Far removed from the identikit beach hotels that dot Crete’s coastline, Cretan Malia Park is a flora-filled retreat that augments classic Aegean hospitality with a focus on refined luxury and slow-paced living. Owned by the Sbokos family since it opened in the 1980s, the 204-room hotel has recently undergone an extensive renovation program led by Greek architect Vana Pernari, resulting in a unique aesthetic inspired by the colors and textures of the island. Key to the hotel’s identity is its commitment to sustainability — a crucial philosophy that informs all aspects of the design and operations. Factor in a fresh, Mediterranean kitchen inspired by Crete’s culinary traditions, an organic wellness program that allows guests to commune with the spectacular surroundings, and exquisitely landscaped botanical gardens leading to the sparkling.