Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in Elounda

This is a beautiful resort run by a fanatic, friendly team of people. It really is stunning. The locations also brilliant. A gentle 5 minute walk down the hill to Plaka Beach. Full of lovely little places to eat and drink. Would really love to return but there were a couple of things that put us off, and I don’t think there’s much that can be done to resolve sadly. Firstly it is very windy on this part of the coast, and sadly as a shade lover, this made it difficult as the shades by the pool are very heavy and not able to move, and by your own private pool, there’s no moveable shade - and the shade screens they have beautifully built do not give full shade. Secondly think it’s also due to this wind that the pools are very cold. I actually don’t mind a cool pool, but during our stay there were a few days where I just couldn’t face going in. And the little pool at the villa was even colder. You can pay to heat it but the daily cost is high (which I know ties in with the sustainability objectives - so totally understandable). So it’s a real shame but for this traveller who needs shade, probably not able to return. Which genuinely makes me sad as it really is a super place!

Location in is amazing set in the hills so the views are incredible, we booked a room with pool, but point to note £60euros per day to heat it, which was a bit disappointing, however the room was large and very comfortable, the bedroom is separated by a partition so there is a lot of lights at night from security lights. The staff are wonderful nothing to much trouble, we stayed half board this is buffet style but top quality food, no completes at all. There is a free shuttle service to a private section of the beach which is pebble but it us decked and really comfy bed and full bar service.

Cayo was just perfect. The staff so friendly and welcoming and not intrusive. Our room was amazing and watching sunrise was incredible. I had the BEST head, neck, shoulder and back massage with Eleni, she has magical fingers!!! Thank you ☺️

Well, what can I say about this beautiful hotel. It's my 2nd time to visit this year, first time with my husband and kids and second time with my mum and we were welcomed back like family. The views from this beautiful hotel are only matched by the warmth of the staff. Don't be fooled by the calm, laid-back atmosphere. This hotel runs like clockwork. Breakfast is a highlight with beautiful food and warm staff, a special thank you to Margarita for her kindness to myself and my mum each morning. Thank you too to all the staff, but special mentions for Saimira in housekeeping, Dana in reception and our darling Mythos, who is more than just a wonderful employee, she's a wonderful person. We will all definitely return at least once next year, but hopefully twice!!!

This is a stunning destination with incredible views. The overall design of the hotel is beautifully done – classy, modern furnishings and attention to detail throughout, from bedrooms to poolside bars, restaurants, gym and yoga suite. The yoga studio’s outdoor deck is especially impressive. Staff & Service The staff were superb – genuinely warm, friendly and helpful almost without exception. Special mention to the bartender at Avra, who made excellent cocktails and clearly knew her craft. Food & Drink Cocktails and local wine were excellent, but a word of caution: “Happy Hour” timings are unclear, and at €14 a cocktail it’s worth double-checking. Breakfast was largely brilliant – fresh fruit, yoghurt, and good pastries. Omelettes were fine, but the Eggs Benedict were disappointing. The hot buffet didn’t tempt us, so can’t comment there. The queue for the fresh orange juice machine was a daily frustration – a second machine would really help. We had booked half board and wished we hadn’t, flexibility would have been better. The buffet was plentiful, with lots of fresh salads and desserts, but hot dishes were sometimes lukewarm and menu planning felt inconsistent. That said, we still enjoyed most meals. Kelari, the à la carte restaurant, was by far the best dining experience – superb food, though the €20 half-board allowance doesn’t go far. The evening buffet was €45 per person, per night if we hadn’t booked half board. Rooms Our room was immaculate. Housekeeping was very friendly, if occasionally over-zealous – “Do Not Disturb” signs only bought temporary peace. Towels were changed daily, sometimes twice, which felt excessive compared to most eco policies. Dressing gowns were a little rough for a hotel of this level. The bathroom was excellent with a great shower and double sink, though a wardrobe light would be useful (and yes, the toilet echoes!) Coffee, tea and water bottles were generously refreshed, with plenty of Nespresso pods on request. Wi-Fi was okay, but not amazing. Setting up a Fire Stick on the TV was a struggle and staff couldn’t help; limited built-in streaming. We were upgraded to a Superior room with a private pool, which was a real highlight. The downside was being directly above the main hotel air-con units, meaning constant low level background noise on the balcony (but not in the room itself)– rooms 106-109 (and those directly above) are best avoided. Also, the bright fire exit sign in the room could disturb light sleepers. The beach bar and included sunbeds are a fantastic touch. The hotel felt peaceful and relaxing despite being full. The village is only a short stroll away – a handful of decent restaurants, but limited variety. Buses are cheap (€2–2.15 to Elounda/Agios Nikolaos) and taxis reasonable (€10–25). Car hire at the hotel is pricey (€110+ per day, albeit with free EV charging), but we arranged one locally for €35/day delivered to the hotel. Overall, this is a very good hotel with fabulous staff, beauti

