Crete, GreecePanormos
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton
Terraced seaside showpiece
Panormos Crete, Greece
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
HiltonTerraced seaside showpiece
A hillside amphitheater cascading toward the sea, where an open-air funicular links tiered terraces, communal saltwater pools, and sunken daybeds.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Tiered hillside grounds feature four communal pools, seventy-four private plunge pools, an aqua park, and funicular transport.
Notable
Earthy stone terraces and minimalist suites feature bespoke joinery by local boatbuilders and handwoven Cretan textiles.
Notable
Pure Senses Spa features a traditional Greek hammam, herbal thalassotherapy, and wellness therapies infused with native Cretan botanicals.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The bright blue views overlooking the sea of Crete are a stop-and-stare asset and made a purposeful feature throughout.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set on the northern coast above Panormos, the resort looks out over the Cretan Sea, twenty minutes east of historic Rethymno.
The rooms
Woodwork crafted by local boatbuilders complements handwoven textiles, with private terraces facing the Aegean and selected suites adding rock-carved pools.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Four communal freshwater and seawater pools cascade down the hillside terraces, joined by a heated pool inside the spa.
The spa & gym
At the table
Terraces host charcoal-grilled meats and Cretan fine dining. At the bars, cocktails come infused with local herbs and raki.
How it began
Local brothers Zacharias, Kostas, and Manolis Troulis envisioned a modern amphitheater honoring their island roots with architecture cut into the hillside.
Good to know
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The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton
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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.