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Marriott Resort Chania Crete Marathi beach

JW Marriott to Open First Greek Resort on Crete’s Marathi Beach in Summer 2025

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Luxury hotel brand JW Marriott is set to make its Greek debut this summer with the opening of a sprawling new resort on Crete’s picturesque Marathi Beach. The JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, currently under construction on the outskirts of Chania, is scheduled to welcome its first guests in summer 2025 for a seasonal operation that will run through October 31.

“The opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is a true milestone for us. We have poured our passion into creating not just a beautiful resort, but a true reflection of Crete’s spirit. Every corner tells a story – from the design inspired by local traditions to the culinary experiences rooted in our JW Garden. We’re thrilled to welcome guests into a sanctuary that feels worlds away from everyday life, yet intimately connected to Crete’s soul,” said Iosif Christakis, General Manager of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa.

Marathi beach, Chania.
Marathi beach, Chania. Photo Credit: @thehotel.gr (IG)

Resort Features and Amenities

The ambitious development spans approximately 100 acres of coastline and will offer 160 accommodations, including rooms, suites, and private villas. Many units will feature private pools or jacuzzis, catering to luxury travelers seeking an exclusive experience.

Designed by architecture firm Block722, the property has been “meticulously conceived to harmonize with its surroundings, seamlessly merging Crete’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage with a contemporary architectural vision” while incorporating sustainable materials and energy-saving technologies throughout the complex.

Guests will have access to six distinct food and beverage outlets, including:

  • Anóee – A restaurant specializing in authentic Cretan cuisine
  • Fayi – An open-fire seaside restaurant
  • Suncti – A seafront pool bar
  • Õnalos – A seafood restaurant
  • Cuccagna – Authentic Italian dining
  • Eēxis – Bar and lounge

The resort will also feature a comprehensive spa facility, which will incorporate the nearby cave at Linovrochi, known for its medicinal waters that will be utilized for relaxation and meditation treatments.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, Marathi beach, Crete.
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, Marathi beach, Crete. Photo: Marriott International

Location and Activities

Situated just 8 kilometers from Chania Airport, the resort offers convenient access for international travelers. The property’s location on Marathi Beach, known for its crystal-clear shallow waters and mountain backdrop, provides a picturesque setting for a luxury destination.

The resort is well-positioned for exploring Crete’s attractions, including the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi and Chania’s picture-postcard Venetian harbor, both easily accessible for day trips.

Visitors can expect a range of curated activities designed to showcase local culture and natural beauty:

  • Harvesting experiences in the JW Garden led by local farmers
  • Traditional Cretan cooking classes
  • Artisanal cheesemaking demonstrations
  • Water sports and fishing excursions
  • Wine tasting featuring regional varieties
  • Morning yoga sessions with sea views

Booking Information and Pricing

The resort is currently accepting reservations for its inaugural season, running from summer through October 31, 2025, after which it will close for the winter and reopen in spring 2026. A special grand opening promotion is available for stays from July 1 to August 31, 2025, offering 15% off standard rates plus a €50 daily resort credit.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, Marathi beach, Chania, Crete. Photo: Marriott International
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, Marathi beach, Chania, Crete. Photo: Marriott International

Regular rates on Marriott’s official booking platform range between €300 and €500 per night, depending on room type and dates. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, guests will be able to earn and redeem points for their stays, though award bookings are not yet available for this property.

Package deals are also becoming available through various travel operators, with some offering options starting from £60 per person with luggage included.

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, expressed, “Greece continues to attract global travelers, and the addition of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa highlights the ongoing demand for luxury stays across the nation. We’re excited to collaborate with Vasilakis S.A. and SWOT Hospitality to deliver unparalleled hospitality, thoughtful design, and enriching experiences that epitomize the JW Marriott brand to Crete.”

Management and Development

The resort will be managed by SWOT Hospitality, a leading luxury hotel management company in Greece with extensive experience operating high-end properties throughout the country. This partnership aims to ensure the resort delivers authentic Greek hospitality combined with JW Marriott’s global luxury standards.

Marathi beach, Chania, Crete.
Marathi beach, Chania, Crete. Photo: @gaiabarrel (IG)

Economic and Community Impact

JW Marriott’s arrival in Chania represents the first international luxury hotel brand to establish a presence in this area of Crete. The development is expected to create numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents.

The resort has announced plans to source ingredients from nearby farms for its restaurants and offer cultural programs that highlight regional traditions, potentially creating additional economic opportunities for local businesses and artisans.

Infrastructure improvements, including enhanced roads and transportation options, are anticipated as part of the broader development impact. Industry analysts suggest the resort could potentially attract new airline routes to Chania, which might reduce overall airfares to the region by approximately 15%.

Environmental and Cultural Considerations

While the economic benefits are substantial, the development of such a large resort on a previously undeveloped stretch of coastline raises important questions about environmental impact and the changing character of the area.

Marathi Beach has long been treasured for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, often described as a peaceful haven with calm, shallow waters ideal for families and those seeking a quieter beach experience. The introduction of a 100-acre luxury resort will inevitably transform the landscape and potentially increase visitor numbers significantly.

Marathi beach, Chania, Crete.
Sunset at Marathi beach, Chania, Crete. Photo: @gaiabarrel (IG)

Though the resort design incorporates sustainability elements, the long-term environmental implications for this pristine coastline remain a point of interest for local environmental advocates and community members. It will be worth following how this substantial commercial investment affects both the immediate area and the broader Chania region in the coming years.

As with most Greek beaches, public access to Marathi Beach is expected to continue despite the resort development, though the precise arrangements have not been specified in official announcements.

The JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa represents a significant milestone in Crete’s tourism development, balancing luxury accommodations with the island’s natural beauty. Whether this balance proves successful will become evident as the property welcomes its first guests in the summer of 2025.

For more information, visit the official Marriott website.

Published on: March 4th, 2025

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    About the author
    ForTheLoveOfCrete
    Bella, the creator of "For The Love of Crete," first visited the island in 2022 and instantly felt at home. Now a Greek language student and frequent visitor, she's dedicated to sharing Crete's authentic charm. Her mission: to nurture a community of Crete enthusiasts and help others experience the island's magic. As Bella says, "I was not born in Crete, but Crete was born in me."

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