Surrounded by serene, beautifully clean grounds, this tranquil retreat offers a perfect escape. Delight in the heated pools, indulgent spa, and exquisite dining options, ensuring a luxurious and relaxing stay.
Located in Hersonissos, Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels is on a private beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Malia Beach and Stalis Beach, while Aquaworld Aquarium and Acqua Plus Water Park are popular local attractions. Palace of Malia and Crete Golf Club are two other places to visit that come recommended. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby. Visit our Hersonissos travel guide
Emmanouil Tsagaraki, Hersonissos, Crete, 700 07
What's nearby
Potamos Beach
14 min walk - 1.2 km
Stalis Beach
6 min drive - 5.0 km
Palace of Malia
3 min walk - 0.3 km
Malia Beach
2 min drive - 1.6 km
Malia Ruins
2 min drive - 1.6 km
Getting around
Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)
30 min drive
Restaurants
Taverna Eva
9 min walk
Epsilon: The Alcoholic Church
2 min drive
Taverna Stavri Garden
2 min walk
Malia Star restaurant
11 min walk
Taverna Kalyva
15 min walk
About this property
Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels
Luxury family-friendly hotel near Palace of Malia
Located close to Malia Beach and Stalis Beach, Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels provides a free breakfast buffet, a beach bar and a poolside bar. Adventurous travellers may like the cycling, ecotours and fitness classes at this hotel. Treat yourself to a body treatment, a massage or a body wrap at The Cute Spa, the on-site spa. At the 3 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and Mediterranean cuisine. Yoga classes and Pilates classes are offered at the 24-hour gym; Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels also has a terrace, designer shops on-site and a coffee shop/cafe. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and a playground.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
3 outdoor pools and a children's pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
Free self-parking
Bike hire, 2 outdoor tennis courts and babysitting (surcharge)
Concierge services, a gift shop and luggage storage
Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All 204 individually decorated rooms feature perks such as air conditioning and separate sitting areas, as well as amenities such as free WiFi and safes.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Showers, free toiletries and hairdryers
Smart TVs with satellite channels
Furnished balconies or patios, wardrobes/cupboards and separate sitting areas
All-inclusive details
All-inclusive room rates at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels are available. These rates are higher because they include on-site food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).
Awards and affiliations
Eco-certified property
This property participates in the Green Key (Foundation for Environmental Education) and Travelife – programmes that measure the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
2 bars/lounges
3 restaurants
A beach bar
A coffee shop/cafe
A poolside bar
Couples/private dining
Snack bar/deli
Restaurants on site
Almyra
Mediterraneo
Melissi
Mouries Restaurant
The Beach Shack
Things to do
2 outdoor tennis courts
24-hour gym
3 outdoor pools
Bicycle rentals
Billiards/pool table
Children's pool
Designer stores
Ecotours
Fitness classes
Free children's club
Full-service spa
Library
Pilates classes
Playground
Shopping
Yoga classes
Family friendly
3 outdoor pools
Babysitting (surcharge)
Children's pool
Free children's club
Free supervised activities for children
In-room refrigerator
Laundry facilities
Playground
Snack bar/deli
Conveniences
24-hour front desk
Gift shop/newsstand
Hair salon
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Guest services
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
Meeting rooms
Outdoors
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Beach umbrellas
Garden
On a private beach
On the waterfront
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Terrace
Full-service spa
Body wraps
Deep-tissue massages
Facials
Hot stone massages
Spa open daily
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 accessible parking spaces
No lift
Stair-free path to entrance
Visual alarms in hallways
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
More
13 buildings
2 floors
Banquet hall
Designated smoking areas
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Shower
Slippers
Towels provided
Entertainment
Smart TV with satellite channels
Food and drink
Free bottled water
Limited room service
Minibar
Refrigerator
More
Air conditioning
Desk
Individual decor
Phone
Safe
Separate sitting area
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests who book a half board inclusive rate plan receive breakfast and dinner at the property's buffet restaurant.
Please note: Guestroom photos are representative of rooms offered and may differ from the actual room received.
