"This was our second stay at JW Marriott Crete, after visiting for the first time last year, and we are actually still here as I write this review. Having experienced the resort twice since its opening in 2025, I can honestly say that coming back was absolutely the right choice. What struck us again this year is how beautiful the whole property is and, above all, how naturally it blends into its surroundings. The olive trees, rosemary, lavender, rocks and Mediterranean vegetation are everywhere, creating a setting that feels very much connected to Crete. Even the beach and the areas with sun loungers have been designed in a way that feels harmonious with the landscape. The resort has three beautiful pools, and there is a lovely sense of space throughout the property. Our room this year is actually the same Junior Suite we stayed in last year, with a private pool and sea view. It is a very spacious and comfortable suite, with a large bedroom, king-size bed, a generous sofa area and a beautiful bathroom with a very large shower. We loved it last year and were very happy to find ourselves back in the same room this year. The restaurants are another strong point. There is a good choice of places to eat and, most importantly, the food is genuinely very good. Anöee is definitely our favourite. Breakfast deserves a special mention because it has become one of my favourite moments of the day. There is something very relaxing about starting the morning there, with the sea and the resort around you, and the choice is incredible. Freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs prepared to order in different ways, pancakes, yoghurt, fresh fruit, freshly baked pastries, homemade bread and wonderful cakes, there is a great international selection and everything is beautifully presented and prepared. Travelling with a child, we also really appreciate the Kids Club. It is one of those places where you can immediately see that children have genuinely been considered in the design: everything is at their level, there are lovely indoor and outdoor areas, and the tented space is particularly charming. The girls working there have always been kind, patient and attentive, which makes a big difference. The staff throughout the resort are another reason why the experience feels so special. Everyone we have met has been welcoming, attentive and genuinely helpful, without ever feeling intrusive. We also love the fact that the resort feels luxurious while remaining very connected to its natural surroundings. There is a sense of elegance and quality everywhere, but it is the combination of the design, the landscape, the service and the attention to detail that really makes the place stand out. There are also a few lovely local restaurants just outside the resort in Marathi, which is nice when you feel like going out and experiencing something beyond the hotel. After two stays, we can honestly say that JW Marriott Crete has left a very positive impression on us both times. We enjoyed our first stay enormously, and this second visit has confirmed exactly why we wanted to come back. It is a beautiful place, a wonderful experience for both adults and children, and somewhere we would be very happy to return to again."
