Avra Imperial Hotel

On the quieter northwest coast of Crete at Kolymbari, Avra Imperial Hotel combines strong contemporary architecture, expansive pool landscapes and direct access to the sea within a resort designed around space, light and a distinctly composed sense of scale.

The architecture gives the hotel its identity from the outset. Inspired by the symmetry and geometry of ancient Minoan palaces, the buildings are structured around long sightlines, reflective water, stone surfaces and broad walkways that create a striking sense of order across the grounds. The effect is clean and confident, softened by gardens and the open Cretan light.

With 328 rooms and suites spread through 65,000 square metres of landscaped grounds, the resort feels generous without losing coherence. Pools, terraces, restaurants and quieter corners are carefully distributed, giving families and couples the freedom to find their own pace while still feeling connected to the wider hotel.

Rooms & Suites

Accommodation ranges from comfortable Deluxe Rooms to larger suites and private pool categories, with natural materials, pale finishes and generous proportions creating a calm visual language throughout. Many rooms open onto terraces or balconies overlooking the pools, gardens or surrounding resort.

The water facing categories are particularly appealing. Deluxe Rooms with shared pools offer direct access to the water from the terrace, while Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites, Executive Suites and Premium Suites with private pools provide a more secluded experience and additional outdoor space.

Families are well catered for through dedicated Family Rooms and Two Bedroom Junior Suites, while the larger Premium and Executive categories bring a more residential sense of scale for guests wanting extra space to unwind.

Dining

Five restaurants give Avra Imperial genuine variety across the stay. Basilico serves as the main dining room, with Cretan and international dishes presented beside the pool, while Xatheri turns more directly towards local flavours and the culinary traditions of the island.

Al Fresco Trattoria Italiana brings a relaxed Italian character, Blue Dong introduces Asian influences and Avra Seaside moves dining towards the coast with a lighter, more informal atmosphere. The contrast between the venues makes it easy to change both cuisine and mood from one evening to the next.

Bars are equally well placed throughout the resort, allowing drinks to move naturally between poolside afternoons, sunset by the sea and a quieter finish to the evening.

Experience

The main pool landscape is one of the defining features of Avra Imperial, with broad swimming areas, water features and terraces creating a natural centre to the resort. Direct access to Kolymbari Beach adds a second rhythm, allowing days to move easily between pool, sea and shaded garden spaces.

Tennis, fitness classes, cycling, diving and organised activities give plenty of scope for more active days, while a dedicated kids’ club, play areas and children’s pool make the resort especially comfortable for families. Live music, themed evenings and other events add a gentle sense of occasion after dark.

The scale works particularly well here because the resort offers different moods rather than one dominant atmosphere, making it easy to find a lively family area, a quieter poolside corner or a place closer to the sea depending on the day.

Wellness

The APIVITA Spa is a substantial part of the Avra Imperial experience, with an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, steam room and a broad menu of massages, facials, body treatments and beauty therapies. Ten treatment rooms allow wellness to feel fully integrated into the resort rather than added as an extra.

Yoga, fitness classes and personal training provide a more active approach, while the indoor pool and relaxation areas offer a welcome change of pace from the outdoor spaces. It is a well rounded setup that gives guests real flexibility in how they spend their time.

Where

Avra Imperial Hotel is located beside Kolymbari Beach, a short walk from the centre of Kolymbari and around 23 kilometres west of Chania, with Chania International Airport approximately 35 kilometres away.

Media