St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas
Perfectly pitched for honeymoons and special occasions Secluded private sandy beach on Mirabello Bay Five restaurants and three bars with standout Cretan and international dining Villas, suites and studios with private pools and outdoor whirlpools available Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC-recognised standard Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas is one of Crete’s most characterful luxury hideaways: a whitewashed hillside hamlet tumbling down to a private sandy cove just outside Aghios Nikolaos. Think low-rise stone architecture, bougainvillea-draped pathways, designer-chic suites and villas – many with private pools – and an acclaimed spa that makes lingering in-resort a pleasure. With five restaurants, a trio of pools, and intuitive service that feels more like a private members’ club than a large hotel, it’s tailor-made for honeymoons and special escapes, yet relaxed enough for discerning families too.
Gallery
22 photos
Map & location
Aghios Nikolaos, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
St Nicolas Bay occupies a privileged pocket of coastline just outside Aghios Nikolaos, in Crete’s picturesque Mirabello Bay. The resort is carved into a rocky peninsula, creating a natural amphitheatre for sea views and giving the small sandy cove a serene, almost private-island atmosphere.
Stroll 500m to the nearest shops, or follow the seafront towards Aghios Nikolaos (around 2km) for lakeside tavernas, café-bars and boutiques around Lake Voulismeni. From the harbour, boat trips run to Spinalonga and hidden coves, while inland roads unfurl towards traditional mountain villages and olive groves – ideal for day trips by hire car or private excursion.
- Approx. transfer time from airport 1 Hour from Heraklion Airport (HER)
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
Life here orbits the water. The resort offers a trio of outdoor pools plus a heated indoor option, all framed by sea views and landscaped terraces.
• Main outdoor saltwater pool – Spacious pool with panoramic bay views, surrounded by sunbeds and parasols; open roughly April–November.
• Secondary outdoor freshwater pool – Another sea-facing pool area with loungers and umbrellas, ideal for quieter sunbathing.
• Children’s saltwater pool – Shallow pool just for kids, where inflatables are allowed, making it a hit with families.
• Indoor adults-only pool – Freshwater pool with whirlpool at the Poseidon Spa; heated in October for shoulder-season comfort. Adults-only with a calmer spa ambiance.
• Free pool and beach towels provided, so you can pack light.
Steps from the pools, the private sandy beach is sheltered and intimate, with clear water and excellent swimming. A local watersports centre (external operator) offers canoeing, pedalos, windsurfing, motorised options and giant inflatables (age and local charge conditions apply), giving you plenty of ways to enjoy the bay.
Spa, sports & wellness
The Pokoú Poseidon Spa (adults 18+) is a wellness highlight, combining Cretan ingredients with modern treatments. Facilities typically include:
• Sauna, steam room and whirlpool
• Range of massages and body rituals*
• Beauty therapies and facials*, plus an on-site hairdresser*
For more active guests, the resort offers:
• Air-conditioned gym with cardio kit, free weights and stretching zone (16+; typical hours 07:00–21:00)
• Fitness and wellbeing classes such as aerobics, aqua aerobics, dance, yoga and pilates (some activities may carry a local charge)
• Table tennis and paddle
Additional facilities include:
• Reception and concierge services, luggage storage
• On-site mini-market for essentials and beach bits
• Availability of kettles on request if needed
• Occasional cooking classes* to help you recreate Cretan flavours at home
*Charges apply for selected activities and spa treatments; schedules and facilities can vary by season and occupancy.
Activities
• Beach and watersports – swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, pedalos, windsurfing and motorised watersports* with an external provider (minimum age and local charges apply).
• Fitness classes – aerobics, aqua aerobics, yoga, pilates and dance sessions* (programme varies through the season).
• Cooking classes* – occasional classes showcasing Cretan recipes and olive oil culture.
• Evening entertainment – regular live music, DJs and professional shows, with a fuller programme from July to September and a more relaxed vibe earlier in the season.
• Relaxation – plenty of secluded terraces and lounges overlooking Mirabello Bay, designed for reading, sundowners and long conversations.
*Some activities incur a local charge; schedules are subject to seasonal change.
Guest services
• 24-hour reception and concierge assistance
• Luggage storage and late check-out on request (subject to availability)
• On-site mini-market for snacks, beachwear and holiday essentials
• English-language newspapers available*
• Pool and beach towel service
• Babysitting and childcare can often be arranged via reception*
• Assistance for guests with reduced mobility (pre-booking recommended)
• Free Wi‑Fi throughout the resort
*Local charges may apply; services are subject to availability.
Food & drink
Dining is a major part of the experience at St Nicolas Bay, with a choice of five atmospheric venues and three bars spread between the pool, beach and lobby.
Restaurants
• Labyrinthos Main Restaurant – The heart of the resort’s evening dining, with buffet starters, salads and desserts plus à la carte main courses, and show-cooking stations. Terrace seating overlooks the bay, and there’s a children’s buffet and kids’ menu. Gentlemen are asked to wear long trousers in the evenings.
• Club House Breakfast Restaurant – Poolside venue serving a generous breakfast, either buffet-style or as a set menu, featuring Greek specialities, local produce and international favourites. Kids’ buffet and menu available.
