow area for younger swimmers.
Pool towels are complimentary, and comfortable sunbeds line the decks and terraces. There’s also a heated indoor freshwater pool with whirlpool inside the spa, reserved for adults and typically heated from mid-April to the end of October – perfect for cooler evenings or early/late season dips.
Below the resort, Marathi’s golden-sand beach awaits with calm, south-facing waters – one of Crete’s few true south-facing bays, naturally protected from the wind. Local operators offer non-motorised water sports such as snorkelling and boat trips, with additional fun options like giant inflatables available in season (run by independent providers, extra charges apply).
Spa, sports & wellness
Wellbeing sits at the heart of the resort. The ANOSEAS Spa features a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and treatment rooms offering massages, body rituals and beauty therapies (extra charge; minimum age usually 16). The signature highlight is a cave-inspired sanctuary space, where curated sound and holistic experiences create a deeply soothing ambience for meditation or couples’ journeys.
For active guests, there’s a fully air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment, free weights and an aerobics studio, as well as organised paddle and yoga sessions to make the most of the natural setting.
Practical extras include an on-site mini-market for holiday essentials, and a concierge-led reception where you can arrange everything from motorised scooter or wheelchair hire to local excursions. Currency exchange, luggage storage and international newspapers are also available (some services at extra cost).
Activities
?️ Air-conditioned gym with cardio, free weights and studio space
? Yoga and wellness sessions (including paddle and beachside options, seasonally)
? Indoor heated pool with whirlpool (adults only, within spa)
? Water sports in Marathi Bay – snorkelling, scuba diving and fun inflatables (run by external providers, charges apply)
? Children’s club (4–12 yrs) with arts and crafts, small-team games, sports, water-based and food-based activities (seasonal schedule)
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception with concierge service and luggage storage
♿ Mobility scooter and wheelchair hire, plus charging points (extra charge)
? Currency exchange and access to English-language newspapers
?️ On-site mini-market for snacks, drinks and beach essentials
? Spa with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and massage treatments (16+, extra charge)
??? Highchairs and kids’ menus in restaurants for family-friendly dining
? Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
Food & drink
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa takes its culinary credentials seriously, blending Cretan provenance with creative, international flair.
Fayi is the main restaurant, serving an abundant buffet and à la carte mix of international and Greek dishes for breakfast – ideal whether you’re in a hurry to get to the pool or you want a slow brunch with a view.
For leisurely lunches and dinners by the sea, Onalos specialises in Greek and local cuisine, with a “sea to table” philosophy and ultra-fresh seafood, while Anoee brings open-fire Cretan cooking to the beachfront – think flame-grilled meats, fish and vegetables kissed by smoke.
Cuccagna rounds out the line-up with à la carte Italian favourites and show-cooking, perfect for pizza-and-pasta nights that still feel grown-up. Drinks-wise, you have Eexis lobby bar for pre-dinner cocktails and an elegant lounge atmosphere, plus a relaxed pool bar serving refreshments and light bites during the day.
Smart resort-casual dress may be required in the evenings. Reservations can be needed for à la carte venues and some dishes may carry a supplement depending on your board basis. Menus and opening times are subject to seasonal change.
Rooms
Deluxe Room with Sea View and Whirlpool Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
All the features of the Deluxe Room Sea View, upgraded with an outdoor whirlpool on your balcony or terrace – perfect for lingering evenings looking out over the bay.
outdoor whirlpool
on your balcony or terrace – perfect for lingering evenings looking out over the bay.
Executive Room with Sea View Sleeps 2 adults
Sleeps: 2 adults + 1 infant
More space and elevated comfort, with suite-style welcome amenities and a pillow menu selection. Facilities include balcony, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, coffee machine and kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), USB ports, iron and board, and shower bathroom. Daily housekeeping, towel and linen changes are included, plus turndown service.
