Crete
Far removed from the identikit beach hotels that dot Crete’s coastline, the new member of Design Hotels the Cretan Malia Park is a flora-filled retreat that augments classic Aegean hospitality with a focus on refined luxury and slow-paced living. Owned by the Sbokos family since it opened in the 1980s, the hotel has been totally re-imagined by Greek architect Vans Pernari resulting in a unique aesthetic inspired by the colors and textures of the island. Key to the hotel’s identity is its commitment to sustainability — a crucial philosophy that informs all aspects of the design and operations. Factor in a fresh, Mediterranean kitchen inspired by Crete’s culinary traditions, an organic wellness program that allows guests to commune with the spectacular surroundings, and exquisitely landscaped botanical gardens leading to the sparkling Aegean Sea, and you have a whole new spin on carefree Cretan luxury.