JW Marriott Crete

A First Look at the New JW Marriott Crete: Luxury, Flavor, and a Few Teething Troubles

On my recent trip to Crete, I had the chance to stay at the brand-new JW Marriott Crete. As one of the first guests at this freshly opened property, I was excited to experience what this luxury addition to the island had to offer—and overall, it was a memorable stay full of highlights, with just a few early-opening quirks.

A Villa Surprise

One of the first things that stood out was the rooms. The resort is designed so that the majority of rooms come with private pools, which gives the entire property a feeling of privacy and indulgence. It’s a rare luxury to step straight out of your room into your own pool, and it immediately set the tone for a relaxing stay.

Thanks to using my Nightly Upgrade Awards, I was fortunate enough to be upgraded to a two-bedroom villa. Spacious, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, it felt like having our own private home within the resort. Waking up to views of the Cretan landscape and then starting the day with a refreshing dip in the pool was a treat I won’t soon forget.

Dining Delights

Food is always one of the best parts of a resort stay, and here the JW Marriott did not disappoint. Breakfast was a standout, with an impressive spread that managed to be both indulgent and healthy, catering to every possible mood and taste.

For dinner, the property offers three distinct restaurants, and I tried them all:

• Italian: Comforting flavors with a refined twist. The pasta and pizza dishes were authentic, but with that elevated JW Marriott touch.

• Greek: A modern take on local classics, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Crete. From fresh mezze to perfectly grilled meats, every dish felt like a celebration of the island.

• Fish restaurant: Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Dining by the sea with freshly caught fish was the perfect way to round out the experience.

Each meal was not only delicious but also paired with genuinely attentive service, which made every dinner feel special.

A Few Growing Pains

Of course, with a brand-new property, there are often a few bumps along the way. At JW Marriott Crete, I noticed some construction flaws that still need ironing out. For example, at the spa, water was dripping from the ceiling—something that clearly shouldn’t happen in a five-star resort. While these issues didn’t ruin the experience, they were noticeable and a reminder that the property is still in its early days.

Final Thoughts

My stay at the JW Marriott Crete was a mix of luxury, indulgence, and early-stage quirks. The spacious rooms with private pools and the outstanding dining experiences more than delivered on the promise of a world-class resort. The upgrade to the two-bedroom suite was the cherry on top, making the stay feel extra special.

Yes, there are some rough edges that need smoothing out, but once those are fixed, I’m confident this property will become one of the most sought-after luxury resorts in Crete. For travelers who want privacy, comfort, and a taste of both local and international cuisine, the JW Marriott Crete is definitely one to watch.