Escape to Luxury - Up to £75 off per person.* View offers
Sovereign logo
Feefo rating
10710 reviews
50+ Years Experience
Book Online

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Crete, Plaka Near Elounda

  1. Home
  2. Luxury Holiday Destinations
  3. Greece
  4. Crete
  5. Plaka near Elounda
  6. Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
Tripadvisor rating Based on 318 traveller reviews
Private Pools Spa Family Suites

  • Uniquely positioned in the Bay of Elounda Crete opposite Spinalonga Island
  • 250m from Cayo's dedicated area on Plaka beach (complimentary shuttle transfer provided as well as sunbeds, gazebos and beach towels) 
  • Luxury spa on site with a range of treatments on offer 
  • 116 exclusively designed luxurious rooms & suites all overlooking the sea with their own private swimming pool  

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is both sophisticated and stylish and is the perfect choice for a luxury stay. Taking inspiration from the cultural values of Greece and the remarkable history, the resort is uniquely positioned in the much-loved Bay of Elounda in north-eastern Crete. It offers spectacular views of its surroundings and the Island of Spinalonga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cayo has a striking interior built around an eco-friendly design. There are 116 exclusively designed luxurious rooms and suites which come with their own private swimming pool inviting guests seeking luxury, privacy, and relaxation to immerse into a world of exquisite elegance.

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa serves up a dream destination for discerning gourmands. Lefteris Lazarou, a Greek chef with multiple Michelin Stars, curates the restaurants' menus, promising guests an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

In addition, the Armonia Spa features a large indoor relaxing pool, steam room, three treatment rooms, a sauna, a hair salon, and a nail salon.

Just a 250m walk from the resort, or a short complimentary shuttle transfer, you will find a dedicated area on Plaka’s pebble beach reserved exclusively for Cayo guests. There are plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas and attentive staff for a relaxing day at the beach.

The resort benefits from three grand communal swimming pools, an outdoor (open air) amphitheatre, a fitness centre, a luxury spa, a two level gym with yoga studio, a children's play area and a state-of-the-art conference centre.

Facilities

Bars & Restaurants

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is the main restaurant where breakfast and dinner (half board) are served on a buffet basis. The restaurant was named Ambrosia as according to Homeric poems, ambrosia and nectar are the divine food of the Gods. Located in front of the grand pools of the resort, it offers magnificent views of Spinalonga Island. 

Kelari Gourmet Restaurant

The Kelari Gourmet Restaurant features exclusive recipes created by famous Greek Chef Lefteris Lazarou. Indulge in an a la carte style dinner set in an idyllic spot with a stunning view of the sparkling waters and Spinalonga Island in the background.

Sage & Thyme Mediterranean Restaurant

Sage, thyme, parsley and rosemary are herbs and spices fundamental to the Mediterranean culinary tradition and diet of Greece. This elegant restaurant by the pool offers snacks and a la carte lunch with a number of traditional Mediterranean dishes. 

Emerald Lobby Bar

Leading out to a spacious outdoor veranda, the cosy Emerald Lobby Bar offers the perfect setting to enjoy drinks and cocktails. 

Enastron Pool Bar

Enastron Pool Bar serves up your favourite soft drinks, spirits, or signature cocktails with fantastic views over the pool and the sea.

Stone Beach by Cayo

Next to the beach of Plaka you will find Cayo's seafront taverna. Stone Beach serves up snacks, lunch, dinner and Cretan "meze".

 

 

Avra Bar

Opening in May 2024, the Main Pool Bar will be serving up all your favourite cocktails and beverages.

Filema

Opened in May 2024, the Greek Cuisine Restaurant will be serving up a taste of Greece with a range of local specialities to choose from. 

Beach & Pools

Cayo's spot on Plaka's pebble stone beach

Just a 250m walk from the resort or a short shuttle bus ride you will find a dedicated area on Plaka’s pebble beach reserved exclusively for guests of Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. There are plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas and attentive staff for a relaxing day at the beach.

Cayo's Grand Pools

Ideal for relaxation, there are plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds located around the resort's communal swimming pools (188m2 and 160m2). Enjoy a day relaxing by the pool with drinks and snacks nearby at the Pool Bar.

There is also a family friendly pool for the little ones to enjoy.

Spa & Wellness

Fitness Centre

If you’re looking to keep up your gym routine whilst on holiday, Cayo's Fitness Centre is the place to be. It is equipped with the latest exercise equipment so will serve your training needs.

Spa

If you’re looking to relax on your luxury holiday, then Cayo’s Armonia spa will be perfect. A team of experts are ready to cater to your individual needs with an extensive range of treatments and superior products on offer promising to restore your wellness and inner peace. The Armonia Spa features a large relaxing indoor pool, steam room, three treatment rooms, a sauna, a hair salon, and a nail salon.

