Crete, GreeceVathi
Daios Cove
Modernist amphitheater resort
Modernist amphitheater resort
Local stone pavilions step down the cliffside to a private cove, linked by funiculars running from reception to the beach.
“Colors are calm and muted with lots of natural wood and stone with bathrooms in marble and offering a separate shower and tub.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Private sandy cove with water skiing, catamaran sailing, and private plunge pools.
Notable
Modernist stone buildings stepping down sea cliffs around a petrol-green marble pool.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
A sprawling modernist complex carved into the hillside above a secluded bay on the island of Crete may seem like the sort of place a Bond villain hides out.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The harbor town of Agios Nikolaos is a fifteen-minute drive away, though rocky headlands keep the cove completely secluded.
The rooms
Every room looks out toward the water, and more than half come with private seawater plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 60-meter heated seawater pool stretches across the terrace, looking straight out over the bay.
The spa
Canopied daybeds border the indoor vitality pool, which sits beside Finnish saunas and a eucalyptus steam room.
The gym
The indoor gym opens through sliding glass doors onto an outdoor training deck fitted with Rogue gear.
Bar
Crystal Box
This glass lounge looks out over the bay from the upper level, serving cocktails created with Athens bar The Clumsies.
At the table
The Ocean serves Mediterranean seafood developed with Ducasse Conseil, and The Beach House sets tables right on the sand.
How it began
The Daios family began building in 2006, terracing the 100-acre private bay into a natural amphitheater of local stone.
Crete
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.