Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Let’s start with the positives as I am a glass half full type of person. The rooms are absolutely stunning, clean with great facilities and the view is to die for. We had the superior room with private pool and it’s one of the nicest I have stayed in. The hotel in general is very clean and well kept. The maid service for the bedroom is great, water and amenities always provided and never had to chase for turndown/fresh towels etc. The staff are also lovely. You can tell that some of them are new to the role but they will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is enjoyable, so cannot complain at all in that respect. Now to the negatives. The food. The breakfast is ‘okay’, not a lot of choice but everything they have out is fresh and tasty. The evening buffet at Ambrosia is incredibly disappointing. There is not very much choice at all and every dish we had was cold. Really disappointed as myself and my partner are both ‘foodies’ and we were massively underwhelmed. We were told by the spa manager that there was a lovely relaxing area at the ‘second pool’ with hammocks. So we naturally went down to explore the area and took a seat to enjoy the view on our first day. However, within 5 minutes we were greeted by a member of staff telling us that the pool/seating area and restaurant were not open and we needed to move. Half the hotel is not yet open and they do not inform you of this prior to booking, so just something to be aware of. On a couple of occasions we had to ask the bar staff to bring towels out to the sunbeds around the main pool, so this is another area that could be improved. Myself and my partner both opted to use the spa, which is beautifully decorated. However, the Hammam steam room smelt very strongly of damp, which was not pleasant. We also found that the waiting area/noise from the main area of the hotel travelled through to the relaxation space at times. We both had the Cretan massage which was lovely. Final thing I would say, is if you are looking for somewhere to relax but with options of things to do, this hotel is not the one for you. It is relatively isolated and is lacking a beach, tennis court etc to give you little activities to occupy your time. Overall it was a nice stay, however, we would not return.

Just returned from a week of sun at the Cayo Resort. We opted for the Bed & Breakfast option as the local restaurants within walking distance (or reached by the courtesy shuttle bus) were all of high quality and provided excellent Cretan food. Breakfasts at the hotel were “ok”. Lots of choice, but no “standout” dishes amongst the buffet. Staff at the Cayo Resort were excellent and could not have done enough to deliver a relaxing stay. The accommodation is first class and the private pool and the views from it are amazing. Highly recommended.

Words cannot describe our visit to Cayo Resort and Spa. The price we paid in early June was way under $200 a night. We were upgraded to a 2 story villa so we had 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, our own pool and the most amazing view of the Mediterranean and Spinalonga Island. Included in our deal was the most incredible breakfast buffet —the best I have ever experienced. From the moment we arrived we were treated like royalty. I want to return to Crete just to enjoy this resort. Additionally, Elounda is yet undiscovered. Very few tourists but right below the resort is a tiny town with boutique shops and field with goats with bells around their necks. The resort has its own part of the beach and a beach/bar right there. This is the best place we have stayed in our 30+ years of traveling. Can’t wait to go back someday. Thank you, Cayo Resort.

My partner and I felt €1700 for 4 nights B&B here was extortionate for what we actually got. We have stayed in many 5 star hotels in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos for much less and they have been far better. Pros: Beautiful location Direct view of Spinalonga Nice clean pools - plenty of sun-beds available (due to low occupancy) Excellent airport transfer service arranged by hotel - chargeable. Complimentary hotel shuttle service up and down the steep hill to/from Plaka a Godsend. Very courteous efficient drivers. Lovely hotel staff keen to please (but many new to hospitality) Cons: This hotel isn’t Adult only. Not much of a vibe/atmosphere due to very low occupancy/empty bars in the evenings. Pool bar far too close to sunbeds/top pool - meaning noise from staff chatting and handling cutlery. Crockery and glasses prevented people relaxing/reading a book in peace. Superior Rooms very standard in appearance Bed and pillows hard. Continental quilts ridiculous in the heat of June - no alternative bedspread available. Private pools constantly attract insects and leaves (because of setting) Breakfast although looked attractive, lacked taste and was more 4 star than 5. White plastic ‘glasses’ with sharp drinking edges provided for the Prosecco. Bath towels too small.

Cayo is a beautiful resort appointed into the cliffside with incredible ocean views. We enjoyed our stay in a newly constructed wing with a private pool. It feels like a standard hotel room with modern design, but the indoor/outdoor flow is what this property is all about. The beds were very comfortable and we appreciated the complimentary coffee and waters daily. In addition to your private pool, the resort also has 3 other pools and 2 pool bars. The daily breakfast buffet has really great variety but taste is lacking in many of the hot dishes (it serves its purpose, though). There is a free hotel shuttle that takes you up and down the hill to the Plaka Village and the Cayo Beach Club. The beach club is free for guests and you receive an umbrella, 2 loungers, towels, pool shower and lockers (amazing value)- get there early AM to insure a spot. The front desk staff goes above and beyond and is very accommodating. I will say that the service at the buffet restaurant, pool bars and restaurants are very slow (not Greek island slow; like not customer focused slow). Overall however, we enjoyed our 4 days here and appreciated the remote serenity of the location, and the ease to obtain transit over to Spinalogna Island for the historic tour, Elounda for shopping and eating, and Agios Nikolaos which is the busier city area.

Amazing hotel with fabulous room and our own pool on balcony. Staff wonderful with special mention for Guest Relations. Location idyllic and sea very close by. Plaka itself charming and unspoilt with lovely restaurants. Could not have asked for better short holiday of 5 days.

Execllent crew, very helpful, welcoming and nice. Helped us with everything we asked for. Beautiful view and facilities. We definitely recommend to book. Also the spa was execllent! Eva and Kostas were really professional and we really enjoyed the massage.

Just leaving after 7 wonderful days at the Cayo. We were treated as people not just guests, nothing was too much trouble, it was immaculate, and if the aim of a holiday is to return refreshed then the Cayo will do it. Superb staff in a lovely hotel. Would definitely return.

Staff can not do enough for you and are extremely friendly and welcoming. Services are first rate and having their own beach bar with sunbeds is a dream also the shuttle bus particular back up the hill is a welcome treat. Loved the private pools and venicular railway, never got bored riding that. Also loved Plaka, less busy then Elounda & a much better view.