Breadcrumbs ![Why This Boutique Cretan Escape Should Be On Your Radar](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Z6C_upxzPMQesTRJZtYiL6gPVtk=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fba-holiday-hero.jpg) ![Why This Boutique Cretan Escape Should Be On Your Radar](https://media.sheerluxe.com/6KXXhs1H29Un7EuG6MKXuQHoOts=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fba-holiday-mobile-thumb.jpg) ![Why This Boutique Cretan Escape Should Be On Your Radar](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Z6C_upxzPMQesTRJZtYiL6gPVtk=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fba-holiday-hero.jpg) ![Why This Boutique Cretan Escape Should Be On Your Radar](https://media.sheerluxe.com/6KXXhs1H29Un7EuG6MKXuQHoOts=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fba-holiday-mobile-thumb.jpg) [Europe](/culture/travel/europe) / 04 September 2026 # Why This Boutique Cretan Escape Should Be On Your Radar With golden sands, Venetian-inspired interiors and a new generation of private-pool villas, Caramel by Grecotel is the kind of Greek escape that makes switching off feel easy and effortless. If you're still chasing some last-minute sun, here's why this beautiful Crete retreat deserves a place on your holiday shortlist... [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53906) Created in partnership with British Airways Holidays [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/fCh1F8Wz6LiWeFJBvt7TJXf_guk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fba-holiday-portrait-1.jpg) ](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Caramel-A-Grecotel-Resort-To-Live/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7) ### THE AREA There’s something about Crete that keeps us coming back. From its incredible food and rich history to its beautiful coastline, it has all the ingredients for a brilliant Greek escape. And for somewhere that feels a little more special, [Caramel, A Resort To Live®](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Caramel-A-Grecotel-Resort-To-Live/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7) [by Grecotel](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Caramel-A-Grecotel-Resort-To-Live/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7) delivers boutique charm with plenty of personality. Set on Crete’s north coast near the historic town of Rethymno, this elegant beachfront resort blends the island’s heritage with a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. Think Venetian-inspired details, lush gardens and eclectic interiors, all with the relaxed atmosphere you want from a holiday by the sea. ### THE INTERIORS Caramel isn’t your average minimalist Greek hotel. Inspired by the aristocratic Venetian era of Rethymno, the design combines vintage glamour with playful seaside eccentricity. Expect rich textures, handpicked antiques and breezy fabrics, alongside bright, characterful spaces that feel luxurious without being overly formal. The accommodation is just as impressive. From suites and bungalows to maisonettes and villas, every space has been designed with its own distinctive character in mind. New for the latest chapter of the resort are a collection of beautifully designed villas, complete with private heated pools – ideal for anyone looking for a little extra space and privacy. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/1gh6MB9WUHpp8EluQqeZFqmKI2s=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fnew-ba-landscape.jpg) ](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Caramel-A-Grecotel-Resort-To-Live/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7) ### THE VIBES At the heart of the resort is the striking 700 sq m seawater pool, complete with hydro-massage features and a colourful, light-catching design. Elsewhere, the golden stretch of shoreline provides the perfect setting for long lunches and leisurely afternoons by the Cretan Sea. With plush sunbeds, umbrellas and attentive beach service, everything is taken care of, leaving you free to settle into holiday mode from the moment you arrive. ### THE EXPERIENCE One of the biggest draws is Caramel’s new All-Inclusive Experience, designed to make the entire stay feel as seamless as possible. It includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus unlimited drinks and beverages across the resort. Guests can also enjoy light snacks and signature cocktails by the pool or beach, while in-room touches include espresso and tea facilities, plus a minibar stocked with soft drinks, wine and beer, replenished daily. In other words, it takes the guesswork out of a holiday – so you can focus on enjoying it. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Gjhp7CK6MBNQy4lJpNhYtg9obSU=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fba-holiday-landscape-2.jpg) ](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Caramel-A-Grecotel-Resort-To-Live/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7) ### THE FOOD As with any great Greek escape, food plays a big part in the experience. At Caramel, Cretan delicacies, fresh local produce and healthy, organic dishes are transformed into imaginative culinary experiences, bringing a contemporary edge to the island’s rich gastronomic traditions. Start the day at Caramel The Restaurant, where an impressively generous breakfast buffet includes fresh juices, egg-white omelettes, cakes and hot dishes, alongside local specialities such as herbal teas and honey. Come evening, the restaurant serves a hot and cold buffet with live cooking, vegetarian options and modern Mediterranean dishes with a twist. For something a little more special, Gourmet À La Carte Restaurant offers an elegant al fresco setting overlooking the illuminated pool, with a menu centred around fresh seafood and meat dishes. Afterwards, head to Panther Bar for an after-dinner cocktail – or stop by earlier in the day for something refreshing. For those opting for half board, breakfast and dinner are included at the main buffet restaurant, while lunch can be taken at the Pool Restaurant in exchange for dinner, with a credit towards food. Guests can also use a credit allowance towards dinner at selected à la carte restaurants. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/u5co-XOb_YXTMW8xBeW-2jLvVE8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fba-holiday-portrait-new1.jpg) ](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Caramel-A-Grecotel-Resort-To-Live/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7) ### THE EXTRAS Whether you prefer your holidays spent completely horizontal or like to keep moving, there’s plenty to choose from. Sports enthusiasts can make the most of water sports, mountain bike excursions and table tennis, while the on-site gym and fitness programme offers everything from yoga and Pilates to aqua aerobics. There’s also a dedicated Wellness Centre offering signature treatments and restorative rituals for those in need of a little extra relaxation. Meanwhile, guests looking to get out and explore can discover more of Crete through experiences centred around the island’s culture, history and landscapes. Caramel is also a great option for families. Children aged four to 12 can get involved with the Grecoland kids’ programme, which includes team games, creative arts, cinema showings and plenty more to keep them entertained throughout the day. There’s also the Tasty Corner for snacks and drinks, while Grecobaby offers a selection of useful equipment – including mats, bouncy chairs and listening devices – to make travelling with little ones that bit easier. ### *Plus, Getting There Is Easy With British Airways Holidays* For a stress-free way to plan your escape, British Airways Holidays offers great value holidays with the quality and peace of mind you’d expect from British Airways. All holiday packages are ATOL protected and include a generous checked baggage allowance, while flexible payment options mean you can secure your trip with a low deposit and spread the cost. There’s also access to a dedicated 24-hour helpline during your trip. Members of The British Airways Club can collect Avios and earn tier points, as well as use Avios towards the cost of a holiday package. If you want to start your holiday in style, you can also upgrade to Club Europe (Business) for additional benefits including lounge access\*\*, increased checked baggage allowance and priority check-in and boarding. Ready to go? Book a holiday with British Airways Holidays and discover the boutique side of Crete. *For more information and to book your stay, visit British Airways Holidays. \*\*subject to availability* *Visit* [BA.COM/GRECOTEL](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/Crete/Grecotel-Caramel/GR-I69-1071803&duration=7?DM1_Channel=PAR&DM1_Campaign=UKI_GB_EN_0_sheerluxe_Q326SL_ptrSEPT_grec&DM1_Site=sheerluxe) [ Sign in to comment with your SheerLuxe profile ](/user/login?destination=)Or continue to comment as a Guest below [View the discussion thread.](http://sheerluxe-dev.disqus.com/) *more from* Culture [View All Culture](/culture) ![The Gold Edition Hot List](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QtspAJOWa8laOtECN_wp-0cN8G4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-gold-200726-site-assets-hot-list-thumb.jpg) [Travel & Culture](/gold/travel-culture)/ 20 July 2026 [## The Gold Edition Hot List 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