The Crete hotel where luxury meets tradition
Discover Cretan charm at Isla Brown Chania in Crete
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Nestled on the sun-kissed island of Crete and just a short drive from Chania is a new oasis.
When you drive up to Isla Brown Chania, Curio Collection by Hilton’s newest hotel, you are immediately transported to paradise, with the lobby featuring a beautifully designed circular element complete with leafy trees.
The beauty doesn’t stop there, as the grounds are then laid out behind, with greenery and gardens dotting the hilly scene before descending into the blue of the sea.
Officially opened in June 2024, this five-star resort is the second jewel in Brown Hotels’ “Isla Brown” line, following the success of Isla Brown Corinthia.
The rooms and suites at Isla Brown Chania, which start at $229, exemplify luxury with a touch of Mediterranean charm. Each of the 201 rooms is designed to offer a serene retreat, while the spaces are bright and airy, thanks to large windows and balconies or terraces that provide views of either the Aegean Sea or the lush hotel gardens.
My suite boasted a small private porch that overlooked the rocky landscape. As I drank espresso each morning while overlooking the view, the curtains swayed in the breeze drifting up from the sea.
The hotel’s biggest strengths, however, are its amenities, as Isla Brown Chania boasts three outdoor pools, a spa, a fully equipped gym, and a selection of dining options ranging from a traditional Cretan a la carte restaurant to a serene sea deck bar.
The main pool, which features an infinity pool-style design, proved to be the perfect place to read and cool off during the high temperatures of the summer. But you can’t miss the sea deck, complete with sun beds, loungers and hammocks, where I spent several afternoons hanging my legs in the sea before jumping into the calm water.
One of the biggest draws of the new hotel is its destination, just 15 minutes from Chania Old Town, where visitors are immersed into the history of the coastal city on the west side of Crete. The gorgeous streets are lined with vendors and restaurants, which makes the town a must-visit during a stay at Isla Brown Chania. During the trip, I enjoyed many of the restaurants dotting the Old Town, including Maiami, a hybrid space that functions as a brasserie and artist studio, and where I had one of my favorite meals in recent memory.
If you are looking for a bit more history, and more wine, then a trip to the nearby Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon is a must. The monastery was built during the end of the Venetian Empire in 1632 by the brothers Ieremia and Lavrentios Tzagaroloi in Crete, and still functions as a working monastery today. In addition to the historical significance, it is also worth visiting for the wine, as the monastery produces and sells wine and olive oil made by the monks that live within.
The highlight of the trip was a visit to the Botanical Gardens of Crete. The walk through the lush gardens was a delight, with an incredible array of Mediterranean plants, herbs, and fruit trees lining the pathways.
After an hour-long stroll through the gardens, during which I saw peacocks roaming happily, I enjoyed an amazing meal at the garden’s restaurant, which showcased the best of Cretan cuisine. The dishes, such as slow-roasted lamb, stuffed peppers, zucchini blossoms, and orange cake, were simple yet incredibly flavorful. I also learned about the famous Cretan diet, which many claim to be the secret to longevity, and its roots in natural, high-quality ingredients such as fresh olive oil, vegetables, and wild greens.
Whether you’re visiting for the food, the beaches, or the Cretan history, Isla Brown Chania, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Crete’s natural beauty, is the perfect place to stay. With its prime location, the hotel is ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
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