Where architecture, nature, and mindful hospitality merge
High above Souda Bay, a new sanctuary rises. The JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa by Block722 blends raw Mediterranean beauty with timeless simplicity, creating a place where architecture becomes a mindful bridge between land, sea, and soul.
A Resort Rooted in the Landscape
Set on the steep hillsides of Marathi, this new five-star retreat embodies a quiet luxury deeply connected to its surroundings. Block722’s design honours Crete’s architectural traditions while offering a contemporary sense of calm. Each of the 160 rooms and suites is positioned amphitheatrically, ensuring uninterrupted sea views and privacy.
Spaces that Breathe with Nature
Natural stone from the site, washed linen, rattan, terracotta, and timber shape interiors that feel like extensions of the landscape. Shaded pergolas filter the Cretan sun, creating a rhythmic play of light and shadow, while reflective pools and planted rooftops cool and soften the geometry.
Mindful Transitions
Guests arrive through a garden of native shrubs, leading into an airy lobby where light pours through skylights onto an internal garden. Throughout, architecture follows the flow of movement, guiding guests seamlessly from reception to bar, restaurants, and the tranquil outdoor terraces.
Crafted with Respect
Built in close collaboration with local artisans and using materials quarried directly from the site, the resort literally grows out of the earth it stands on. Planting strategies focus on native, drought-tolerant species, enhancing biodiversity and preserving Crete’s rugged ecology.
A Blueprint for Regenerative Hospitality
Passive cooling, natural cross-ventilation, photovoltaic panels, and green roofs minimise the resort’s footprint while fostering a restorative sense of place. Here, mindful luxury becomes more than aesthetics – it is a way of honouring the rhythms of island life.
🧘 JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa
📍 Marathi, Crete, Greece
🛏️ 160 rooms & suites
🌿 Opened: June 2025
🔗 marriott.com – JW Marriott Crete