Crete is a myth-steeped land of natural wonders and cultural treasures, and across the sparkling waters of Mirabello Bay from the storied island of Spinalonga, sisters Agapi and Costantza Sbokou are reimagining their family’s beachside hotel into a smaller, more intimate boutique offering. Phāea Blue immerses guests in a timeless Greek world of traditional experiences, authentic cuisine, and thoughtful artistry, from the island-inspired interiors and homegrown ingredients through to the genuine warmth of every staff member (who greet and treat you like extended family).
What does being ‘independently minded’ as a hotel owner mean to you?
—AGAPI This means embracing the freedom to create something unique — an experience that truly reflects the essence of our island, local culture, and values. It means infusing our hotels with the true spirit of Crete, ensuring that every aspect of the property — from the design to the services, and of course, our people — reflects the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the place we call home.
As a second-generation hotelier, my involvement comes as a choice and out of passion, with a clear vision to create a thread of properties that “celebrate a truer, more timeless Greece”; the side of Greece we locals love and enjoy. Being independently minded is about seeing the hotel as a platform to create something bigger. We believe in consciousness, community, and innovation. These are the guiding values in everything we do. Our focus is Greece and our island of Crete, preserving its beauty for future generations, sharing its best stories, experiences, places, and food with our guests, while contributing and strengthening the local communities.
At Phāea Blue, we had the opportunity to showcase independent minds in every aspect. We partnered with the prestigious Benaki Museum to curate our lobby area. The Benaki Museum is one of Greece’s most significant cultural institutions, showcasing over 120,000 items that represent Greek culture from prehistory to modern times. With multiple venues, it offers a comprehensive view of Greek history and art, while fostering a dialogue with world cultures, making it a key centre for cultural exchange in Greece. The work of numerous emerging Greek artists and artisans is showcased throughout the hotel, in an effort to preserve and celebrate local craftsmanship; we worked with Anthologist, a curator of soulful objects inspired by cultural preservation, authentic experiences, artisanal talents and one-of-a-kind places to style an area within Anthós Restaurant; alongside Zeus + Dione, a Greek luxury fashion brand inspired by Greek mythology and classical culture, to create a capsule summer collection for the hotel.
We commissioned local creatives to create a beautiful guide for eastern Crete to share with our guests and chose antique handwoven loom embroidery from our grandmother’s collection to showcase in the lobby. We feel very strongly about food sourcing and engage in various initiatives, but we are most passionate about our own organic gardens and the programme of Phāea Farmers. This offers ongoing support to staff and their families who farm by buying their produce at a premium to market price, thereby putting the most delicious, seasonal, organic produce on the table, as well as our own organic extra virgin olive oil and honey. This is all possible because we have that freedom.
We welcome opportunities to connect with people, personalise their stay with us, share our way of life, making their stay not just a visit, but a journey into the rich tapestry of our island’s culture and heritage — all in a ‘quiet luxury’ way. In essence, being independently minded means inviting guests into our home, not to a hotel, and welcoming them as our own personal guests.
What was the inspiration behind the hotel, and where do you continue to find sources of inspiration?
—COSTANTZA Phāea Blue was my first project after completing my studies in the US. Stepping out of my hometown for the first time allowed me to acknowledge and appreciate certain values and qualities anew. The original inspiration came from the rich and diverse history of Crete. The island has long been a crossroads of civilizations, each leaving an indelible mark on the culture and architecture of this land. From the Minoan civilization of the Bronze Age to the much later Roman, Byzantine, Andalusian, Venetian and finally Ottoman empires, Crete’s heritage is a tapestry of influences.
We chose to draw inspiration mainly from the Venetian era, known for its sophisticated and elegant architecture that would best embed our vision for our luxury product. The Venetian castles, arsenals, and stonework, still found in Cretan cities, are a strong source of reference. The archaeological site of the isle of Spinalonga, which sits at the heart of the bay opposite the hotel, has also been an influence for our architecture. The human scale of its settlement together with the monumental Venetian building is a reference for our palace that integrates both the grand and the intimate.
