Need to know
Rooms
204, including 19 suites.
Check–Out
11am; check-in 3pm, but both are flexible, subject to availability.
More details
Rates include a buffet of cereals, fresh fruit, local delicacies, hearty hot dishes and a Greek coffee station.
Also
Sign up for cooking lessons and you’ll pick your own vegetables from the kitchen garden before learning local recipes with the executive chef.
Hotel closed
Phāea Cretan Malia is usually closed for winter, from around November to April.
At the hotel
Gym, free WiFi, tennis court, e-bikes, basketball court, bikes to rent. In rooms: TV, minibar, tea and coffee, bath products made with organic Greek olive oil.
Our favourite rooms
Go for a sea-facing stay – upstairs rooms have views of the Mediterranean, and downstairs rooms open onto a private terrace. Either way, you can fling open the doors and let the sea breeze flow in.
Poolside
The river-style main pool flows through the lush gardens, with several lagoons and shallow child-friendly sections. There’s also a large heated outdoor pool flanked by sunloungers and parasols.
Spa
Local sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil are used in a range of holistic treatments at the Cute Spa, including the aromatherapy massage for two. There are indoor treatment rooms, but go for an open-air room among the pines – lungfuls of sea breeze are always good for body and mind. Prolong your zen with the hotel's wellness programme, which includes everything from yoga, pilates, calisthenics workouts and meditation to book reading sessions, kneading, photography and cooking.
Packing tips
Bring your well-thumbed copy of Zorba the Greek, the Cretan classic by Nikos Kazantzakis. Just don’t start humming the infuriatingly catchy theme tune by the pool.
Also
All common areas have ramps for easy wheelchair access. Some rooms are adapted for wheelchair users.
Children
Extra beds and cots can be added to suites and bungalows. Cots are free for under-twos while extra beds for children aged over two are available from €56 a night on a bed and breakfast rate. Interconnecting rooms are €60 a night, subject to availability.
Best for
Babies and up.
Recommended rooms
Handily, each suite has sliding doors to separate the bedroom from the living room, where the children will be sleeping. Choose a room on the ground floor and you’ll have a grassy patch to play on. For larger families, there are interconnecting rooms.
Activities
The kids club – for little Smiths aged 4–12 – runs morning (10.30am–12.30pm) and afternoons (3.30pm–5.30pm) sessions, six days a week. Activities change daily, but include baking, gardening, drama and plenty of pool time. There’s also the Place, a youth area with hammocks, games and an outdoor cinema.
Swimming pool
It’s a water wonderland for little ‘uns, with plenty of shallow sections, entry and exit points, as well as islands and bridges for intrepid swimmers to explore.
Meals
Mediterraneo has a dedicated children’s corner at the buffet, and Almyra has a junior menu; children are welcome at Mouries too. Highchairs are provided.
Babysitting
It’s €10 an hour, for a minimum of two hours. Book at least two days in advance.
No need to pack
Pens, pencils, paints or paper.
Also
For a small fee, the resort offers a Baby Package that includes buggy rental, changing mats, baby beds, bottle sterilisers and more.
Sustainability efforts
Sustainability is a core value here – bathroom products are eco friendly, water is recycled for the gardens and solar power provides 80 per cent of the electricity. The hotel has won several awards for its efforts, including Blue Flag certification for its private beach.