Avra Imperial Hotel, Crete: A Five-Star Family Escape on the Bay of Kolymbari

If you're looking for a place in Crete that truly ticks every box — turquoise sea, a dream hotel, and kids who practically disappear for the day — the Avra Imperial Hotel ***** is well worth your attention. Nestled in the peaceful bay of Kolymbari, in the west of the island, far from the bustle of the big beach resorts, it's the kind of address you almost want to keep to yourself.

Room for Everyone

With 328 rooms and suites, finding the right setup for your family is never a challenge, whether you're travelling as a small unit or a full multigenerational crew. Spaces are generous, finishes are polished, and the whole place has that extra something you'd rightly expect from a five-star hotel. For downtime, there are several mega swim-up pools, a serious spa, lively bars and a range of dining options, from a hearty buffet in the morning, to a more refined table in the evening. In other words, at the Avra Imperial Hotel parents are not an afterthought!

Children in Good Hands

Baby club, kids' club, on-site crèche, staff trained to welcome the youngest guests… even if you're arriving with a baby in tow, you'll feel at ease from the start. And when the mood strikes for a quiet dinner just the two of you, the babysitting service has you covered. That kind of freedom, when you're on holiday with young children, is genuinely priceless.

A Great Base for Exploring Western Crete

The fishing village of Kolymbari happens to be an excellent gateway to a less touristy side of Crete. The town’s Venetian harbour, winding backstreets, tavernas and markets are all worth the trip. The most interesting sight is the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, dedicated to Virgin Mary, known as Monastery in the Corner, as it is located at the western end of the bay. In the surrounding hills, you'll find archaeological sites, villages where time seems to have stood still, and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. For families who like to mix beach days with a bit of exploring, the location is ideal. And with Chania airport only 20 minutes away, getting there and back is refreshingly straightforward.

Why Little Guest Recommends the Avra Imperial Hotel

Little Guest only selects hotels that genuinely welcome families, not just ones that squeeze a travel cot into a corner. The Avra Imperial is part of that selection, and for good reason. The resort offers a range of family-friendly room configurations, from spacious family rooms designed with kids in mind, to stunning suites with a private pool. If waking up and slipping straight into your own pool before breakfast sounds like your kind of holiday, this is exactly that. Whether you're after a comfortable base or a full-blown luxury escape, there's an option that fits, whatever your family looks like.