Minos Beach Art Hotel
Perfect for honeymoons and special occasions Private seafront terraces and bathing platforms into the Aegean Rejuvenating spa with sauna, massages and beauty rituals Range of dining including refined Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting GSTC-recognised standards Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Nestled on a pine-fringed peninsula just outside Aghios Nikolaos, Minos Beach Art Hotel is one of Crete’s most characterful luxury retreats. Think whitewashed bungalows along the water’s edge, private pools that melt into Mirabello Bay, and an open-air gallery of contemporary Greek and international artworks woven through the gardens. Add in thoughtful Cretan gastronomy and a serene spa and you have a hotel that feels more like a design-led seaside village than a resort.
Gallery
22 photos
Map & location
Aghios Nikolaos, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Minos Beach Art Hotel occupies a privileged seafront position on the outskirts of Aghios Nikolaos, overlooking Mirabello Bay on Crete’s northeast coast. Low-rise bungalows and gardens are spread along a series of rocky coves and platforms with ladders into the sea, so you’re never far from the water.
Stroll just 200m to local shops, cafés and relaxed tavernas, or wander 1.4km into the centre of Aghios Nikolaos for lakefront dining around atmospheric Lake Voulismeni, boutique shopping and harbour-front people-watching. It’s a fantastic base for exploring Elounda, Spinalonga and Crete’s mountain villages, yet still feels like a quiet coastal hideaway when you return.
- shops, bars & restaurants 200m
- Aghios Nikolaos centre & Lake Voulismeni 1.4km
- marina / harbour 1.5km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 1 Hour
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
The heart of the hotel is its outdoor freshwater pool, framed by sunbathing terraces, sunbeds and chic Balinese beds (seasonal opening, typically late April to early November). It’s a peaceful space to linger with a book and a cocktail.
Beyond the pool, the real star is the seafront setting:
– Multiple sunbathing platforms with loungers set right by the water
– Ladders down into the clear Aegean for refreshing dips
– Small coves and rocky inlets ideal for snorkelling
You’ll find a relaxed, grown-up beach-club feel along the waterfront, with Pure Lounge Bar on hand for drinks and light bites between swims.
Spa, sports & wellness
Spa & Wellness
Unwind at the serene spa, where a sauna, massages and targeted beauty treatments offer deep relaxation (18+, charges apply; usually open 10:00–18:00).
Fitness & Sports
– Air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and fixed strength equipment (16+; typically 07:00–20:00, seasonal)
– Tennis court (extra charge for equipment or floodlights)
Water Sports (external provider; charges apply)
– Canoeing and pedalos – a gentle way to explore the bay
– Snorkelling and scuba diving to discover Crete’s underwater world
– Selected motorised water sports for an adrenaline hit
Minimum age usually 12 years; availability is seasonal and weather dependent.
Other Facilities
– Reception and concierge for restaurant reservations, local tips and excursions
– Luggage storage for smooth arrivals and departures
– English-language newspapers available (charge)
The entire property is dotted with contemporary art installations, so simply wandering the paths between bungalows, sculptures and the sea becomes an experience in itself.
Activities
? Stroll the open-air art collection and sculpture park
? Sea swimming from private sun decks and ladders
? Canoeing, pedalos & snorkelling (external provider, seasonal)
? Scuba diving & selected motorised water sports (extra charge)
? Tennis (equipment or floodlights may be chargeable)
? Gentle wellness vibe with yoga-style stretching occasionally offered seasonally (programme varies)
Guest services
?️ Reception & concierge for restaurant bookings and excursions
? Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
? English newspapers available (local charge)
? Spa with sauna, massages and beauty treatments (18+, extra charge)
??? Highchairs and kids’ menus in selected restaurants
? Certified Sustainable Hotel – independently audited to a GSTC-recognised standard
? Complimentary Wi‑Fi in communal areas and rooms
Food & drink
Dining at Minos Beach Art Hotel is a real highlight, with a focus on local Cretan ingredients and refined seaside settings:
Bacchus Main Restaurant
Buffet restaurant serving international, Greek and local dishes for breakfast and dinner, with live show cooking. Highchairs and kids’ menus are available, making it easy for families. Smart dress is requested (no beachwear; long trousers for gentlemen at dinner).
