The resort is a 10 minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from the port of Sitia, a pleasant coastal town that even today maintains the calm tranquility of an era long past. Sitia Bay Resort sits on a secluded peninsula of unspoiled natural beauty, washed by turquoise waters, with breathtaking ravines, sheltered plateaus and stunning vistas to the Aegean Sea.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and arguably its most interesting and diverse. Its remarkable history is evident across the island, from the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos to the Venetian fortresses of Rethymo; from old mosques and Byzantine monasteries, to the cave that is the legendary birthplace of Zeus. The Venetian port of Hania in Western Crete is one of Greece’s most evocative cities while the capital, Heraklion, is a dynamic city and the fifth largest in Greece.

To the east of the island there is a wealth of important archaeological sites and traditional and secluded fishing villages to discover as well as the dramatic Sitia Mountains, sacred caves and spectacular sandy beaches.

Crete is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscape. Spectacular mountain ranges dotted with caves are sliced by dramatic gorges that spill out to sea. The rugged interior is interspersed with vast plateaus and fertile plains. The east of the island boasts Europe’s only palm-tree forest while the south coast is home to some of the most stunning beaches and isolated coves in the Mediterranean.

Just ten minutes from Sitia Bay Resort is the airport of Sitia, with frequent international charter flights during the summer months and regular connection with Athens. The undergoing expansion, is planned to be completed within 2010. Further access is also provided by sea from Sitia Harbour, just a 15-minute drive from the resort, and with regular ferry connections to Athens.

To the east of the main building lies the Thalassotheraty Centre and its lavish treatment rooms. Below the main building one finds refreshment in the main swimming pool and tavern.

The hotel comprises 177 rooms, including 26 clusters of rooms and one presidential suite. There are 144 standard units of 60m2, 21 Junior Suites of 90m2 and 11 suites of 120m2. All guest rooms have sweeping views of the sea and are laid out in linear groups upon different height levels to maximize privacy and the breathtaking vistas. Fitted within individually built clusters, they are all accessed through a stone wall courtyard and most have their own private swimming pool.

Sitia Bay features a private and secluded sparkling azure beach and includes a Beach Club and a marina for up to 45 boats. Dining is available both in the hotel’s main restaurant and the taverna, while in the hotel main building there are five boutiques offering a variety of unique Greek handicrafts, jewellery and artwork.

The hotel at Sitia Bay Resort will be managed by a world-class luxury operator.

These include:

• The picturesque port with its marram grass
• The ruins of the Venetian fortress Kazarma
• The church of Analipsis tou Sotira (Ascension of the Savior) built on the ruins of the Venetian monastery of Franciscan monks of Santa Maria
• The unique ruins of the only remaining House of the Meso-Minoan period in Hamezi
• Ancient Presos
• The many folklore museums in the city.

From Sitia you can also visit the world-renowned remains of the Minoan Palatial residence in Zakro, as well as the majestic palm tree forest at Vai.

The remains of ancient Itanos, known today as Erimoupoli, are located close to Vai, offering, not only important antiquities, but also beautiful beaches lined with palm trees. Itanos was key to the history of Crete and one of the first cities in the world to produce coins.

Neighboring Palaiokastro was one of Crete’s most significant archaeological sites and its famous Kouros is displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Sitia. This museum is a must-see for any visitor to the area as it houses numerous regional finds. Visitors to the island are also advised to see the Toplou Monastery, one of Crete’s largest and most historic monasteries, full of treasures salvaged by the monks over its long history.

Sitia Bay Resort offers various options for fitness and recreation, not only within the thalassotherapy center, but also with the generously sized main pool as well as the children’s pool and the outdoor tennis courts located next to the sea.

When complete, the golf course will offer visitors and residents a challenging golfing experience regardless of ability. It will be designed to make the most of the dramatic scenery and coastline to ensure playing at Sitia Bay Resort will be an experience to savour.

The golf course forms part of the future development plans of Sitia Bay Resort.

The L-shaped marina has capacity for 85 berths and is located in front of the main building of the hotel. The innovative design and accompanying facilities provide an additional recreational space for hotel guests and home owners alike.

A 200-meter-wide basin will be created by the marina to support Sitia Bay’s numerous nautical activities and water sports. This basin will also facilitate the creation of a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views over the Aegean Sea.

Residential development will be phased and there will be a variety of units available, including branded villas, as well as unbranded private villas, semi detached houses and apartments.

Every property at Sitia Bay Resort will be designed in harmony with the dramatic landscape on offer. Each home will be built to the highest possible standard of craftsmanship and design, using locally-sourced materials and offering spectacular views out over the Aegean Sea.