JW Marriott Debuts in Greece with the Unveiling of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa

Rhea-AI Summary

JW Marriott (MAR) has announced its debut in Greece with the opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, marking the brand's first Mediterranean beach resort. Located in Marathi near Chania, the luxury property features 160 rooms, suites, and villas across 100 acres of coastline, with most accommodations including private pools and Aegean Sea views. Designed by Block722, the resort emphasizes sustainability with geothermal energy, solar systems, and water recycling. The property offers six dining venues, including ANOEE restaurant and Europe's first JW Market, alongside the ANOSEAS Spa wellness center. The resort features four swimming pools, a fitness center, and family-friendly amenities including the Phestos Den powered by Worldwide Kids. The architecture integrates natural materials and planted roofs, while culinary offerings showcase local ingredients from the on-site JW Garden.

Positive

• First JW Marriott property in Greece, expanding the brand's luxury portfolio in the Mediterranean market
• Strategic location spanning 100 acres of prime coastline near Chania, Crete
• Sustainable design incorporating geothermal energy, solar systems, and water recycling features
• Multiple revenue streams through six distinctive dining venues and comprehensive spa facilities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Hospitality Industry Analyst

Marriott expands JW luxury brand to Greece with 160-room Crete resort, strengthening Mediterranean presence in upscale segment.

The opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa represents a strategic expansion of Marriott's luxury portfolio into the competitive Greek hospitality market. This 160-room property marks the first JW Marriott in Greece, extending the brand's Mediterranean footprint and diversifying Marriott Bonvoy's luxury offerings in Southern Europe.

The resort's size and scope are notable: spanning 100 acres of coastline with multiple dining venues, extensive wellness facilities, and predominantly private-pool accommodations. This positions it firmly in the ultra-premium segment, where Marriott can capture higher average daily rates and attract luxury travelers seeking exclusive experiences.

From a competitive standpoint, this expansion allows Marriott to challenge established luxury operators in the Mediterranean while building brand equity for JW in the region. The emphasis on sustainability features (geothermal energy, gray water recycling) aligns with increasing investor focus on ESG credentials, potentially enhancing the property's long-term operational efficiency and appeal to environmentally conscious luxury travelers.

The resort's diverse revenue streams—spanning six dining venues, spa services, and family programming—create multiple ancillary revenue opportunities beyond room rates. While a single property opening won't significantly impact Marriott's overall financial performance given its portfolio of over 30 brands, this development reinforces the company's strategy of expanding high-margin luxury brands into premium vacation destinations, potentially setting the stage for further Mediterranean expansion of the JW brand.

The brand's newest resort captures the spirit of Cretan coastal living through contemporary design, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to nature.

High-resolution images are available here. 

BETHESDA, Md., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, the brand's first highly anticipated Mediterranean beach resort, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality on the island. The resort features 160 elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas, all offering sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, with the majority including private pools to enhance the sense of exclusivity and relaxation. Nestled in Marathi, near the charming town of Chania, the resort spans over 100 acres of idyllic coastline, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with Crete's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

"The opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa marks a milestone moment for the brand with its entrance into Greece," says Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. "This extraordinary property captures the essence of the JW Marriott brand, pairing warm, intuitive service with serene, thoughtfully designed spaces that invite guests to be present and truly connect. Crete's timeless beauty and heritage make it an inspiring setting for the brand's first property in the country, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience our signature approach to hospitality and well-being on this iconic island."

With its natural surroundings, artful design, and immersive guest experiences, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa combines carefully curated design with experiences that reflect the authentic spirit and culture of the island.

Architecture in Dialogue with Nature

Crafted by the acclaimed Athens-based studio Block722, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa embodies contemporary elegance rooted in a deep respect for its natural surroundings. Set along one of Greece's most breathtaking coastlines, the resort is harmoniously integrated into the landscape with planted roofs, olive and carob tree groves, and natural materials including marble and wood. Each thoughtfully selected design element reflects a commitment to allowing the environment to guide the architecture, creating a seamless connection between nature and modern luxury.

