Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa | Private Pools * Michelin Stars * from $443

45 photos

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Elounda Restaurant photo The photo shows a stylish restaurant dining area with a stunning ocean view. The space is bathed in warm, inviting light from large, woven pendant lamps hanging from the dark wooden ceiling. The ceiling itself has a textured, almost coral-like patter

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Elounda Interior photo The photo shows a stylish and modern lounge area, likely part of a hotel or upscale establishment. The color palette is predominantly green and white, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.

In the center of the room, a long, low green sofa with

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Elounda Exterior photo The photo shows a modern, light-colored building, possibly a hotel or resort, nestled against a backdrop of a rugged, green mountainside. The building has a distinctive architectural style with large arched windows and glass doors, allowing plenty of

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Key details

About the Resort

Plaka, Elounda (Crete), Greece, 72053

Next to Plaka Beach

Perfect

9.4

9.9

/10

5.0

4.8

Loved by Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa guests

Amazing breakfast
Lovely views
Excellent staff
Crystal clear beach

"Family Pool villas are amazing!. Very modern and luxury!."

Ana from Slovenia

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"We had a room with a pool which is much larger than in other hotels."

Caroline from United Kingdom

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"Private pool is worth a 5 star review on its own but the rest of the hotel adds even more, definitely worth it."

James

5-star exclusive mountain escape in Elounda

Amenities

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offers 116 custom-designed accommodations, emphasizing privacy and sophistication. Guests can relax by the infinity pools, unwind on the sun-drenched seafront, or enjoy recreational activities at the top-tier gym and yoga center. A striking open-air amphitheater is also available for live performances and events.

Rooms

An impressive variety of eight distinct room types and three unique suites are available, each featuring private pools and sweeping views of Spinalonga Island. The accommodations are designed with luxurious decor and furnished verandas for al fresco dining, providing spaces for relaxation and comfort. Custom furniture, bespoke colors, and serene lighting enhance the tranquil atmosphere of every room.

Location

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is situated in the renowned Elounda Bay overlooking the historical Spinalonga Island, nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. This location offers access to the rich cultural heritage of Crete, where guests can explore archaeological sites and traditional villages. Scenic hiking trails and picturesque cycling routes are also nearby, providing diverse outdoor experiences.

Dining

Dining at the resort is a highlight, with Michelin-starred Chef Lefteris Lazarou curating exceptional menus that blend traditional Greek dishes with international influences. Guests can enjoy meals with stunning views of Spinalonga at locations like the Ambrosia main restaurant and Kelari Gourmet Restaurant. Outdoor dining options are available for those wishing to savor their meals by the infinity pools.

Wellness

The Armonia Spa offers a wide range of treatments blending ancient and modern techniques to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a serene indoor pool, a steam room, and personalized treatment rooms. Comprehensive wellness options ensure that both mind and body are nurtured during the stay.

Highlights

Location: Overlooking Spinalonga Island

Rooms: 116 custom-designed accommodations

Dining: Curated menus by Michelin-starred Chef

Wellness: Extensive treatments at Armonia Spa

Events: Open-air amphitheater for live performances

Activities: Scenic hiking trails and cycling routes

Private Pools: Exclusive pools in every room

“Nestled on a hillside with views of Spinalonga Island, this resort offers private pools and curated dining experiences. I found the innovative funicular lift adds a unique touch, though some may find the location a bit removed from the beach. In my opinion, it's a serene escape for those seeking luxury and exceptional service.”

Emma JohnsonEditor-in-Chief at Toresort

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Sports & FitnessFitness Paradise

Our villa included a private gym. It had a treadmill and exercise bike. Perfect for working out!

Rajesh from India

Review on

DiningKelari's Flavors

The Kelari restaurant had amazing dishes. Breakfast was superb. Many options were available.

Mei from China

Review on

Room FeaturesOcean Views!

The deluxe family room had ocean views. Our private pool made it even better. Sensational!

Isabelle from France

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Spa & LeisurePools Galore

Three public swimming pools are available. Also, two gyms, a yoga room, and a spa.

Omar from Saudi Arabia

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Select your room type

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Superior Room Sea View

2 persons

360 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Superior Room Private Pool Sea View

2 persons

360 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Private pool

room details

Premium Room Private Pool Sea View

2 persons

360 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Private pool

room details

Executive Room Private Pool Sea View

2 persons

360 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Private pool

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

General

Non-smoking property
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Luggage storage
Locker room
Electric vehicle charging station
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Yoga class
Sports trainer

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Valet parking
Car hire
Laundry
Wake up service
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Children's menu
Children's play area

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Sun terrace
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Make up services

Room features

Individual air conditioning
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Turndown service

Bathroom

Toilet

Bedroom

Pillow menu

Dining Onsite

At Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, culinary delights await in a collection of unique dining venues that promise to tantalize the taste buds. Experience an array of Mediterranean and international flavors, with each restaurant thoughtfully designed to create a memorable atmosphere for every meal.

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Elounda Restaurant photo The photo shows a modern and stylish interior, likely a cafe or restaurant, with a focus on a food display. The walls are a mix of warm wooden paneling and a vibrant patterned wallpaper in shades of blue and white.

