A Luxury Long Weekend in Crete: Ostria Resort and Spa Review
Sunshine, crystal-clear waters, exceptional dining and a little indulgence. If you’re dreaming of a luxury escape, a long weekend in Crete is the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore the Greek coastline and experience the island’s laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
From relaxing by the pool and indulging in delicious Cretan cuisine to sailing across the sparkling Libyan Sea, Crete offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We spent our long weekend at Ostria Resort and Spa in Ierapetra, discovering everything this beautiful all-inclusive resort has to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about our stay, from getting there and choosing where to stay in Crete to the activities I’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
Getting There
One of the best things about a short break in Greece is the opportunity to enjoy a change of scenery with minimal travel time. With direct flight options from many UK airports, Crete is a fantastic destination for a long weekend in the sunshine.
We travelled with Jet2 and their flights from Manchester are a great option, they have convenient flight times, allowing you to make the most of your trip.
Their flights to Crete also include 22kg hold luggage and 10kg hand luggage, which is definitely more than enough baggage allowance, even for the worst overpackers! You’ll probably even have some space left to bring home delicious Greek treats like local olive oil.
Where to Stay in Crete: Ostria Resort and Spa Review
Nestled along the stunning coastline of southern Crete, Ostria Resort and Spa is a luxurious escape where tradition meets refined elegance and greek hospitality shines through.
The expansive resort has the feel of a traditional Cretan village, surrounded by mountain views and sun-drenched shores. It’s the kind of place where you can settle into holiday mode instantly, whether that means spending your days beside the pool, enjoying the beach or exploring the resort’s restaurants and activities.
Our Deluxe Sea View Room
We checked into a Deluxe Sea View Room, which offered beautiful panoramic views across the Libyan Sea. Waking up to that view each morning was one of the highlights of our stay.
The decor was contemporary, with natural materials creating a calm, understated ambience. There are thoughtful touches throughout with all the amenities you could require for a relaxing beach-side stay.
All-Inclusive Dining and Cretan Cuisine
When booking Ostria Resort and Spa through Jet2holidays, there is an all inclusive option. We opted for this and it allows you to indulge in immersive dining experiences throughout the resort.
We were spoiled for choice when dining at the main restaurant, with dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients – really showcasing the flavors of the island. 
We particularly enjoyed the Cretan themed evening, where traditional food and drinks were served under the moonlight in the courtyard, accompanied by local music and dancing. It was certainly an authentic and memorable experience.
Of course, alongside a number of restaurants and bars, the all inclusive experience also includes a number of activities, from tennis courts to water sports. We saw numerous fitness classes and beach games available. So whether you want to lounge by the pool with a cocktail, soak up the sunshine on the pebble beach or stay active – there is something for everyone at this resort. 
Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Crete
One of the best things about a long weekend in Crete is that you can make your itinerary as relaxed or adventurous as you like. We wanted to prioritise relaxation, delicious food and a little exploration, rather than packing every moment with activities.
Here are a few ways to make the most of a short break on the island.
Enjoy Crete’s Beautiful Beaches
Crete is famous for its coastline, with clear waters and beautiful stretches of shore that are perfect for a refreshing swim or a few hours in the sunshine.
Fortunately, Ostria Resort and Spa has a private beach that is great for finding a peaceful spot to relax with a drink or taking a dip in the sea to refresh.
If you’re looking to venture out, the nearby Ierapetra area is particularly appealing for it’s relaxed coastal atmosphere and it’s less windy than other areas of Crete.
Sail around the island on a Catamaran Cruise
If there’s one activity I’d recommend adding to your long weekend in Crete itinerary, it’s a catamaran cruise.
We booked an afternoon sailing experience, with a transfer from the resort to the port before setting sail across the sparkling waters of the Libyan Sea.
After enjoying sailing for a while, we stopped at a beautiful spot for a swim in the crystal-clear water. The afternoon included paddleboarding, snorkelling and swimming, and there was even a slide from the top of the catamaran! It was such a fun way to experience another side of Crete.
Once we’d worked up an appetite, we enjoyed an array of Greek snacks before watching the sunset on our journey back to port.
I’d highly recommend adding this to your long weekend in Crete itinerary – it was our main activity outside of the resort, as we were prioritizing relaxing and indulging in delicious food.
Discover Traditional Greek Villages
If you have time to explore beyond the coast, consider visiting one of Crete’s traditional villages.
Wander through narrow streets, admire the architecture and surrounding scenery, then stop at a family-run taverna for a leisurely lunch. It’s a lovely opportunity to discover the island’s local culture and way of life at a slower pace.
You might even stumble across a new favourite dish or find a special souvenir to bring home.
For a long weekend, I’d suggest choosing one village or local excursion rather than trying to cover too much ground.
Make Time for Relaxation
You’ve probably realized the itinerary for our long weekend in Crete, was predominantly filled with relaxation time. When you’re staying in such a beautiful area of the island with a resort that offers authentic experiences and warm service, you can take advantage of the luxury of doing…. Absolutely nothing. 
One of the biggest luxuries of traveling is having the freedom to slow down and enjoy the small moments, enjoying quality time, treating yourself to a spa treatment or enjoying a drink as the sun sets over the beach. 
Crete lends itself perfectly to this style of travel. You can enjoy peaceful mornings, fit in an excursion when you fancy a little adventure, and finish each day with delicious food and beautiful Mediterranean scenery.
For anyone craving a few days away from the everyday routine, a luxury weekend in Crete offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and recharge.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next getaway, take a look at the range of luxury holidays and hotels in Crete. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect match for your next escape and if you do choose a long weekend in Crete – I assure you, you won’t regret it.
I was kindly invited on this press trip by Jet2Holidays. However, as always, all photography and opinions are my own.