For Families

Children’s Play Area

Little ones can have fun all day long at the Children’s Play Area with plenty of fun toys to play with. 

About the location

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Crete is one which has a remarkable history and culture. Home to the legendary Minotaur and birthplace of Europe's first evolved society, Crete offers plenty of variety. Where several civilisations blossomed, Crete is a place of wonders with plenty of museums, temples, churches and monuments for you to explore. Crete's countryside is a wonderful blend of sea, mountains, gorges, and lakes.

Uniquely positioned in the much-loved Bay of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offers spectacular views of its surroundings and the island of Spinalonga, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel is the closest in the area to Spinalonga so you can enjoy a visit to this historic island by a local boat. The village of Plaka is conveniently close where you'll find some traditional bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Transfer time

From Heraklion Airport the Resort is 66 Km away which is approximately an hour’s drive.
Cayo-Exclusive-2024-Superior-Room-Sea-View-001-121832-Hybris
Superior Sea View Room

Max 2 adults

Experience breathtaking sea views and the surrounding area from this Superior Room at Cayo. Featuring a queen bed, it offers a stylish and relaxing retreat.

These rooms are equipped with facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobility.

33m²

Facilities
Air conditioning
WiFi
Minibar
Cayo-Exclusive-2024-Superior-Room-Private-Pool-Sea-View-001-121832-Hybris
Superior Sea View Room with Private Pool

Max 2 adults

Enjoy your own private pool with magnificent views of the sea and surrounding area in this Superior Room at Cayo. Complete with a queen bed, you can really relax in style.

33m²

Facilities
Cayo-Exclusive-2024-Superior-Room-Sea-View-002-121832-Hybris
Superior Family Sea View Room with Private Pool

Max 2 adults 1 child

Designed with your comfort in mind, the Superior Family Sea View Room comes with plenty of space for the whole family. Enjoy taking a dip in your private pool on the veranda or simply relax on the comfortable beds.

45m² Floor Plan

Facilities
Cayo-Exclusive-2024-Executive-Room-Private-Pool-Sea-View-001-121832-Hybris
Executive Sea View Room with Private Pool

Max 3 adults

Sit back and relax on your private veranda complete with dining table and chairs or enjoy a swim in your own private pool in the Executive Sea View Room.

33m²

Facilities
Cayo-Exclusive-2024-Family-Duplex-Room-Private-Pool-Sea-View-005-121832-Hybris
Family Duplex with Private Pool

Max 4 adults

This Duplex property is the perfect choice for family holidays in Crete. With two bedrooms and a cosy living area, this room also comes with a private pool for some family fun in the sun.

66m²

Facilities
Cayo-Exclusive-2024-Premium-Room-Private-Pool-Sea-View-010-121832-Hybris
On request room types:

The following room categories are also available, please call us to book.

  • Premium Sea View Room with Private Pool (Max 3 adults)
  • Executive Suite Sea View with Private Pool (Max 3 adults)
  • Two Bedroom Interconnected Sea View Room with Private Pool (Max 5 adults)
  • Two Bedroom Family Retreat Room Sea View with Private Pool (Max 5 adults)
  • Duplex Two Bedroom Sea View Suite with Private Pool (Max 6 adults)
  • Two Bedroom Grand Suite Sea View with Private Pool (Max 4 adults)

Facilities

Early Booking Discount

Summer 2025

Save up to 20% discount on the hotel price for holidays between 15 April - 31 October 2025.

Valid when booked by 31 January 2025.

Tripadvisor logo
Tripadvisor rating Based on 318 traveller reviews
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
Rating image   277
Very Good
Rating image   22
Average
Rating image   14
Poor
Rating image   2
Terrible
Rating image   3
What to expect
Location
Tripadvisor rating
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor rating
Rooms
Tripadvisor rating
Service
Tripadvisor rating
Value
Tripadvisor rating
Cleanliness
Tripadvisor rating
Reviews
“

Amazing view

K827EOmichelles, London, United Kingdom

Tripadvisor review Oct 26 2024
Stayed at the CAYO last week you will not be disappointed, the views are amazing the hotel is built into hill side rooms are comfortable and offer all amenities you would expect for a 5 star. I...
View full review
“

Heaven!

latchy9, Ayr, United Kingdom

Tripadvisor review Oct 24 2024
Truly outstanding hotel. Wonderful staff, immaculately clean rooms, great a/c, stunning cocktails and a relaxed vibe. The attention to detail was evident everywhere from the shuttle down to Plaka...
View full review
View more reviews
Call us on 01293 762400
Book Online
Request A Quote
Feefo review image

What our guests think

We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it. 
Don't just take our word for it, though - see what our customers have said about their Sovereign experience..

Read guests reviews...