Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
Rooms and suites with private pools for indulgent privacy Signature menus curated by Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou Just 250m from the beach via the resort’s hillside setting Elevated setting with spectacular views over Spinalonga Island Certified Sustainable Hotel built with eco-conscious design Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Perched on a sun-drenched hillside above Elounda Bay, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is a contemporary 5-star hideaway with cinematic views across to storied Spinalonga Island. Think discreet layers of stone-and-glass architecture cascading down towards the sea, design-forward suites with private pools, and destination dining curated by Greek Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou – all underpinned by strong eco-credentials as a Certified Sustainable Hotel.
Gallery
16 photos
Map & location
Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa sits on the serene hillside above the bay near Plaka and Elounda, on Crete’s sought-after north-eastern coast. The terraced design maximises those uninterrupted views across the cobalt Aegean to legendary Spinalonga Island, while keeping you within strolling distance of the waterfront.
Walk around 250m down towards the beach for a swim in the sea or a stroll along the shoreline, or head 450m to nearby shops and tavernas. Elounda’s resort centre, with its harbour, cafés and low-key nightlife, is about 5.5km away – close enough for dinner out, far enough to preserve the tranquil, exclusive feel back at the hotel.
- Beach 250m
- shops & restaurants 450m
- Elounda resort centre 5.5km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 2 hours 45 minutes from Heraklion (HER)
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
The resort is tiered around three sparkling outdoor freshwater pools, each framed by wide sunbathing terraces lined with sunbeds, parasols and in some spots hammocks or Balinese beds. One pool is heated in season (typically 09 May–31 Oct), taking the edge off early- or late-summer dips, while another has nearby baby-changing facilities, making life easier for families. Pool towels are complimentary, and inflatables are generally permitted.
For a change of scene, an adults-only indoor freshwater pool forms the calm heart of the spa – perfect for a quiet swim away from the Cretan sun. Down by the waterfront, you’ll find a beach area around 250m from the hotel, with crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Independent operators on the shore offer extra watersports such as pedalos, motorised sports, giant inflatables and diving (ages and charges apply).
Spa, sports & wellness
Wellness is a real highlight at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. The sleek spa (minimum age usually 15 years) features a serene indoor pool, sauna and steam room, alongside a menu of massages, facials and body treatments that blend contemporary techniques with Mediterranean ingredients (all at extra charge).
Active guests can work out in the fully air-conditioned gym, equipped with cardio machines, free weights and a stretching zone (minimum age 18 years; typically open 07:00–23:00 in season). By the sea, independent operators offer snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of watersports for guests aged 15 and over (charges apply).
Families benefit from a children’s playground with swings, slides and shaded areas, and most restaurants offer kids’ menus and highchairs. Evening entertainment is low-key and sophisticated, with regular live music, in-house and professional shows from June through to late October, easing from frequent to occasional as the season winds down.
Around the resort you’ll find a 24-hour reception and concierge, luggage storage and practical touches such as wheelchair hire (on request, local charge). As a Certified Sustainable Hotel, Cayo’s architecture and operations are designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising guest comfort.
Activities
? Air-conditioned gym with cardio, weights & stretching zone (18+)
? Watersports from external providers: pedalos, motorised watersports, giant inflatables, snorkelling & scuba diving (15+, extra charge)
? Regular evening entertainment in summer – live music, in-house and professional shows (June–September, occasional in October)
? Day trips to Spinalonga Island and Elounda (bookable locally)
??? Family time around multi-level pools and playground
? Relaxed wellness atmosphere with spa rituals and indoor pool
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception and concierge assistance
? Luggage storage for early arrivals/late departures
♿ Wheelchair hire on request (local charge)
? Highchairs and kids’ menus in key restaurants
? Spa reception for treatments, sauna & steam room bookings (charges apply, 15+)
? Daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes
? Complimentary Wi‑Fi across rooms and public areas
? Local taxi and excursion arrangements through concierge
Food & drink
Cayo takes its culinary credentials seriously. At the heart of the resort, Ambrosia Main Restaurant lays on refined buffet spreads for breakfast and dinner, with show-cooking and a focus on fresh Cretan ingredients. For elevated evenings, Kelari Gourmet Restaurant – guided by celebrated Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou – delivers creative Greek cuisine with modern twists and fine wine pairings.
Sage & Thyme serves à la carte Greek dishes, casual lunches and snacks by the pool, while Stone Beach by Cayo brings the resort’s flavour to the water’s edge with relaxed meze, salads and seafood. Three stylish bars – a champagne-forward lobby bar and two pool bars – keep expertly mixed drinks, local wines and chilled coffees flowing from morning until late.
Smart dress codes may apply in some venues (for example, no beachwear and long trousers for gentlemen in the gourmet restaurant). Reservations may be required, menus rotate seasonally and supplements can vary depending on your chosen board basis. Information is based on the previous season and is subject to change. What All Inclusive typically includes.
Rooms
Duplex Family Room with Private Pool and Basement Pool Level Sea View Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps 2–4. Ideal for families seeking space and privacy, these duplex units span two levels with two shower bathrooms and a private pool with sunbeds. Facilities mirror the Executive Suites – flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee-making facilities, minibar (charge), bathrobes, slippers, pillow menu and turndown service – plus daily cleaning and seasonal air conditioning.
Superior Family Room with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Stylish family-friendly rooms with a private pool and sun loungers on a terrace or balcony, plus sea views over the bay. Amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee machine and kettle, minibar (charge), shower bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and daily housekeeping.
Superior Room with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2
Sleeps 2. Romantic for couples, these contemporary rooms pair a comfortable double bed with a private pool, sunbeds and sea-view terrace. Inside you’ll find a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, coffee facilities, safe, minibar (charge), shower bathroom, robes, slippers, pillow menu, turndown service and seasonal air conditioning.
Executive Room with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. A touch more space than the Superior category, with similar premium amenities and that coveted private pool with sea view. Great for longer stays or guests who like a little extra lounging room.
Superior Room with Sea View Sleeps 2
Sleeps 2. For guests who don’t need a private pool, these elegant sea-view rooms deliver the same high-end comforts: balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee-making facilities, minibar (charge), robes, slippers, pillow menu, turndown service, shower bathroom and seasonal air conditioning.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Elounda sits on Crete’s tranquil north-east coast, about 4.5 hours’ flight from the UK to Heraklion (HER). The resort is known for its sheltered bay, soft-sand and pebble beaches, and excursions to atmospheric Spinalonga Island – a former Venetian fortress and leper colony.
Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas).
Currency: Euro (€).
Time difference: GMT +2 hours.
Local price guide (approximate): a local beer from around £4.20, and a three-course meal for two from about £42.
Hotel information, facilities and opening dates are based on the previous season and can change depending on occupancy, weather or local regulations. Some services and activities incur an extra charge and age restrictions may apply. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.
Prices & book
Find your dates
Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.