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In short: Tripplo’s analysis covers a sample of 68 guest reviews of Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Guests in the sample highlight Service & staff, Location and The rooms. The most common complaints: Sauna, steam room and other spa facilities cost extra. Dinner choice feels limited, especially when restaurants rotate late in the season.

Free PDF: the Tripplo report on Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Crete, Greece

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

5-Star Hotel

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in Elounda offers a 5-star experience with sea views, air-conditioning, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy private balconies, terraces, and free WiFi throughout the property.

The resort features a spa, swimming pool with a view, fitness centre, sun terrace, restaurant, bar, and lounge. Additional services include beauty treatments, yoga classes, and film nights.

The modern restaurant serves Greek, Mediterranean, local, and international cuisines with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast includes local specialities, fresh pastries, and a variety of beverages.

Located 60 km from Heraklion International Airport, the resort is a short walk from Plaka Beach and near attractions such as Spinalonga and Lake Voulismeni. Guests appreciate the scenic views and attentive staff.

5-Star Hotel
Crete, Greece
About 50 km to Heraklion Airport (HER), in a straight line
3 swimming pools
Free Wifi
Free parking
Family rooms
Airport shuttle
Spa and wellness center

Facts we have checked

  • Private-pool rooms
  • Full-size private pool
  • Family suites
  • Babysitting
  • Kids' menu
  • Spa
  • Sauna/steam

Tripplo’s hotel summary

Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 20 October 2026 · How we review hotels

Cayo Exclusive is the choice for travellers who want everything in one place near Elounda. Three sea-view pools, five restaurants and a large spa sit a short walk from Plaka Beach, and every room has its own balcony. It is a full-scale resort rather than an intimate one, and Heraklion airport is a long transfer away.

Set near Elounda's coastline and a short walk from Plaka Beach, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa combines sea-view rooms, multiple pools, and a spread of dining venues under one five-star roof. It suits travelers seeking a full-service base in eastern Crete, with enough variety in food and wellness facilities to fill an extended stay without leaving the grounds.

Guests score it 9.5 out of 10 — the average across the 53 hotels we list on Crete is 9.1.

Featured in our guide: 12 luxury spa hotels in Crete: The best in 2026

  • With three separate pools set against the Cretan coastline, guests can choose their preferred spot for sunbathing or swimming without competing for loungers, even during peak season.
  • A four-minute stroll brings guests to Plaka Beach, making it easy to alternate between resort amenities and a natural seaside setting without relying on transport.

Free PDF: what guests really say about Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

The Tripplo Report gathers the whole analysis in one PDF, ready in seconds.

  • Pros and cons in every category guests mention
  • The complaints that come up again and again
  • Room guide and price analysis
  • Alternatives worth comparing

Free · instant download

Should you book it?

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is worth booking for guests wanting pool choice and easy beach access — but pick somewhere else if you want an intimate boutique feel, not a large resort.

Book it if you want

  • Guests wanting pool choice and easy beach access
  • Travellers who value variety across five on-site restaurants
  • Couples wanting spa, fitness and private balcony views
  • Families needing family rooms plus shuttle and parking

Pick somewhere else if

  • You want an intimate boutique feel, not a large resort
  • You dislike a near hour-long transfer from Heraklion airport
  • You want quiet dining without peak-time restaurant crowds
See prices for Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

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Rooms & which one to pick

Our tip: Couples should book the Superior Room with Private Pool Sea View for a private pool and sea view without paying for extra sleeping space, or the Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Sea View if a pool isn't needed. Families of five or six should look at the Prestige 3 Bedroom Family Pool Suite Sea View or the Two Bedroom Interconnecting Rooms with Private Pool - Sea View, both offering separate bedrooms plus a private pool.