La Bouillabaisse Restaurant
Signature à la carte restaurant right on the beach, open for elegant dinners showcasing Mediterranean, Greek and creative local cuisine. Perfect for romantic evenings over the water (seasonal; weather and occupancy dependent).
La Cave
Intimate adults-only à la carte spot focusing on Greek and local flavours, ideal for wine-paired dinners and long, leisurely meals by the sea (seasonal).
Terpsis Cretan Restaurant
Roof-terrace venue offering buffet and à la carte Cretan specialities at lunch, with kids’ menus and highchairs available.
Bars
– Adeste Traditional Kafenion in the gardens for Greek coffee, meze and a laid-back village feel
– Dionyssos Cocktail Bar for signature cocktails into the evening
– Ibiscus Pool Bar for daytime refreshments and snacks by the pool
– Pure Lounge Bar on the beach for chilled drinks between sea dips
Opening dates, times, reservation requirements and any supplements vary by season and board basis; always check in resort for the latest details.
Rooms
Nature Junior Suite
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Stylish open-plan or semi-separated suite with an emphasis on natural materials and garden views. Features a balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, turndown service and a bathroom with shower. Ideal for couples wanting more space or small families.
Bungalow Seafront
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 2
Ground-floor bungalows located two rows from the water’s edge. Layouts include a bedroom with dressing corner and patio doors leading to a terrace. Facilities: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer and bathroom with bath or shower. Daily cleaning with linen and towel changes.
Two Bedroom Maisonette with Private Pool
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 4
Perfect for friends or families seeking privacy, these maisonettes span two levels and feature their own private swimming pool with sunbeds. Amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, pillow menu, turndown service, two bathrooms (bath or shower) and a furnished balcony or terrace.
Superior Bungalow Waterfront with Reserved Sunbeds
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Ground-floor waterfront bungalows, some with separate living room, others open plan. Each opens onto a terrace on the water’s edge with specially reserved sunbeds and parasols. Facilities: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, sunbeds, bathroom with shower, plus daily cleaning (linen and towels on request).
Superior Bungalow Seafront with Private Pool
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Prime seafront bungalows on the ground floor, with an open-plan bedroom and living area, dressing space and patio doors to a terrace featuring a private pool (approx. 3.5m x 7.5m) and sunbeds. Amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities and a bathroom with bath or shower.
Waterfront Bungalow with Reserved Sunbeds
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 2
Open-plan bungalows right on the water’s edge, with a bedroom, dressing corner and patio doors to a waterfront terrace plus reserved sunbeds and parasols. Features flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, sunbeds and bathroom with shower.
Superior Bungalow Seafront
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Ground-floor, open-plan bungalows combining bedroom and sitting area, leading to a sea-view terrace. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities and bathroom with bath or shower. Daily cleaning; linen and towels changed on request.
Nature Superior Bungalow
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Ground-floor bungalows designed with natural materials and earthy tones. Amenities: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, turndown service and bathroom with shower.
Bungalow Seafront for Sole Use
Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 1 (+ infant)
Ground-floor seafront bungalows perfect for solo travellers wanting direct sea proximity. Facilities mirror the Bungalow Seafront, with flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer and bathroom with bath or shower.
Nature Superior Bungalow with Private Garden
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Ground-floor bungalows featuring a private garden with terrace, ideal for extra outdoor space and privacy. Inside you’ll find flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities and a shower bathroom.
Superior Beachfront Bungalow
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Ground-floor beachfront bungalows with terrace just steps from the water, blending beach-house style with hotel comforts. Amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, air conditioning, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities and bathroom with shower.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Good to know
– Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
– Currency: Euro (€)
– Time difference: GMT +2 hours (approx.)
– Average UK–Crete flight time: around 4–4.5 hours
– Resort transfer: approx. 1 hour from Heraklion Airport (HER)
Aghios Nikolaos itself is centred around Lake Voulismeni, with a tangle of lanes filled with cafés, tavernas and small boutiques. The marina and nearby beaches make it easy to mix lazy days with boat trips to Spinalonga or coastal drives to Elounda.
Hotel details and facilities are based on information supplied to us and may change seasonally or without notice; some services and facilities may incur local charges. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.
Prices & book
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Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.