Phāea Blue Palace unveils luxurious redesign on Crete’s idyllic shores

Refreshed by local designers, the reopening of Phāea Blue Palace could mark a new era of conscious luxury in Crete’s hospitality scene

The iconic Blue Palace hotel in Elounda, Crete, now under the Phāea brand, has reopened with a refreshed design and a renewed focus on intimate, personalised experiences.

Rebranded as Phāea Blue Palace, the property features 47 bungalows with stunning views of the Aegean Sea’s crystal blue waters and suites, reflecting Phāea’s commitment to conscious luxury and a deep connection to Crete’s heritage.

Phāea Blue Palace’s new design is influenced by local designers and artists’ relaxed yet refined island aesthetic. Rooms feature earthy tones, eclectic artwork, local craftsmanship, and designer furnishings, including iconic Klismos chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings.

A highlight is the Phāea Blue Villa, a secluded three-bedroom suite with a large, private heated pool with sea views, spacious indoor areas, an indoor gym, and an outdoor patio with private dining and lounge area. New for 2024, the villa offers a private chef and butler service to cater to guests’ every need.

Genuinely immersive experiences connect guests with Crete’s authentic essence. Phāea Blue Palace’s concierge team help guests discover the island’s hidden gems, creating personalised travel experiences that reflect Phāea’s values of kindness, generosity, and sustainability, including:

Phāea Farmers’ Feast

Phāea Farmers’ Feast is a farm-to-table experience in the hotel’s organic garden. Guests can join the Executive Chef and a Phāea Farmer to hand-pick fresh ingredients and learn about sustainable farming practices. The experience culminates in a communal feast under the stars, featuring freshly cooked food and local organic wines.

Traditional Caique Excursions

Guests can explore the island’s coastline aboard a traditional Greek fishing boat. The cruise around the Mirabello Gulf includes visits to secluded beaches and the historic isle of Spinalonga and tasting Cretan wine varieties paired with local cheeses and salads. Guests can also enjoy a private BBQ lunch on Kolokytha beach overlooking the Aegean.

The hotel is run by sisters and co-CEOs Agapi and Costantza Sbokos, who also own the nearby resort Malia Park. As second-generation hoteliers, the sisters have grown up with hotels and hospitality in their blood. Their father, Yannis Sbokos, bought the land where Blue Palace lies in the 1970s. In 2017, the sisters took over the Group’s leadership, rebranding as Phāea in 2019.

Honouring their heritage, Agapi and Costantza’s goal is to redefine luxury through a sustainable lens, honouring their heritage while leading the family business into a new era.

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