  • Superior Room Sea View2 twin beds or 1 queen bedsleeps 2Sea view
  • Superior Room with Private Pool Sea View1 queen bed or 2 twin bedssleeps 2Private poolSea view
  • Executive Room with Private Pool Sea View1 queen bed or 2 twin beds and 1 sofa bedsleeps 3Private poolSea view
  • Two Bedroom Interconnecting Rooms with Private Pool - Sea View1 queen bed and 2 twin bedssleeps 5Private poolSea view
  • Prestige 3 Bedroom Family Pool Suite Sea View1 queen bed, 1 queen bed, 1 full bedsleeps 6Private poolSea view
  • Premium Room with Private Pool Sea View2 twin beds or 1 sofa bed and 1 queen bedsleeps 3Private poolSea view
  • Family Duplex with Private Pool - Basement Level - Sea View2 sofa beds and 1 queen bedsleeps 4Private poolSea view
  • Superior Fam Room with Private pool - Sea view1 sofa bed and 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds and 1 sofa bedsleeps 4Private poolSea view
  • Executive Suite with Private Pool - Sea View1 queen bed and 2 sofa bedssleeps 5Private poolSea view
  • Family Retreat with Private Pool - Sea View1 queen bed, 2 twin beds, 1 sofa bedsleeps 5Private poolSea view
  • Grand Suite with Private Pool & Outdoor living area - Sea View1 king bed and 1 twin bedsleeps 4Private poolSea view
  • Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Sea View2 twin beds or 1 queen bedsleeps 2Sea view

Room types as listed on Booking.com; availability varies by date.

What guests say

Reviews from Google
last month
“Wonderful quiet hotel even though they were full during summer hols. Executive room with a pool was amazing for the views across Spinalonga and privacy on the balcony. Very comfy bed and pillows. Lovely to have a welcome fruit platter and wine. I’ve taken one star away as there was a dripping noise that they couldn’t fix. There was a shuttle to take guests down to the beach bar but you can walk it in 5 mins. There is an exit by the second pool near to the gym. There were many good restaurants nearby so we only did B&B. Service was very good and the staff especially at breakfast work so hard and are very attentive. We would return if staying in Plaka.”
— Ash F
5 months ago
“A magical place with a breathtaking sea view. We arrived for our first family vacation in Crete with our two daughters, and from the very first moment we felt warmly welcomed. We were offered an early check-in and even upgraded to larger, more luxurious rooms, which made the start of our vacation perfect. The hotel staff were exceptionally kind, friendly, and attentive, always happy to help with every request. The location is excellent — very close to Plaka and within walking distance of another charming little village, giving us the perfect combination of peace, beautiful scenery, and a special Greek atmosphere. In short, we enjoyed every moment and are already looking forward to our next vacation at this hotel.”
— dikla ben shabat
3 months ago
“What an excellent stay did we have in this place. Fantastic location, very clean and beautiful rooms and a service level that can match top class premium hotel chains. The beach club could use a small upgrade to get to the same level as the main resort but all the rest was just close to perfection.”
— Stefan Bornauw
8 months ago
“We had an amazing week here the summer of 2024. We loved the rocky beach with crystal clear water. The view from our room was amazing and our son loved the private pool. Missing this place about right now.”
— Elena Pappas
last year
“We had an amazing time at Cayo with our infant. The room was stunning, so much space, well designed and the pool was delightful. The twice daily cleaning was exceptional. They left little treats in our, loads of water and kept the place immaculate. We had half board, the buffet breakast and dinner were great. It varies pretty much every day for dinner and some off the dishes were delicious. They alwsy had a lovely grilled fish or meat and loads of sides. They keep everything well stocked, have delicious oils and sides. The breakfast was wonderful, so much choice, from a menu or the various buffet choices. I've been to a fair few buffets and this was high up there. The drinks and the cocktail bar were grear for a drink. It has great wine menu with some lovely choices. The pool areas are well spaced and relaxing. It's a short walk into to town which is small but has a nice few restaurants. My wife did have a massage which she said was just okay and it was expensive so that was probably the only downside. I would certainly recommend Cayo as a stunning hotel where you can enjoy a little bit of luxury.”
— George

What guests actually say

Tripplo’s analysis uses a sample of 68 guest reviews. Texts may be shortened. Mentions are counted after automated classification and describe the sample, rather than every guest’s experience.

