LUXURY TRAVEL 55
New JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Marathi, Chania blends modern Mediterranean architecture with Crete’ s natural and cultural landscape.
This June, JW Marriott made its long-anticipated debut in Crete with the opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, a design-led property set in the coastal enclave of Marathi, near Chania. Designed by award-winning Athens-based studio Block722, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa blends modern organic architecture with timeless Cretan elements to deliver a new vision of Mediterranean luxury.
Stretching along 100 acres of stunning Cretan coastline, the resort is home to 160 rooms, suites, and villas- many with private pools and uninterrupted views across the Aegean Sea. Built into the natural contours of the hillside, floor-toceiling windows frame expansive sea views, while outdoor terraces and private plunge pools bring guests into direct contact with the natural surroundings.
“ It’ s been a privilege shaping JW Marriott Crete around this extraordinary landscape,” said Konstantinos Karampatakis, Co-founder of Block722.“ Crete’ s
ancient olive groves, cliffs, and light inspired our design, from the layout to the textures. We wanted to create a synergy between architecture and nature, where guests feel both grounded and uplifted.”
Inside, the design is serene yet tactile, featuring soft geometries, muted Mediterranean tones- terracotta, olive green, deep brown, and sandy beige- and bespoke details such as lantern-inspired sculptural lighting.
At the heart of the resort lies the ANOSEAS Spa, a dramatic subterranean sanctuary partially carved into the rock. Here, guests can experience locally rooted wellness rituals, meditation spaces, and therapies that draw on Crete’ s ancient traditions and natural resources.
The culinary offering further celebrates the island’ s identity through six distinct dining venues:
• Fayi: Elevated Mediterranean cuisine, best enjoyed against the backdrop of panoramic sea views by the poolside
• Anóee: Authentic Cretan cooking over open fire
• Õnalos: Fresh seafood in a lush, coastal setting
• Cuccagna: Rustic Italian fare with local ingredients and flair
• SUNCTI: A vibrant dining experience offering international flavours alongside a curated sushi selection
• EEXIS Crafted in collaboration with Line Athens( ranked No. 6 on the World’ s 50 Best Bars list), serving innovative cocktails in a sophisticated setting
ISSUE 73 2025 THE ART OF LUXURY