Creta Maris Resort, a member of Metaxa Hospitality Group, has announced the launch of a five-year refurbishment and redevelopment plan.

Launching this November, the first phase of the project is the unveiling of Creta Maris’s new visual identity and repositioning. In the lead up to the seasonal reopening at the end of April 2023, the property will complete a refurbishment of the entrance and reception area to enhance and elevate the space with a new colour palate of pastel shades and warm neutral tones. A new lobby lounge will also be added to create a welcoming arrival experience aligned with the resort’s authentic Cretan hospitality.

Two of the hotel’s pools – located adjacent to the Blue Flag Hersonissos Beach – will be refurbished with fresh day beds, while a new pool and grill bar will open near the main pool, serving cocktails and snacks in addition to the two existing pool bars. The beachfront will also be renovated to create an open promenade with views of the Aegean Sea, as well as the addition of new sun loungers.

Creta Maris will be extending its gastronomic offering with the opening of two new seaside restaurants, a Cretan BBQ restaurant – which is an à la carte Cretan interpretation of a classic steakhouse with hand-cut selections of prime meat – and a new à la carte adults-only Cretan seafood restaurant. Situated in a prime location within the resort, the Cretan Seafood Restaurant will offer unobstructed views across the bay and a menu focused on Aegean and Cretan seafood.

Crete Maris Resort in Hersonissos

Two of the resort’s existing restaurants will undergo refurbishments to their design and offering. The main restaurant will feature open show kitchens, live cooking demonstrations and an interactive buffet, offering insight into Cretan flavours and international favourites. The other restaurant will offer a modern Greek cuisine concept with views across the main pool and beach. The resort will also be opening two new bars, the Lounge Bar, which will be adjacent to the lobby and include a large outside terrace overlooking the main pool and beach, and a new sea view adults-only cocktail bar offering a wide selection of Cretan-Greek mezze dishes.

Three new grab & go snack points will be added too, including an ice cream station, a juice bar and a gyros rotisserie for a traditional Greek bite to eat. The new F&B offerings are part of the resort’s re-positioning plan to increase its variety. These new additions will increase the resort’s F&B offering to seven restaurants, ten bars and five snack points.

Rounding out the renovations, a new adults-only Wine Cellar will serve a wide range of local Cretan and Greek wines, as well as recognised European and international labels. A custom-made temperature regulated wine cave will house a curated wine collection and offer a variety of wines by the bottle and the glass, allowing guests to learn more about Greek and Cretan vineyards that are known for their rare local varietals and single varietal wines. Wine tutorials will be offered to guests as well as the opportunity to pair wines with a selection of cheese and charcuterie served on local oiled vine boards.

The family-owned, all-inclusive resort is located next to the seaside town of Hersonissos, close to Crete’s capital, Heraklion. Since its opening in 1975, the property has been known for its combination of Cretan hospitality and regenerative travel philosophy.