On the wooden wall, several circu

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Elounda Restaurant photo The photo shows an outdoor dining area at dusk or early evening, overlooking a beautiful seascape. The area is covered by a wooden pergola with recessed lighting, creating a warm ambiance.

Several small, square tables are arranged on a light-colore

Ambrosia Main Restaurant

International

Ambiance

Elegant indoor setting

Key Offerings

A diverse menu featuring vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Enjoy seasonal dishes with a focus on freshness and quality.

Reservation

Breakfast: 07:30 - 10:30, Dinner: 19:00 - 21:30

Sage & Thyme Mediterranean Restaurant

Mediterranean

Ambiance

Relaxed lunch setting

Key Offerings

Indulge in a light lunch featuring fresh Mediterranean ingredients, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices to cater to various dietary preferences.

Reservation

Lunch: 11:00 - 19:00

Kelari Gourmet Restaurant

Mediterranean

Ambiance

Sophisticated dinner atmosphere

Key Offerings

A refined dining experience showcasing gourmet Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals in a chic setting.

Reservation

Yes

Dinner: 19:30 - 22:30

Stone Beach by Cayo

Mediterranean

Ambiance

Seaside casual dining

Key Offerings

Dine with your toes in the sand while enjoying vibrant Mediterranean flavors, with an array of light lunch options accommodating vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Reservation

Lunch: 10:00 - 19:00

Filema Restaurant

Greek, Local

Ambiance

Modern and inviting interior

Key Offerings

Start your day with traditional Greek breakfasts and experience authentic local dishes during dinner, featuring vegetarian options for a taste of rich culinary heritage.

Reservation

Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30, Dinner: 19:00 - 21:30

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Location

Plaka, Elounda (Crete), Greece, 72053

Map view

Plaka, Elounda (Crete), Greece, 72053

City landmarks

Landmark

Spinalonga fortress

1.4 mi

Landmark

Spinalonga

1.4 mi

Beach

Plaka

2100 ft

Landmark

Ferry to Spinalonga

2100 ft

Landmark

spinalogna view

2100 ft

Landmark

Isla store

2200 ft

Landmark

Plaka Watersports

3500 ft

Landmark

Panorama

4300 ft

Island

Nisida Spinalonga

1.4 mi

Landmark

Boat Day Trips Spinalonga

1.2 mi

Landmark

Spinalonga Castle

1.3 mi

Landmark

Spinalonga Beach

1.4 mi

Church

Church Of Saint Panteleimon

1.4 mi

Landmark

Spinalonga Island

1.4 mi

Landmark

Saint Pantaleon

1.4 mi

Landmark

Φαράγγι Χαυγά

1.4 mi

Landmark

Frauheim Windmills

1.8 mi

Landmark

Porto

2.4 mi

Landmark

Ieros Naos Agios Konstandinou kai Elenis

2.4 mi

Landmark

Spinalonga peninsula

2.3 mi

Landmark

Old place

2.3 mi

Landmark

Elounda TAXI

2.4 mi

Landmark

Allegro

2.4 mi

Landmark

Skisma Beach

2.4 mi

Landmark

Aelia Healing Center

2.4 mi

Landmark

Blue Dolphin Elounda

2.4 mi

Landmark

Chiona Beach

2.4 mi

Landmark

Nautilus Cruises

2.4 mi

Nearby

Havania Beach

1000 ft

Restaurants

Taverna Spinalonga

1600 ft

Restaurant

Ostria

1400 ft

Plaka-Elounda road

Taverna Giorgos

2300 ft

Near Jetty

Ta Kymata

1900 ft

Central Square Plaka

The Island Cafe

2100 ft

plaka vrouxas

Thalassa

2100 ft

Elountas

Paliria

2400 ft

Main Road

Ocean

2100 ft

Epar.Od. Agiou Nikolaou - Vrouchas

The Carob Tree

2300 ft

Restaurant

Gorgona Taverna

2600 ft

Paraliakos Plaka Port

Explore Elounda (Crete)

Experience Elounda

Spinalonga Fortress

25 minutes walking

Historic fortress offering guided tours and stunning views, located on Spinalonga Island.

Ferry to Spinalonga

8 minutes walking

Frequent ferry service connecting to the renowned Spinalonga Island, perfect for exploring its rich history.

Church Of Saint Panteleimon

25 minutes walking

A beautiful church known for its serene atmosphere and vibrant local traditions.

Water Sports

5 minutes walking

Various water sports available, including jet skiing and paddle boarding, perfect for adventure seekers.

Wellness Spa Session

0.6 km, 8 minutes walking

Relaxing spa sessions offered nearby, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Taverna Spinalonga

6 minutes walking

Traditional Greek taverna with local dishes; known for its fresh seafood and warm atmosphere.

The Island Cafe

8 minutes walking

Charming cafe offering a variety of pastries and light meals, perfect for a casual lunch or coffee break.

Local Bars

5 minutes walking

Vibrant local bars featuring live music and a lively atmosphere, great for a night out with friends.