Each guest room boasts wide windows framing sweeping panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, while shaded terraces and private pools encourage a quiet connection with the sea and sky. Inside, the aesthetic is calm and tactile: soft, organic lines and a palette of earthy Mediterranean tones, including terracotta, olive, sand, and stone, create a sense of effortless harmony. Sculptural lighting and handcrafted ceramic decorative pieces subtly nod to Crete's traditional forms, reinterpreted with a contemporary eye.

The resort has been thoughtfully constructed with sustainability at its core, from geothermal and solar energy systems to heat recovery from air conditioning for hot water, and the use of treated gray water for irrigation. This commitment to environmental responsibility has guided every aspect of the resort's development, resulting in a destination that not only seamlessly blends with its surroundings, but is also deeply shaped by them.

A Celebration of Gastronomy and Mixology

At JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, culinary artistry takes center stage across six distinctive dining venues, each carefully designed to celebrate local ingredients and seasonal flavors. Anchoring the resort's culinary philosophy is the JW Garden, a signature element of JW Marriott properties around the world that showcases the brand's commitment to well-being and sustainability. This meticulously managed garden cultivates fresh herbs and vegetables, such as thyme, oregano, and capers, which are integrated into dishes and cocktails across the resort, enhancing flavor and connecting guests with nature.

Among the standout venues is ANOEE, a Cretan open-fire restaurant led by acclaimed chef Manolis Papoutsakis, known for using the island's traditional techniques and locally foraged ingredients. Õnalos presents a refined sea-to-table concept, highlighting the best of the Aegean Sea. Cuccagna delivers rustic Italian dishes with a contemporary touch, while Fayi serves Mediterranean style sharing plates in a warm, convivial setting.

For more relaxed moments, Suncti by the Pool and Eēxis serve wine, cocktails, and light dishes in serene surroundings. In collaboration with Line Athens, ranked No. 6 in The World's 50 Best Bars, the resort also features a bespoke mixology program built around Cretan botanicals and herbs from the JW Garden, combining local essences with modern techniques.

The resort is also home to Europe's first JW Market, a vibrant café-retail concept that reflects the brand's commitment to well-being and authenticity. Offering locally sourced, passionately crafted products, the JW Market is a fresh, inviting space where nourishment, design, and discovery come together in harmony.

A Sanctuary of Discovery, Wellness, and Togetherness

At the heart of the resort's wellness offering is ANOSEAS Spa, which combines traditional Cretan healing rituals with modern immersive therapies. The spa includes five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy experiences, and a beauty room. Additional wellness facilities include a yoga deck and four swimming pools with panoramic sea views, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center.

For families, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa delivers rich, multi-generational luxury experiences thoughtfully tailored to younger guests. The Phestos Den, powered by Worldwide Kids, offers an inspiring environment for cultural discovery, hands-on learning, and creative play. Outdoor areas offer shaded tents, imaginative play zones, and a dedicated vegetable garden, all designed to foster curiosity and a connection to nature. Beyond the resort, families can enjoy bespoke sea-based adventures or curated cultural excursions to local monasteries and archaeological sites, immersive journeys that bring Crete's vibrant traditions and heritage to life.

To make a reservation, please visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/chqmj-jw-marriott-crete-resort-and-spa/overview.

ABOUT JW MARRIOTT
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard "J.W." Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 125 JW Marriott hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

ABOUT MARRIOTT BONVOY
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques^®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

 

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

FAQ

What amenities does the new JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa offer?

The resort features 160 rooms with sea views, six dining venues, ANOSEAS Spa, four swimming pools, a fitness center, JW Garden, and the Phestos Den for families. Most accommodations include private pools.

Where is the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa located?

The resort is located in Marathi, near the town of Chania in Crete, Greece, spanning over 100 acres of coastline.

What sustainable features does the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa implement?

The resort uses geothermal and solar energy systems, heat recovery from air conditioning for hot water, and treated gray water for irrigation.

How many restaurants are at JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa?

The resort features six distinctive dining venues, including ANOEE, Õnalos, Cuccagna, Fayi, Suncti by the Pool, and Eēxis, plus Europe's first JW Market.

What family amenities does JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa offer?

The resort features the Phestos Den powered by Worldwide Kids, outdoor play zones, a dedicated vegetable garden, and offers family-oriented cultural excursions and sea-based adventures.