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

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 116 | Blocks: 8 | Floors: 2 | Lifts: 2

Board options: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board

Child age for pricing: up to 11 years

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: approx. 250m
Nearest shops & restaurants: approx. 450m
Elounda resort centre: approx. 5.5km

Approx. transfer time from airport: 2 hours 45 minutes from Heraklion (HER)

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

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.

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).

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.

Executive Suite with Sea View and Private Pool
Sleeps 2–3. Generous suites with elevated sea views and a private swimming pool framed by sunbeds on a furnished balcony or terrace. Inside you’ll find a separate sleeping and living area, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, coffee machine and kettle, minibar (charge), shower bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu and turndown service. Air conditioning operates seasonally (approx. 09 May–31 Oct). Daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes included.

Duplex Family Room with Private Pool and Basement Pool Level Sea View
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

💪 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

🛎️ 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

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.

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Book with low deposits. ATOL Protected.

1. How far is Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa from the beach?
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is set on the hillside approximately 250m from the beach. The walk takes just a few minutes, with lovely views over the bay on the way down.

2. Do all rooms at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa have a private pool?
Not every room has a private pool, but many do. Categories such as Superior Room with Sea View and Private Pool, Executive Room and Suite with Sea View and Private Pool, and the Duplex and Superior Family Rooms include a private swimming pool. If a private pool is important to you, be sure to select one of these room types when booking.

3. What board basis can I book at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa?
You can choose between Bed & Breakfast and Half Board. Bed & Breakfast includes your morning meal, while Half Board generally covers breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant, with drinks usually payable separately. Check your travel documents for exact inclusions for your dates.

4. Is Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa suitable for children?
Yes. Although the hotel has a very sophisticated and design-led atmosphere, children are welcome. There are family rooms with private pools, a children’s playground, kids’ menus and highchairs in restaurants, and multi-level pools where families can relax together. Child age for pricing is typically up to 11 years.

5. Does Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa have evening entertainment?
The vibe is more refined than lively, but there is regular evening entertainment between June and September, including in-house shows, professional performances and live music. In October the programme becomes more occasional as the season winds down.

6. Is there a dress code in the restaurants at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa?
Yes, a smart casual dress code applies in certain venues, particularly Kelari Gourmet Restaurant, where the hotel asks that guests avoid beachwear and that gentlemen wear long trousers for dinner. This helps keep the atmosphere suitably elegant for fine dining.

7. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa?
The transfer time from Heraklion Airport to Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by coach, depending on traffic and the number of stops en route. Private transfers can be quicker and more direct.

8. Does Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offer spa and fitness facilities?
Yes. The resort has a stylish spa with indoor adults-only pool, sauna, steam room and a range of massage and beauty treatments (extra charge, typically from age 15+), plus an air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and a stretching area (18+).

9. Is Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa a sustainable hotel?
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meaning it has met a GSTC-recognised sustainability standard at the time of assessment. The architecture and operations are designed to reduce environmental impact, and the certification is reviewed regularly.

10. Is Wi‑Fi available at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa?
Yes, complimentary Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms and public areas, making it easy to stay connected during your stay.