By Pascal Languillon, Founder of Luxe Wellness Club.
There are places where you feel, from the very first minutes, that something inside you is going to align. A piece of land bathed in light, suspended between sky and sea, where time seems to slow down to the rhythm of the waves. Minos Palaceon the northeast coast of Crete, is one of those rare places. Set on a wild peninsula, caressed by the winds and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, this adults-only hotel offers much more than a simple seaside holiday. It’s a true parenthesis of holistic well-being, recently enhanced by the opening of NAO Wellness, an ultra-modern longevity center dedicated to the regeneration of body and mind. I came here in search of calm, blue air and breath. And what I found was a transformative experience, rooted in the raw beauty of Cretan natureand driven by a very contemporary vision of wellness.
A gentle arrival, between sea and mountains
As soon as I arrive at Heraklion airport, the dry, luminous heat of Crete envelops me. It takes about an hour and a quarter to drive to Agios Nikolaos, the charming coastal town where Minos Palace is located. But the drive is already an appetizer: the landscapes oscillate between arid mountains and turquoise coves, and the light, so particular to the Mediterranean, gives the olive trees an almost silvery sheen.
The hotel appears quite well integrated into its surroundings, as if set on a rock. The architecture is contemporary, but with a strong Greek identity: clean lines, rough stone, blonde wood and Mediterranean vegetation. As soon as I step into the lobby overlooking the sea, I realize that my stay here will be one of contemplation.
An adults-only hotel for quiet luxury
Minos Palace Resort is an adults-only establishment, guaranteeing a peaceful atmosphere ideal for re-centering. The concept is clear: everything here is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, in a calm and gentle atmosphere.
The hotel is part of the Bluegr Hotels & Resorts group, known for its commitment to sustainability, healthy cuisine and immersive experiences. The emphasis is on holistic wellnessrather than a medical approach. You don’t come here for a strict cure, but to experience a stay where every element – from the spa to the cuisine to the landscapes – contributes to an overall rebalancing.
A superb Junior Suite
I was lucky enough to stay in a Junior Suite with private pool, suspended above the sea. The interior is minimalist and elegant, combining waxed concrete, wood and natural fibers. No decorative overload here: everything is designed to leave room for the essentials. The bed faces the bay window, with the mountains in the background.
The infinity pool is fast becoming my personal haven for morning dips and sunset floats. True luxury, simple and raw, just the way I like it.
Wellness in nature
One of the major assets of Minos Palace is, of course, its exceptional location. Set on a 2.5-hectare peninsula, the hotel is surrounded by the sea on three sides, giving it a feeling of total isolation. There’s not only a private beach, but also numerous hidden corners with hammocks, daybeds or simple deckchairs nestling under the pine trees.
Every day, I enjoyed meditative strolls at dawn, barefoot on paths winding between rocks and lavender. The song of the cicadas, the rustle of the leaves, the lapping of the waves: a soothing natural concert, ideal for reconnecting with oneself.
The hotel also offers immersive experiences, such as Mediterranean forest baths, aromatherapy workshops using wild plants from Crete, and kayak trips to discover secret coves. This direct contact with nature is at the heart of the hotel’s approach to well-being.
Every morning, a vinyasa yoga session is held at sunrise on a terrace overlooking the sea. I was lucky enough to take part with a gentle Greek teacher, who guided the session through a blend of movement, breathing and meditation. The wind in my hair, the sun gently rising, and the postures balanced against the horizon: a true moment of physical and mental alignment.
Other disciplines are also offered on a regular basis: yoga nidra, conscious breathing (pranayama), mindfulness workshops and tai chi introductions. I particularly liked the variety of practices, accessible even to beginners, and always seriously supervised.
Nutrition, between Mediterranean pleasure and nutritional awareness
Another essential pillar of the Minos Palace wellness approach is the kitchen, a true extension of the work carried out within NAO. During my stay, I was able to enjoy meals mainly at the Amar restaurant, whose name means “light” in ancient Greek – a nod to the Cretan sun, but also to the inner clarity provided by the right diet. Amar offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with Cretan influences, using organic, local and seasonal ingredients. The dishes are elegant, healthy and perfectly balanced.
Each plate is a harmonious composition: creamy burrata with rosemary-preserved heirloom tomatoes, wild fish carpaccio with lime zest, risotto with fennel and squid ink… All served in a hushed atmosphere, with a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.
What I particularly appreciated was the consistency with the nutritional recommendations of the NAO program: menus can be adapted to specific needs (anti-inflammatory, digestive, gluten-free, low-sugar…), while retaining a true culinary identity. The chef makes a point of offering a gastronomic experience that nourishes both body and soul. In the morning, the breakfast menu offers vitality options: cold-pressed juices, sheep’s yoghurt, fresh fruit, organic eggs, homemade granola, as well as fermented beverages such as kombucha. Never austere, always tasty, this conscious art of the table has enabled me to reconcile pleasure and health, while inspiring me with simple recipes to replicate at home.
Our feeling
Minos Palace is not a medical center, nor a large resort with a formatted wellness program. It’s a subtle retreat, designed for those seeking to slow down, recharge their batteries and reconnect with nature and their own bodies. Luxury is discreet, never ostentatious. The beauty of the site, the quality of the cuisine, the precision of the treatments and the sincerity of the welcome create a rare alchemy. For those who wish to experience a Mediterranean interlude with a clear conscience, without sacrificing comfort or refinement, Minos Palace is a little nugget.
Book your stay at Minos Palace
Take advantage of our expertise in wellness breaks and contact us for a personalized quote for Minos Palace Resort.
Rates : From around 350 euros per night in low season. Contact us for an exclusive benefit.
Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