Getting around

City Centre

Elounda (Crete)7 min · 2.7 mi

Airports

Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)94 min · 38.7 mi

Sitia Public (JSH)123 min · 50.9 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Russian, Ukrainian

Number of rooms:

114

Former name

cayo exclusive resort and spa

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa from previous guests about their experience

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the spacious rooms, many featuring divine terraces and private pools perfect for enjoying the sunrise, often with spectacular views of Spinalonga. The location allows for pleasant walks to Plaka village with its excellent tavernas, and the hotel offers a helpful shuttle to Plaka beach. While some have noted occasional difficulty finding available sunbeds at the beach, the amazing breakfast buffet-featuring everything from fresh fruit and yogurts to waffles and prosecco-and the overall modern design of the hotel tend to leave a lasting positive impression.

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Review score

Based on 270 verified reviews

9.4/10

Perfect

94%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff

9.6/10

Value for money

8.7/10

Facilities

9.3/10

Pros

Villa amenities

Excellent staff

Scrumptious breakfasts

Private pools

Shuttle service

Cons

Cold pools

Juliet from United Kingdom

Couple

Superior Room Sea View

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 29, 2026

7/10

A stay with some highs and lows

superior roomgreat viewfriendly staffhard bedsmall towelsbreakfast quality

i liked that my room was nice. it was a superior room sea view. the location is good for a quiet trip, and the staff were really friendly. i enjoyed the views from the hotel, it was so pretty. i think i would return.

the breakfast wasn't that great. it felt more like a 4-star experience, not 5. the white plastic glasses they used for prosecco were a big no-no. the bed was too hard and i had trouble sleeping. they really need to fix these issues. the bath towels were too small for me.

0 Helpful

Isabella from Italy

Couple

superior room sea view

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 29, 2025

9/10

spacious roomprivate poolstocked fridge

the room was spacious with a divine terrace. the private pool was a highlight of the stay. plentiful bottles of water were stocked in the fridge daily.

sometimes sun beds were not available at the beach.

0 Helpful

Sebastian from Germany

Couple

Superior Room Sea View

5 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 25, 2025

9.0/10

really good retreat

fine viewgreat facilitieshelpful staffwell-kept hotel

the superior room had great facilities and a fine sea view. the room was clean and serviced daily, providing water and amenities. the staff were lovely and always willing to help. the hotel itself was well-kept, i found this a great advantage.

Facilities

9/10

The pools were clean and well kept. the gym had modern equipment for a full workout. I used the treadmill, and it worked perfectly. i found the communal areas to be clean.

Service

9/10

The service was attentive. the team was very helpful. i received prompt assistance with luggage and check-in. the staff addressed requests quickly, responsive experience. I was impressed.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

What sets apart an executive room with pool from a premium room with heated pool? Is the premium room the most spacious and sunlit option available?

10 April 2024

The main distinction between the two room types is that premium rooms offer a more stunning panoramic view of the sea, have an exterior space of 60 m², and feature additional outdoor furniture like sofas to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Are there any nearby tavernas or bars where one can explore local cuisine within walking distance from the resort?

15 May 2024

There are several local traditional tavernas in the village of Plaka, conveniently located within walking distance from the resort, along with four restaurants available on site.

How many dining options are available, and if opting for half board, what choices are provided? Is dinner solely a buffet format?

22 June 2024

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa features four distinct restaurants. The Ambrosia restaurant offers a half board buffet, but there are also à la carte options available at other restaurants for dinner.

Is there a specific menu to cater for vegan dietary preferences, or can accommodations be made?

30 July 2024

While there isn't a dedicated vegan menu, a variety of fruits and vegetables are available from the vegetarian selections. Guests can communicate specific dietary requests to see what the chef can prepare.

Is it possible to heat the private pool in the room, and what would the cost be for this service?

10 August 2024

Yes, the pool can be heated up to 26°C for an extra charge of 45€ per day, with a 24-hour notice required. However, there are no additional costs for heating the pool in premium rooms or two-bedroom villas.

Are the twin beds in the guest rooms set apart with a gap between them, or are they simply two mattresses on a single bed base?

15 September 2024

The twin beds can be arranged separately with space in between them, as they consist of two distinct bed bases along with separate mattresses and covers.

What is the distance to the nearest beach, and is there a complimentary shuttle service for guests?

03 October 2024

The resort is located just 250 meters from Plaka pebble beach, and there is a complimentary shuttle service available daily from 09:00 to 19:00 to transport guests to and from the beach.

Are there options available for heated pools throughout the different room types?

17 November 2024

Yes, all room types that feature pools can be equipped with heating at 26°C for an additional fee of 45 EUR per night.

What type of beach does the resort have, and how sandy or pebbly is it?

25 December 2024

The beach near the resort is a beautiful rocky beach at Plaka, known for its unique landscape. Guests can enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the clear water with the resort offering its own amenities.

Can guests expect activities such as water skiing available at the resort, and what are the approximate costs?

10 February 2025

Yes, water skiing is among the water sports available, with an approximate cost of around 50€ for 15 minutes of activity.