AT MINOS BEACH, ART DOESN’T JUST HANG ON THE WALLS—IT SURROUNDS YOU. SCULPTURE LIVES AMONG THE PINE TREES, CUISINE TELLS THE STORY OF THE LAND, AND EVERY ELEMENT INVITES YOU TO SLOW DOWN AND FEEL THE ISLAND BREATHE.

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear: art, nature, culture, and design aren’t separate here—they’re part of the same conversation. Low-slung, whitewashed bungalows stretch along 2 km of shoreline, shaded by pine trees and punctuated by striking site-specific sculptures. The hotel’s Sculpture Garden began as a visionary experiment in 1988, when Gina Mamidaki—founder of the Mamidakis Foundation and current CEO of Bluegr Hotels & Resorts—organized the first Art Symposium on the property, well before artist residencies became common. Today, that vision continues through the George and Aristea Mamidakis Foundation, which supports an annual Art Prize, cultural programming, and a Research Residency Programme launched in 2022.

What makes Minos truly unique is the seamless integration of all these elements. Architecture takes cues from traditional Cretan forms—flat roofs, clean lines, and a natural palette—while interiors are understated and textural, blending simplicity with artisan-crafted elegance. Here, you don’t just observe the landscape; you live within it. Art doesn’t hang on walls—it surrounds you.

EXPLORING CRETE, VILLAGE BY VILLAGE 

That same spirit carries into every part of the guest experience. Visitors are encouraged to step beyond the hotel and into the rhythms of Cretan life. One highlight is the Kritsa Experience—a guided visit to one of Crete’s oldest mountain villages, where guests can explore the Xombli weaving workshop, meet the women behind the local agricultural cooperative, and witness firsthand the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. There’s also Rodanthi, a charming natural herb museum filled with the myths and uses of native plants, followed by a visit to a nearby olive oil press and a proper lunch at a classic taverna—honest food, made with love and intention.

For beach lovers, the crystalline waters of Voulisma and Almyros Beaches are just a short drive away, offering sun-soaked serenity. And for a deeper look into Crete’s layered past, a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga offers powerful perspective.

DINING BY THE SEA, ROOTED IN THE ISLAND 

Back at Minos, the culinary offering is every bit as soulful as the setting. The hotel features three distinctive restaurants—Bacchus, Terpsis, and the legendary La Bouillabaisse—four bars (Dionysos, Pure, Ibiscus, and La Cave), and a traditional kafeneion, Adeste. Each brings its own rhythm, rooted in Cretan and Greek culinary heritage, enhanced by innovation and seasonality. La Bouillabaisse, in particular, has long been a landmark of modern Greek gastronomy—earning eight Golden Chef’s Hat awards and serving as a creative training ground for chefs like Giannis Grillionakis and Sven Elverfeld of Germany’s 3-Michelin-starred Aqua.

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Minos is also a proud founding member of the “We Do Local” initiative, which champions sustainable practices and supports local farmers, fishers, and artisans. This isn’t just food—it’s a philosophy. And it’s made personal by the team, whose passion for Cretan identity and culture brings every detail to life.

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Ultimately, Minos Beach Art Hotel offers more than design-conscious luxury. It’s a soulful, art-driven, and deeply rooted hospitality experience—one that invites you to slow down, look deeper, and connect with Crete in a way that’s both thoughtful and unforgettable.

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