This new luxurious resort in Crete blends chill vibes with tradition

On a beautiful and serene coast outside the picturesque village of Panormos in Crete, a new luxurious resort awaits the modern nomad.

The Royal Senses Resort is landing in Greece’s biggest island this summer! Combining the island’s rich heritage with exceptional experiences of the here and now, this new luxury resort is the latest entry in lifestyle hospitality from the Troulis Royal Collection.

A true ambassador of the island’s rugged beauty, The Royal Senses Resort in Crete is deeply intertwined with the landscape of the island and the character of its people, while still maintaining a cosmopolitan aura.

Accomodation at The Royal Senses

The resort’s 179 suites and villas connect seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Accommodations range from spacious 35-square-meter rooms, with undisturbed sea views and natural furnishing materials, to ultra-luxurious 200-square-meter villas with amenities such as private infinity pools organically carved from the rock that surrounds the island.

The element of water plays a key part in the hotel: the four large communal pools and the 74 private infinity pools lined with elegant sun loungers and cabanas seem to cascade from level to level, creating a sense of motion that stirs the soul of the traveller.

Cretan heritage meets now

The celebration of Cretan roots has been the main driving force behind the resort’s overall architectural and design approach, according to Nikos Peppas and Katerina Tsiolaki, of Peppas N Architects. The interiors were designed by award-wining consultants HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates and Constantina Tsoutsikou, subsequent founder and creative director of the new London-based high-concept practice, Studio Lost. Their task was to showcase the owners’ genuine commitment to local authenticity in a modern way.

The rooms and suites, all flowing towards their outdoor terrace, are built to remind the contemporary globetrotter exactly where they are with framed views of the Cretan sea setting the tone. Earthy and textural, every guest room features carpentry and furniture from highly skilled local third-generation craftsmen, while furnishings, such as the cushions, are entirely made by hand in traditional motifs from the local women weavers association.

All rooms maximize the time spent outdoors celebrating views and private pools, while the dark metal finishes and details such as leather-wrapped door handles add an extra layer of depth in the overall look and feel. The open, boundless, layout connects the indoors with the outdoors and invites guests to enjoy these generous, calm spaces in their entirety.

A holistic experience

At the Royal Senses, the traveller is called to connect with a community of kindred souls and experience a sense of ancient mindfulness. This sense of community is highlighted by the fact that guests can seamlessly traverse across both resorts. As celebrating locality is of the utmost importance for the resort, the three restaurants (two of which offer a la carte menus) and the various pop-up food bars at the Marketplace honour Crete’s rich culinary tradition in various ways.