This was our second visit and we were glad we made the decision to return. We stayed in an executive room which was spotlessly clean. The room was very comfortable, with plenty of space. Apart from sleeping, we spent most of the time outside on our balcony/patio area and making use of the brilliant infinity pool. The views from the rooms and from the hotel in general are incredible, and if you are looking to swtich off, and relax, this is the place to be. We had breakfast included. The choice at the buffet is incredible and you can also order eggs from a menu, these are cooked by the kitchen and brought to your table. We also had lunch in the Sage and Thyme restaurant 4 or 5 times, which is in a fantastic position by the pool. The quality of the food is excellent at Sage and Thyme, but the restaurants in Plaka are a good alternative if you're looking to get out of the hotel for an hour. A special mention for Margarita, who looked after us at breakfast and lunchtime. Her warm welcome and attention to detail helped make our holiday a special experience. In general the staff do a fantastic job. We ate out in the evening in Plaka and Elounda. The taxi to Elound is 11 Euros. We often returned to the hotel to enjoy the Veranda bar. It was quite quiet on some nights, but the music choice was good, and the seating area consists of big comfy sofas and chairs, and with Spinalonga a short distance away, it felt very exclsuive. We had a few issues during our stay, which were quickly and professionally handled to our satisfaction, and the guest relations and reception team did all they could to put things right as quickly as possible. We will be back for sure.

We had two wonderful weeks in this amazing place . If you are seeking tranquility, peace , luxury , excellent service , very good food. fabulous views , wonderful staff across the board , private pool rooms then Cayo is the place to be . We cannot praise this wonderful hotel enough ! Having stayed in several hotels in the area with private pool rooms and 5 stars we can say the staff at Cayo resort made our holiday extra special . They went above and beyond . Thank you all so much . We plan to return next September!

Modern , beautiful hotel in the hills of Plaka. Hotel and rooms , spotlessly clean. Lovely rooms , I think all with a pool . Beautiful bedding , changed regularly and towels changed twice a day . I really enjoyed the buffet food. A different menu every night . The only fault I can find is that the food could have been hotter. But I have found this in many European restaurants. All the staff were so friendly, nothing was too much trouble for them . The village of Plaka is a delight . Small with lovely restaurants, bars and shops . It’s within walking distance, although the hotel will shuttle you up and down with no problem. Would love to go back again.

What can I say! Cayo Resort blew us away! From our stunning suite with infinity pool with Spinalonga views to the gorgeous minimalist decor in muted tones throughout! All just beautiful! And of course the staff and service could not be faulted! A wonderful 4 night mini break in Crete! Would highly recommend Cayo resort!

This hotel is an amazing place, I can’t be more positive about it if I tried. The rooms the food the restaurants the service the facilities the hotel grounds. It’s beautiful peaceful, tranquil, picturesque. An absolute gem of a place we have been twice now and this time was just as good as the last if not better. Will definitely be coming back here again and again cannot fault it, thank you Cayo and all those who put their heart and soul into making it run as good as it does!