Winner:SILVER Best All-Inclusive Hotel for Families
Who:Creta Maris Resort - Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
What:A 5* beachfront destination for families
Why:
Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of Hersonissos, Creta Maris Resort is a five-star beachfront destination where authentic Cretan hospitality meets enriching, family-focused experiences. Founded in 1975, this family-run resort blends comfort, culture, and conscious living, staying true to its founders’ vision of heartfelt hospitality and environmental respect.
The resort offers 676 rooms, suites, and villas inspired by traditional Cretan villages, surrounded by lush gardens and pools. Guests can enjoy seven restaurants, nine bars, immersive cultural activities, and relaxed hands-on local experiences—from olive oil tastings to cheese making. Families love the dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, an exciting waterpark and various curated experiences designed to bring generations together. There is also a wonderful Hammam Spa for grown-ups who really want to unwind. Our jugdes felt Creta Maris was truly a benchmark for luxury and mindful family travel in Crete.
“Set against Crete’s breathtaking landscape, Creta Maris offers hospitality rooted in genuine Cretan warmth, heritage, and generosity. Children are immersed in meaningful, hands-on experiences - from family cooking and local crafts to thoughtfully designed spaces that feel welcoming rather than formulaic. Sustainability sits at the heart of the resort, with a deep respect for local culture and biodiversity, proving that luxury and responsibility can exist in perfect harmony. With exceptional service, immaculate beaches, and joyful family spaces, Creta Maris is a place where families connect, feel truly welcomed, and create memories that last a lifetime.”
"Excellent value and very family-friendly, but more traditional and less refined than other options on this list."
"Sometimes a family resort can forget to focus enough on the local culture, but here I am so impressed with the priority placed on providing traditional Cretan activities like the Greek cooking lessons, olive oil tastings, pressing grapes and shearing sheep and cheese making with local farmers. It's evident that experiencing local culture is important here, and I love that!"
“You get a real sense of the family-focused vibe here. I love that it’s family-run, with a genuine dedication to history, sustainability, and an authentic Greek holiday experience. This is the kind of place that welcomes returning visitors year after year and you can clearly see why. It's truly stunning.”
What makes it Special...
What really sets Creta Maris apart is its focus on shared experiences—from family cooking classes to sustainability themed activities that inspire all generations. With eco-conscious initiatives and partnerships with local farmers, every stay supports the environment and community.
The Real Greek...
The judges were excited to see that Creta Maris Resort is deeply connected to its roots, celebrating authenticity, hospitality, and sustainability. Honouring Cretan heritage through its architecture, cuisine, and service, this resort offers families a genuine island experience. Guided by philoxenia—the ancient Greek spirit of generosity—every guest feels welcomed, while eco-conscious practices ensure luxury coexists with respect for the environment and local community.
Junior Fact File
Prices start from 287€ (2 adults & 1 child) during the shoulder season.
The nearest airport is Heraklion Airport. It’s a 25-kilometre (15.5-mile) drive from the airport to Hersonissos typically taking around 25 minutes by car, offering a straightforward and convenient transfer to the resort.