The sample follows how Booking.com and Google sort reviews, which puts satisfied guests first, so criticism is under-represented. Read the drawbacks below and the latest reviews on Booking.com before you book.

Food & restaurants

  • +Breakfast is singled out again and again for its quality and wide choice
  • +Guests describe the food as fresh and tasty, including at the beach bar
  • +The à la carte restaurant is praised for its quality
  • –Dinner choice feels limited, especially when restaurants rotate late in the season
  • –Some found the cooking ordinary for a hotel of this level
  • –Restaurant and beach bar opening times are restricted
”The food was lovely, fresh, tasty and plentiful.” — guest, translated

Service & staff

  • +Staff are described as warm, attentive and eager to help
  • +Reception and housekeeping get frequent praise
  • +Families appreciated the help with children and babies
  • –Service quality varies a lot from one staff member to the next
  • –A manager came across as unhelpful when problems arose
  • –Small requests were sometimes forgotten
”Fantastic service, the staff could not do enough for you.” — guest, translated

Pools, beach & aquapark

  • +Several large infinity pools and beautifully kept pool areas
  • +A free shuttle runs down to the beach in Plaka
  • +Clear water and attentive beach staff
  • –The beach lies outside the hotel and is not fully private
  • –The pools can feel cold unless it is really hot outside
  • –The pebbly beach and its walkways could be better maintained
”The beach is even better, and there is a shuttle bus from the hotel to the beach.” — guest, translated

The rooms

  • +Spacious, well-designed rooms with stylish décor
  • +Many rooms have a private pool and sea views
  • +Comfortable beds and thoughtful touches such as wine and fruit on arrival
  • –A few guests found the beds uncomfortable
  • –One duplex offered little privacy between its two levels
  • –A smell of fresh paint in one room
”The rooms are incredible: very clean, very spacious, well laid out and nicely decorated.” — guest, translated

Condition & cleanliness

  • +Rooms and public areas are kept very clean
  • +The resort is well built and well maintained
  • +Rooms are cleaned thoroughly every day
  • –One room had a drainage smell that needed a plumber
  • –Complaints about housekeeping and a private pool left dirty
”The property was very well constructed and very well maintained.” — guest, translated

Location

  • +Stunning views over Elounda Bay and Spinalonga
  • +A peaceful setting a short walk from Plaka village
  • +Beautiful surroundings for a relaxing break
  • –The hillside setting means steep paths, though funiculars help
  • –The area can be very windy
”Quiet location with nice views of Spinalonga island.” — guest, translated

Noise levels

  • +Guests value the calm, tranquil atmosphere
  • –Music plays almost everywhere
  • –Weddings can disturb the peace
  • –Noise from pool equipment or neighbouring rooms bothered some
”The wedding changed the peaceful atmosphere.” — guest, translated

Value for money

  • +The à la carte restaurant was felt to offer good value
  • –Sauna, steam room and other spa facilities cost extra
  • –Food and room service are considered expensive
  • –Extras such as heating the private pool are charged separately
”You have to pay for spa facilities like the sauna and steam room.” — guest, translated

Get the full analysis as a free PDF ↑

See prices for Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa from Heraklion Airport (HER)?

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is approximately 50 km from Heraklion Airport (HER) in a straight line, calculated from map coordinates. This is not a road distance or transfer time; check the route and transport options before booking.

How do guests rate Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa?

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google, based on 456 reviews. On Booking.com it scores 9.5/10 from 265 guest reviews.

How many stars does Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa have?

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel.

What amenities does Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offer?

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa offers 3 swimming pools, free Wifi, free parking, family rooms, airport shuttle and spa and wellness center.

Weather & sea temperature — Crete

Right now: 21° air · 22° sea

Avg daytime max (°C)Sea (°C)Warmest months
Data: Open-Meteo

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Plaka, Elounda, 72053