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A tax is imposed by the city and collected at the property. This tax is adjusted seasonally and might not apply all year round. Other exemptions or reductions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
A tax is imposed by the city: From 1 November to 31 March, EUR 4.00 per accommodation, per night
A tax is imposed by the city: From 1 April to 31 October, EUR 15.00 per accommodation, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number 1039K014A2512000
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
Reservations are required for spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Frequently asked questions
Does Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels have a pool?
Yes, this property has 3 outdoor pools and a children's pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels on 19 May 2026 start from AU$405, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for a fee (subject to availability).
Are there all-inclusive benefits at Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels?
Some rate plans available at this hotel are all-inclusive.
Where is Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels located?
Nestled on the beach, this Hersonissos hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Palace of Malia and Malia Beach. Stalis Beach and Aquaworld Aquarium are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Wir waren rundum zufrieden in dem Hotel :-) das Personal war so zuvorkommend und nett und das Zimmer war wunderbar sauber. Die Anlage war wunderschön und die Pools toll und beheizt (April)
Wir hatten einen wundervollen Aufenthalt und können es sehr empfehlen.
Ja die Preise vor Hort für Speisen und Getränke sind durchaus hoch, das wäre das einzige , was wir bemängeln könnten.
Sowohl das Büffet-Restaurant als auch die a la Carte hatten tolles und qualitativ hochwertiges Essen.
Die Anlage ist ein Traum und Service wird groß geschrieben.
Anja
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Christian
30 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wir waren zehn Nächte im Oktober hier (Familie mit zwei Kids, 6 & 8 J.). Die Anlage ist traumhaft schön: flache Bauten, viel Grün, alte Olivenbäume, Palmen, Kakteen, Sandstrand (felsig, aber mit zwei kleine Sand-Buchten für den Zugang ins Meer) – perfekt für Kinder. Auch die Architektur und das entspannte Ambiente draußen machen viel her.
Trotzdem erreicht das Hotel den Fünf-Sterne-Anspruch nicht. Es sind viele Kleinigkeiten: abgenutzte Polster, kleine Defekte am Pool, am OutdoorGym oder Anlage. Wenig Aufmerksamkeit beim Service (weniger bestellt - spart uns letztendlich Geld ;-) ). Das Buffet-Restaurant wirkt wie eine Kantine – laut, ungemütlich, wenig Atmosphäre. Im Mouries und Almyra ist der Service herzlicher (Frühstück im Mouries: großartig!)
Die Zimmer sind schick, sind aber in den Bädern eng wie bei MotelOne. Nespresso auf Zimmer kostet extra. Kommunikation oft leider eher „geht nicht“ statt „wir finden eine Lösung“. Dazu kam bei mir eine Lebensmittelvergiftung (happens) – professionell reagiert, mit Bedauern, aber ohne Entschuldigung/Geste.
Die Lage ist ruhig, aber abgelegen. Ohne Mietwagen geht nichts (Malia selbst lohnt nicht). Trotzdem: Wir hatten eine gute Zeit. Strand, Sonne, Kinder happy – das zählt. Man merkt, wie viel Potenzial hier steckt. Wenn Service, Pflege und Gastfreundschaft im Detail nachgezogen werden, kann dieses Resort großartig sein. Wir hatten das Gefühl die letzten 20% fehlen hier...
Fazit: aktuell gute 4 Sterne mit Entwicklungspotenzial. 💬
This is such a brilliant hotel for young families. It’s a really beautiful place with some lovely restaurants, bars & some cute additions like the gelateria & the little on-site kafenio. The staff are brilliant with kids and they’ve thought of everything you need. Malia isn’t the prettiest area, but parts of the Old Town are charming with some lovely, great value restaurants. My only criticism of this hotel how expensive the restaurant are. We chose not to go half board or all-included but I wish we had – I think it would’ve been much better value overall!
Pros
Rooms very nice with everything you need
Huge beds
Staff very friendly
Food and setting at the restaurants lovely (especially Cretan and Italian)
Kids play area was nice to have especially on a rainy day
Design of property is stunning
Cat cafe and organic garden were nice places to potter around
Cons/areas for improvement
Relatively small for a resort and not much to do around the resort.
Bungalow rooms are not actually bungalows - our room was on the first floor
Balconies small
Pools not heated enough to be a pleasant experience in October (24 degrees outside). Daughter was turning blue!
