Cayo Resort, Crete
Before reading this review pause for a moment, take a deep breath in, drop your shoulders, relax your jaw and just be for a second. This change of energy is exactly what Cayo did for me. Privately owned, design led and the best food and service I have had in any Greek hotel.
Plaka is a stunning little town in Crete. It has managed to retain its’ authenticity and beauty. Known for Spinalonga, the old leper colony made famous by the book “The Island” by Victoria Hislop. We spend a glorious morning cruising around it learning about the sad history of the place and then back to Cayo’s beach restaurant for an epic lunch to toast society’s medical advances.
The hotel is built over a hillside and they have a funicular to save tired legs after dinner or a day on the beach. This means every room has an amazing view of the bay and most have a private pool. The rooms themselves are simple as it is all about the view.
This hotel is not full of kids or loud buffet meals. It is for those looking for something a little more genteel and adult. If you have a large family with young kids, Domes of Elounda just down the road is perfect.
A total highlight of the trip was a visit to a farm famous for starting the Cretan Diet. We picked our lunch and then the team went to work creating an epic meal. I am not telling you any more as I have several clients booked to go and don’t want to spoil the surprise.
To give you a sense of what makes this place special, we spent three nights there. I can’t put it better than my letter to thank the team as below… this was after 3 nights… imagine a week!
“To the best host in Greece if not the world,
Katerina I don’t know how to begin to thank you for your incredible hospitality, time and utter joy you brought to our visit. Your energy and organisation made it one of the best trips I have been on and this is my 25th year in the industry!
It was brilliant to see the resort, as I have struggled to place it in terms of product before now, but now I get it. More luxurious in terms of service, food, views, feel and yet still so understated in design. I loved it. Your team are a credit to you guys too.
Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Massoura for spending so much time with us. It is very rare for an owner to be that hands on and present so again just wonderful.
I made it back with herbs, wine, cookies and a heart full of happiness.. and that doesn’t run out!
Thank you again and again as I know the work that goes into a trip like this and topped off with more laughter than should be possible in three nights.
See you again soon – If I put it out there it may happen :)”
I am pretty confident you’ll feel the same after staying at Cayo.
