Mar-Bella Collection Expands to Crete

With the addition of the Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in Elounda, the family-run Greek hotel group Mar-Bella Collection has expanded its portfolio to five properties.

The Mar-Bella Collection continues its elegant expansion. Through the acquisition of the Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in Plaka near Elounda, the Greek hotel group is adding its first property on Crete to its portfolio. Until now, Mar-Bella has been represented by the MarBella, Nido, and Avali hotels on Corfu, as well as by Elix on the Ionian coast of mainland Greece.

The Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa features 117 rooms, suites, and villas across eleven categories. All accommodations command ocean views, and most also feature a private pool. The resort spans approximately 35,600 square meters and is situated directly across from the historic island of Spinalonga, a short distance from the coastal towns of Plaka and Elounda.

Under its new ownership, the resort’s established identity will be preserved while it is seamlessly integrated into the Mar-Bella Collection’s signature service and experiential offerings. Periklis Gompakis, the group’s Chief Commercial Officer, describes Elounda as one of Greece’s most venerable luxury travel destinations and regards Cayo as a perfectly aligned addition to the existing portfolio.

Dining is curated across five restaurants and three bars, each enhanced by a spa and an array of experiences such as hiking, cycling, cooking classes, private boat excursions, and cultural forays to Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos. A conference centre and associated facilities also position the resort to host events and weddings.

Offerings for Couples and

Families In the future, family provisions will be further expanded. Plans include separate areas for adults and families, as well as a new Kids Club to complement the existing play area. At the same time, the resort will maintain its positioning in the upscale segment with a focus on privacy and exclusivity.

With Cayo, the Mar-Bella Collection now encompasses five five-star hotels and resorts across Greece. The foray into Crete follows the 2025 debut of the 76-room Avali on Corfu. The Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is scheduled to reopen under the group’s umbrella on 22 April 2027.