Crete, GreecePanormo
The Royal Blue Resort
Cretan stone village
Panormo Crete, Greece
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
Troulis Royal CollectionCretan stone village
The resort runs like a self-contained island hamlet, where stone houses wind down hillside paths to a private bay.
“The Royal Blue is set up to resemble a Cretan village, with a series of honey-hued stone buildings lined with colorful flower beds.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Set on a spectacular stretch of Cretan beachfront, the Royal Blue Resort lives up to both of the adjectives in its name.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Panormo village sits just along the shore, midway between the historic port towns of Rethymno and Heraklion.
1 of 4
The rooms
Rooms have pale stonework and earth tones. Select waterfront suites open onto private terraces with plunge pools.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers sit on submerged decks in the outdoor pool. Inside, mosaic pillars line a quiet pool under mirrored ceilings.
The spa
Outdoor massages take place under sheer white cabanas right beside the sea, and treatments draw on ancient Greek rituals.
The outdoor gym
A slatted timber pergola shades stationary bikes and weights for open-air workouts overlooking the grounds.
At the table
Elia bakes fresh pizzas in an open wood-fired oven, and seaside pergolas set tables under woven lanterns.
How it began
Cretan hotelier Georgios Troulis founded the property in 2009, and his three sons manage the coastal estate today.
Crete
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Creta Palace, A Resort to Live®
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Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort
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Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels
“Sculpted Cretan beach cove”
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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.