Finally, the fishermen’s house that was discovered on the shore (which we transformed into the Blue Door Taverna), is a testament to authentic and timeless Greece. Phāea Blue highlights the essence of Cretan cultural heritage: a balance in colours, local stone, and earthy materials like kurasani, used in architecture in bold and modern ways.
In essence, being independently minded means inviting guests into our home, not to a hotel, and welcoming them as our own personal guests.
How do you think your hotel stands apart from other boutique hotels?
—AGAPI We strongly feel that the word ‘luxury’ has often been overused and misused. Phāea Blue stands apart from other luxury hotels through our commitment to authenticity, and our dedication to providing personalised, experiential opportunities that are authentic, never staged.
The hotel’s location in Crete offers a unique backdrop that blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The views over the cobalt sea towards the island of Spinalonga are simply breathtaking and this beautiful National Heritage Monument can be accessed from the hotel’s own jetty.
Our dedication to authenticity is a defining feature. Unlike many luxury hotels that choose to focus on opulence, we prioritise creating an atmosphere that reflects luxury in a quiet way. From the textures to the ceramics displayed, to the choice of books and the quality of food; everything has been meticulously selected, feels authentic, and is of excellent quality.
Personalised service is at the heart of what we do. We understand that each guest is unique, and we strive to tailor their experience in every little detail. Our team is passionate about putting together itineraries, ensuring that stays are not just luxurious but also deeply personal and memorable; from finding a family-friendly guide for a Spinalonga visit, to arranging a vintage car tour to lesser-visited villages, and sourcing the best Cretan wines to accompany our Phāea Farmers feast.
If you only had 24 hours to get a taste for your hotel experience, what would you recommend a guest must do?
—AGAPI A perfect day at Phāea Blue would start in the early hours of the morning, with a golden sunrise over the Aegean Sea and Spinalonga Island to fill you with a sense of peace and tranquillity. I would never skip breakfast and the opportunity to choose some of the best artisanal Greek yoghurt from the beautiful cart and combine it with delicious fresh toppings.
Then set sail aboard our caïque, a traditional Greek wooden boat, to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Mirabello Gulf and hidden coves along the Cretan coast. Your captain will find the best spot for you to swim and then enjoy some wine and cheese, once back on deck.
Then return to the hotel for a memorable culinary experience — the Phāea Farmers Feast Pop-up. Here, you’ll witness the ancient art of earth-cooking, a tradition that’s been kept alive since the Minoan times. Watch as our chef prepares a meal using traditional techniques, cooking meats and vegetables in the soil, using produce from the organic garden where the whole experience takes place. The flavours are deep, rich, and truly unforgettable, reflecting the earth from which they are nurtured.
Spend the late afternoon with our outdoor yoga instructor, indulge in an open-air massage, and potter about Plaka’s little shops. Finally, dinner at Anthós is a must. The menu is curated by celebrated Greek chef Athinagoras Kostakos with a focus on the freshest seasonal produce while translating generations-old Cretan recipes to contemporary Greek cuisine. Dinner starts by meeting the chef as he cooks over an open fire, sharing some raki and just-prepared nibbles, and swapping stories.
How would you describe your own perfect luxury experience?
—COSTANTZA True luxury is an experiential destination that combines impeccable service with a strong local connection and deep respect for the environment. As an architect, I value inspiring architecture with strong local references. Spaces that evoke a sense of wonder and tranquillity significantly shape my perception of luxury. All five senses contribute to my experience, with taste being particularly impactful. Local cuisine, whether through a farm-to-table concept or a menu curated by a regional chef, always enriches my overall experience.
Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?
—COSTANTZA We aim to make Phāea synonymous with a sense of Greek luxury hospitality which embodies consciousness, conjuring up our vision of a truer, more timeless Greece, where cultural heritage meets innovation, and every detail is crafted with care. We aspire for our guests to experience Phāea and think, “This is the Greece I have always dreamt of…”
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