Junior Suite with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3 plus an infant
Ideal for couples or small families who love indoor–outdoor living. These suites come with a private swimming pool, terrace with sunbeds and often an outdoor whirlpool. Inside you’ll find a seating area, bath and separate shower, bathrobes and slippers, coffee machine, fridge, minibar (charge), Wi‑Fi, USB ports and turndown service.
private swimming pool
, terrace with sunbeds and often an outdoor whirlpool. Inside you’ll find a seating area, bath and separate shower, bathrobes and slippers, coffee machine, fridge, minibar (charge), Wi‑Fi, USB ports and turndown service.
outdoor whirlpool
. Inside you’ll find a seating area, bath and separate shower, bathrobes and slippers, coffee machine, fridge, minibar (charge), Wi‑Fi, USB ports and turndown service.
Deluxe Suite with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3 plus an infant
A step up in space and luxury, offering a separate sleeping and living area where available, plus a private pool, terrace with loungers, bath and separate shower, bathrobes and slippers, coffee and tea facilities, minibar (charge), and curated suite welcome amenities with pillow menu.
Executive Suite with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3
Designed for guests who value privacy and design in equal measure. These suites feature a larger private pool and terrace area, premium bedding, stylish lounge space and an indulgent bathroom with separate bath and shower, along with the usual suite touches: bathrobes, slippers, coffee machine, minibar (charge), USB ports and daily turndown.
Two Level Two Bedroom Villa with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–5
Sleeps: 2–5 plus an infant
A superb choice for families or friends travelling together. Set across two levels, these villas offer two bedrooms, ample indoor living space and a generous terrace with a private pool. A small kitchen area with 4 cooking rings provides extra flexibility. Guests enjoy villa welcome amenities, pillow menu selection and a complimentary ANOSEAS Spa Holistic Journey & Sounds experience (30 minutes per couple, per stay).
private pool
. A small kitchen area with 4 cooking rings provides extra flexibility. Guests enjoy villa welcome amenities, pillow menu selection and a complimentary ANOSEAS Spa Holistic Journey & Sounds experience (30 minutes per couple, per stay).
Earth Sheltered Two Bedroom Villa with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–5
Sleeps: 2–5 plus an infant
Architecturally striking villas partially integrated into the landscape to stay cool and cocooning. They feature two bedrooms, private pool, terrace, kitchen corner with 4 cooking rings and the same villa perks: welcome amenities, pillow menu and one complimentary ANOSEAS Spa Holistic Journey & Sounds experience (30 minutes per couple, per stay).
Across all accommodation types you can expect:
• Flat-screen TV and Wi‑Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Hairdryer
• USB charging ports
• Coffee-making facilities (and kettle in many suites)
• Minibar (extra charge)
• Air conditioning in most suites and villas
• Daily cleaning service with regular linen and towel changes
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Board basis
• Bed & Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast at Fayi restaurant.
• Half Board: Buffet-style breakfast and à la carte dinner at Fayi. Guests are typically able to dine in the à la carte restaurants for dinner as part of Half Board, though reservations and supplements may apply depending on the latest hotel policy.
Family policy
Children are usually classed as 2–12 years, with dedicated kids’ menus and a children’s club for ages 4–12 years. Infants (under 2) may share rooms using cots, subject to room type and occupancy rules.
Accessibility
The resort is built in low-rise blocks with lifts in key areas and offers hire of mobility scooters and wheelchairs (extra charge). Given the terraced design and seafront setting, some slopes and steps are inevitable. If you have specific mobility needs, our Travelisto team can help identify the most suitable room type and location.
Local area – Marathi & Chania
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Average UK–Chania flight time: around 4 hours
Indicative local costs (subject to change):
• Local beer: approx. £3.40
• Three-course meal for two in a local taverna: from around £42.00
Marathi is particularly known for its clear, calm water and soft sand – a winning combination for families and anyone who prefers gentle sea conditions. Its proximity to Chania Airport (around 10km) means short transfers, while regular buses and taxis make it easy to head into Chania’s colourful old town and harbour for evening strolls, shopping and dining.
Information is based on details from the property and local partners and may change seasonally or without notice. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices & book
Find your dates
Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.