Elounda, the quiet corner of eastern Crete that has drawn luxury travellers for decades, is getting a new name on its roster of high-end hotels. Family-owned Greek brand Mar-Bella Collection has acquired Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in Plaka, Elounda, marking the group's first move beyond Corfu and the Greek mainland. The resort reopens under new ownership on April 22, 2027.
The property sits on 35,600 square metres above the water, with views across to Spinalonga — the former leper colony fortress island that is now one of Crete's most visited historic sites. It's a short hop to the seaside villages of Plaka and Elounda, both known for fish tavernas and calm, shallow bays.
Accommodation spans 117 rooms, suites and villas across 11 categories, and the selling points are clear: every unit faces the sea and most come with a private pool. Dining covers five restaurants and three bars, and there's a spa, a conference centre and wedding facilities for events.
On the activity side, the resort is leaning into the region rather than keeping guests poolside. Expect hiking and cycling, cooking classes, private boat trips, and organised excursions to Spinalonga and the Venetian-influenced town of Agios Nikolaos, about 20 minutes away.
Mar-Bella Collection already runs MarBella, Nido and Avali on Corfu plus Elix on the mainland, so Cayo gives loyal guests of the brand a reason to try a different Greek island. Chief Commercial Officer Periklis Gompakis framed the addition as a fit with the group's focus on authentic hospitality and strong locations, with plans to align service standards with the rest of the portfolio without stripping away what has made Cayo popular.
Two changes worth flagging for anyone watching this part of Crete. First, the group plans a new kids' club to sit alongside the existing playground, building out a proper family offer. Second, the resort will run dedicated adults-only and family zones, so couples who previously booked here should check the layout before rebooking if they want guaranteed quiet. The management says the aim is to widen the appeal while keeping the exclusivity and privacy the property built its reputation on.
For travellers, this is one to note if you're planning a Crete trip for late spring 2027 or beyond. Elounda has long competed with spots like Porto Heli and Santorini for Greece's top-end holiday spend, and a fresh, refurbished resort with private pools and sea views from every room will sharpen that competition. Booking early for the first season under new ownership is often where the value sits, before the property finds its rhythm and its price point. If you already know Mar-Bella's Corfu properties and like their style, Cayo offers a familiar service culture in a dramatically different setting — mountain-backed coastline instead of Ionian green.
Story via Breaking Travel News.
