The idea of a solo trip can feel daunting for most people, but for me, it has always carried a quiet thrill. Once you move past the thought of being on your own, you realise no one is watching, no one cares, and you’re free to do exactly as you please. I’ve taken city breaks and long-haul adventures alone, but this three-day escape felt different. This time I wasn’t darting between museums or hidden neighbourhoods; I was checking into a beach resort, the kind of place usually filled with couples and families.
When I arrived on a late Friday afternoon, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa had only been open a few months as the brand’s first beachfront property in the Mediterranean. Managed by Swot Hospitality, the resort combines effortless service with a deep connection to its surroundings, ensuring every guest experience feels seamless. Located in the hills of Marathi, just outside Chania, it offers sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, with mountains against the untouched landscape.
What struck me first was the architecture. Designed by Athens-based studio Block722, the resort integrates naturally into its surroundings, with green rooftops, olive and carob trees, and natural materials like marble and wood. Spread across 100 hectares, its intention was clear: to merge elegant design with nature itself.
On my first night, I ate at Anóee, the hotel’s Cretan restaurant, where bold local flavours were grilled over an open fire by the sea. The food was earthy and generous, made memorable by the setting, with waves softly hitting the shore as I ate at an unhurried pace. The next day began much like the night ended, slow and easy, with breakfast at Fayi, the hotel’s main restaurant. I lingered longer than I needed to, watching families gather, couples wrapped up in their own worlds, and finding comfort in my own solitude. The rest of the morning passed between the pool and the beach, time slipping away easily between swims and shade. My afternoons were spent at the Suncti Pool Bar, which quickly became my go-to spot for handcrafted non-alcoholic cocktails and light bites that carried me through the day.
In the evening, I dined at Õnalos Seafood Restaurant, where fried calamari, grouper fish, and almond cake came highly recommended and each one proved worth it. I could hear the faint hum of conversation around me, yet something was grounding about simply being on my own. Nightcaps at Eéxis Bar sealed my evenings. In collaboration with Line Athens, ranked No. 6 on the ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’, the bar offered a unique cocktail program combining herbs from the JW Garden with local Cretan flavours.
On Sunday, I surrendered to the ANOSEAS Spa, where a 60-minute massage felt like hours in the calm, hushed stillness of the space. It was indulgent, yes, but also restorative. I ended my day at the resort's Italian restaurant, Cuccagna, where oven-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and comforting Italian dishes made for a satisfying close to a day spent enjoying my own company.
On my final day, I headed to Chania city, a 30-minute drive away from the hotel. Walking around the Venetian Harbour, I was immediately struck by its layers of history, colourful buildings leaning into narrow cobblestone streets, seagulls wheeling overhead, and fishermen mending nets along the quay. Cafés spilt into the squares, small shops brimmed with local crafts, and staff stood outside restaurants, inviting tourists in with menus and warm gestures. I wandered through alleys at my own pace, ducking into shops selling ceramics, olive oil, and handwoven textiles. The comfortable balance between tourists and the everyday hustle and bustle was part of life here.
I paid a couple of euros to enter the Maritime Museum. Housed near the Venetian Harbour, it traces Crete’s rich seafaring history, from ancient trading vessels to modern naval exploits. I glanced at models of ships, historic charts, and nautical artefacts. Each exhibit brought the harbour to life, connecting the sights and sounds around me to centuries of maritime tradition. After I exited the museum, I continued exploring, weaving through narrow streets before stopping for a bite on the waterfront near a local beach. I sipped a cold drink and watched while locals waded and swam in the sea.
At the end of my solo trip, I was struck by how empowering it can be. I ate when I wanted, swam as long as I pleased, and moved through each day on my own terms, free from anyone else’s expectations. It wasn’t about filling the absence of someone else, but leaning into my own company and finding comfort in it. Moments that might feel awkward at first, like sitting alone at a dinner or wandering unfamiliar streets, became opportunities to trust myself and my choices. I felt a quiet confidence that came from making decisions solely based on what I wanted, noticing small details I might otherwise miss, and shaping my days entirely around what excited me, without compromise.
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