There’s a nice splash pool for toddlers but it’s under trees so coated in tree debris all the time - feels like it should’ve been cleaned out more regularly
Menus were all on qr codes in the app but you couldn’t order through the app
There was a yoga pavilion so I expected to be able to pop along to yoga classes but they only had private yoga classes on offer. Every other resort I’ve stayed in does free sessions once or twice a day
Massage was lovely but availability was very limited so recommend booking in advance. Offers were advertised but not honoured.
Seemed to be one “experience” available most days but they were pricey. For example Brad making we’d have paid €200 for two suits and a one year old
Similarly we paid €23 for our daughter at the buffet (but she was free the second time)
Difficult to get restaurant reservations within a day or two
Beach not the nicest
Ons verblijf was prima. Het was er alleen extreem druk met voornamelijk gezinnen met jonge kinderen. Voor gezinnen zal het een goed verblijf zijn maar als je de rust opzoekt was dat niet altijd ideaal—soms zaten we net te ontbijten in een creche. De kamers werden schoongemaakt maar niet echt opgeruimd. Om te eten moet je op voorhand reserveren en daar zijn ze niet echt flexibel in.
Modernes Design Hotel, sehr gute Qualität des Essens, aufmerksames Personal, ausreichend Parkplätze, saubere moderne Zimmer, schöner Strand mit guten Liegen
Sehr schöne weitläufige Anlage mit guter Auswahl an Restaurants und Bars. Auch ein kleiner Shop ist dabei, wo man alles nötige zu einem guten Preis erhält. Das Personal ist freundlich und sehr hilfsbereit. Die Bungalows sind geräumig auch wenn die Badezimmer etwas eng sind. Punktabzug gibt es dafür, dass die Liegen und Tische am Pool zu selten gereinigt wurden
We spent a week here with our two daughters. It was an amazing experience. The hotel itself is beautifully designed with several options for swimming and laying out. It was great to be able to stay at a hotel where we could access the ocean directly. We never had issues finding beach chairs. The staff was incredibly nice and the food was excellent. Would love to return here again someday!
Jessica
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Natalie
9 Aug 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness
Misleading, chaotic, and not as advertised:
We booked this hotel for a romantic birthday getaway after seeing the beautiful photos and descriptions online and on their social media. Everything suggested it was a peaceful, couple-friendly place — perfect for celebrating.
The reality could not have been further from that. When we arrived, there were children running around everywhere. Walking to our room, we passed hundreds of children, overcrowded areas, sun loungers blocking the paths, and even a dirty nappy right outside our door. It felt completely over capacity and nothing like the relaxing escape we’d been promised.
We decided to at least try a cocktail before making any decisions, but the bar area was just as chaotic — yet again, swarms of children running around unsupervised. At that point, we cancelled our stay and booked another hotel immediately.
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic, or special occasion stay, this is not the place. Completely misleading advertising and a very disappointing experience
Natalie
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Alexander
6 Aug 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Wir sind zum 4ten Mal dort gewesen und wsl zum letzten Mal!, bis zu diesem Mal war alles super! Aber nun hat der Service nachgelassen, Preise nochmals gestiegen! Hauskeeping hat bei Ankunft ein eher schlechtes Zimmer an uns übergeben! Begleitet wurde unsere Woche durch: Verschmutze und kaputte Liegen am Strand, fehlende Waschlotionen bis kurz vor Abreise! Ekelhaftes reservieren der liegen am Pool! An 2 Tagen gab es auch Kinder die in beiden Pools ihr großes Geschäft gemacht haben! Poolaufsicht ist eher mit Handy beschäftigt! Die Anlage kommt langsam in die Jahre nach der Sanierung und das merkt man! Die Preise und auch die 5*sind absolut nicht mehr gerechtfertigt! Es ist schade aber leider die Wahrheit! LG Alex U
AVOID AT ALL COST !!! this hotel is not adult friendly. thousands of kids running around screaming all day and night. parents lounging on the grass and walking areas everywhere. beach is rocky. breakfast buffet is average with a lot of frozen foods. not worthy of the design hotel list.