• Blue Bay Beach Restaurant – À la carte beachfront restaurant for leisurely lunches and daytime snacks, serving Mediterranean and international dishes a few steps from the water.
• Kafenion Greek Restaurant – Tucked by the beach, this taverna-style spot focuses on authentic Greek and Cretan cuisine with local wines and mezze-style sharing plates – ideal for balmy evenings.
• Minotaure Fine Dining Restaurant – An elegant poolside venue with fine international cuisine, more creative menus, and an intimate atmosphere for special occasions.
Bars
• Astra Bar – Stylish lobby bar for aperitifs and after-dinner drinks, with a terrace and relaxed, lounge-like vibe.
• Blue Bay Beach & Pool Bar – Beach bar right on the waterfront, serving drinks and light bites throughout the day.
• Bonatsa Jetty Bar – Romantic cocktail bar at the jetty, open in the evenings for drinks by the water, often with music and a chic yet unpretentious mood.
Smart dress code may apply in some venues, and reservations or supplements can vary by board basis and season (details on arrival).
Rooms
Olives and Sea Two Bedroom Villa with Private Pool & Harbour or Sea View Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps 2–4 plus an infant. Split over two floors, each level has a bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom with shower, giving families or couples sharing plenty of privacy. Facilities mirror the three-bedroom villas, including private pool with sunbeds, terrace or balcony, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-con, coffee machine and kettle, minibar*, bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu and turndown service.
Club Sea Front Studio with Private Pool Sleeps 2
Sleeps 2. Romantic and right on the seafront, these studios have a private pool and terrace with sunbeds, plus sea views. Bathrooms feature a walk-in shower and whirlpool bath – ideal for honeymoon-style stays. Amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-con, coffee-making facilities, minibar*, bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and daily housekeeping.
Classic Double Room with Limited Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Classic Cretan styling with a balcony or terrace and partial sea views. Each room offers a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-conditioning, coffee-making facilities, minibar*, pillow menu and turndown service. Bathrooms typically include a bath with shower attachment, along with bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer.
Classic One Bedroom Suite with Sea View Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps 2–4. A great choice for longer stays, these suites offer a separate bedroom and living area, plus a balcony or terrace with full sea view. Bathrooms feature a walk-in shower and whirlpool bath. In-room amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-con, coffee-making facilities, minibar*, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and daily linen/towel changes.
Club One Bedroom Suite with Private Pool Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps 2–4. Combining suite-style space with a private pool, these club-level suites come with a terrace, sunbeds and refined interiors. Bathrooms offer a bath and separate shower plus a whirlpool bath and shower combination, ideal for indulgent evenings in. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-con, coffee machine and kettle, minibar*, bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and daily housekeeping.
Classic Studio with Private Pool & Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Open-plan studios with private pool, sunbeds and sea-facing terrace, ideal for couples who love their own space. Bathrooms come with a walk-in shower and whirlpool bath. Expect the full comfort line-up: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-con, coffee-making facilities, minibar*, bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and regular linen/towel changes.
Classic Junior Suite with Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Junior suites add extra living space and a balcony or terrace with sweeping sea views. Interiors blend local stone and wood with fresh fabrics. Each suite offers flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-conditioning, coffee-making facilities, minibar*, bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu and turndown service. Bathrooms come with either a bath or shower.
Junior Suite with Sea View & Outdoor Whirlpool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. For ultimate sunset soaking, these junior suites feature an outdoor whirlpool tub on the balcony or terrace plus sea views. Inside, you’ll find a chic open-plan layout with flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air-con, coffee-making facilities and minibar*. Bathrooms are fitted with a shower, and you’ll also enjoy bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and daily servicing.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Board options
• Full Board – Typically includes buffet or set-menu breakfast at the Club House Restaurant, a 3‑course set-menu lunch at Blue Bay Beach Restaurant, and dinner at Labyrinthos Main Restaurant (mains à la carte; starters, salads and desserts buffet-style).
• Half Board – Breakfast at the Club House plus dinner at Labyrinthos on a similar part-buffet, part à la carte basis.
• Half Board Plus – As Half Board, with the added benefit of being able to dine at the à la carte restaurants for dinner on a 3‑course set-menu basis (reservations required; specific inclusions confirmed on arrival).
Information is based on previous seasons and may change; exact details will be reconfirmed at check-in.
Family notes
• Children’s club (4–11yrs) with arts and crafts, small-team games, story time, movie nights and more, usually from April to early November (subject to occupancy).
• Children’s playground and indoor play area (typically 10:00–18:00).
• Highchairs, kids’ menus and kids’ buffets in several restaurants.
Destination essentials
• Country: Greece – island of Crete (Mirabello Bay, Aghios Nikolaos)
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 (GMT +3 in summer)
• Average flight time from UK: around 4.5 hours
• Transfer time from Heraklion Airport (HER): approx. 1 hour by road
Accessibility & special assistance
If you or a travelling companion requires airport or in-resort assistance, mobility support or accessible room features, please let us know at the time of enquiry so we can discuss the most suitable options with you. Availability of accessible rooms and equipment is limited, so early booking is recommended.
*Facilities, opening dates and times may vary by season and occupancy and can change without prior notice. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
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