The Royal Senses Resort & Spa blends contemporary design with Cretan heritage

Scheduled to open in June this year, The Royal Senses Resort and Spa, Troulis Royal Collection’s latest addition, blends Cretan heritage with contemporary design.

Situated outside the village of Panormos and next to its sister property Royal Blue, the new hotel is designed to be deeply intertwined with the landscape and character of the island, whilst maintaining a cosmopolitan feel.

The 179-key property ranges from spacious 35m² rooms, complete with natural furnishing materials and views of the sea, to luxurious 200m² villas with amenities such as private infinity pools carved from the rock that surrounds the island.

Nikos Peppas and Katerina Tsiolaki of Peppas N Architects, the firm that headed the architecture for the project, maintain that: “The landscape’s rough beauty creates wonderful juxtaposition with the clean minimal lines of the buildings.”

“We designed and positioned all buildings in such a way that ensured unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea wherever you are.”

The hotel’s interior design was overseen by HBA and Constantina Tsoutsikou, Founder and Creative Director of London-based practice Studio Lost. Together, they created a scheme that commits to local authenticity in a modern way.

“We wanted to create a destination that benefits local communities,” comments Tsoutsikou, who briefed local artisans in their workshops and on-site.

“I found a wealth of excellent craftsmanship and local techniques that informed the design as we went along. We created handcrafted bespoke furniture, repurposed items, objects and artworks that celebrate the artisanal skill of the islanders throughout.”

Guestrooms feature earthy touches and are outfitted with furniture created by skilled third-generation craftsmen, alongside other accessories, such as cushions, that were made by the local women weavers association.

The walls, treated with softly textured paint and cornices, are subtly marked out with traditional Cretan patterning, whilst the juxtaposition of their rough and smooth textures mirrors the island’s untamed character.

Dark metal finishes and details such as leather-wrapped door handles add depth to the overall look and feel of the resort and open-plan layouts connect the indoors with outdoors.

On-site, there are four large communal pools and 74 infinity pools that are lined with sun loungers and cabanas.

The hotel offers four bars and three restaurants, as well as various food pop-up concepts at the hotel’s unique Marketplace – a home to curated selections from small-farm producers and local artisans.

Rounding off The Royal Senses’ experience is an activity spa which utilises Cretan herbs and features its own heated pool.