Awards & Certifications

These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are committed to providing our guests with the highest level of service and creating a truly special experience.

HolidayCheck Award 2026

Our hotel is proud to be recognized by HolidayCheck in 2026 as one of the best-rated accommodations worldwide. This acknowledgment is a testament to the positive reviews and satisfaction of our guests, highlighting our commitment to exceptional service and memorable stays.

Turtle-Friendly Tourism Certification 2026–2027

FROM TUI CARE FOUNDATION

AQUILA Rithymna Beach Hotel is proud to be recognized for its commitment to sea turtle conservation and turtle-friendly tourism practices, with certification valid from May 2026 to November 2027..

Luxury Lifestyle Award – Best Beachfront Hotel 2026
Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award program that selects, recognizes, celebrates, and promotes the best luxury goods and services worldwide.
Luxe Global Awards: Hotel of the year 2024
We are incredibly grateful for your support and recognition as Aquila Rithymna Beach has been awarded with four prestigious awards at Luxe Global Awards 2024:
  • Best Luxury Heritage Hotel in Europe
  • Best Luxury Wellness Hotel in Europe
  • Best Luxury Family Hotel globally
  • Best Luxury Seaside globally
Oceana: GTBB Ambassador of Greek Cuisine®
We have been awarded with a GTBB Ambassador of Greek Cuisine® by the prestigious Greek Taste Beyond Borders® for our a la carte restaurant Oceana. This premium accreditation indicating excellence, endorses Oceana restaurant to carry the emblem of Ambassador of Greek Cuisine® and upgrade its performance in improving benchmarking skills in tourism and culinary services, grounded in relationships between Greek gastronomy, Greek culture and Greek tradition.
TOP 100 Spas of the World 2024

Aquila Rithymna Beach Spa by Aegeo Spas has been honored as one of the TOP 100 Spas of the World by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. “Known for its remarkable offerings and distinctive spa experiences, this luxury destination has elevated relaxation to an art form. Located in Rethymno, Crete, it is a haven that draws discerning travelers seeking both rejuvenation and a memorable wellness experience. With a world-class reputation, Aquila Rithymna Beach Spa by Aegeo Spas stands out as a key player in the international spa scene. Boasting a luxurious setting, top-tier services, and a wide range of personalized treatments, this spa is truly in a class of its own”.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2024
A heartfelt thank you to our valued guests for your incredible reviews that earned us a spot on the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards “Best of the Best”.

World Luxury Spa Awards 2022

This award serves as recognition of sustained commitment to service excellence and outstanding achievement in the international luxury spa and wellness industry. World Luxury Spa Awards hereby certifies the participation of the winner in the 2022 awards and congratulates them on this accomplishment BLUE Spa by Aegeo.
Greek Hospitality Awards 2018
Aquila Hotels & Resorts – one of the most luxury hotel chains of Crete – proudly present the winning of the 2018 Greek Hospitality Awards:
  • Aquila Rithymna Beach – Best Greek Family Resort – GOLD
  • Aquila Porto Rethymno – Best Greek Hotel Restaurant – SILVER
  • Aquila Elounda Village – Best Greek Honeymoon Resort – SILVER
  • Aquila Atlantis Hotel – Best Greek Business City Hotel – SILVER
TRAVELIFE Gold Certification
TRAVELIFE is an internationally recognized independent sustainability certification scheme which helps hotels members around the world to improve their social, economic and environmental impacts cost-effectively.
Blue Flag Award
The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label award which works towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas through strict criteria, dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, Safety as well as other Services.
Green Key Certificate
The Green Key is an eco-label award which aims to increase the use of environmental-friendly and sustainable methods of operation and technology in the establishments.
ISO 50001: 2018 – Certificate Registration No.: 20000230009722
Aquila Hotels & Resorts applies an Energy Management System in line with the above Standard for the following Scope. This certification was conducted in accordance with TÜV AUSTRIA auditing and certification procedures and is subject to regular surveillance audits.
ISO 14001:2015 Certification
This certification provides evidence that an Environmental Management System is in place. Is an international standard which recognizes the actions of responsible businesses in managing and controlling their environment. It is designed to help businesses remain commercially successful without overlooking environmental responsibilities and impacts.
ISO 22000:2005 Certification
The ISO 22000 standard sets out the requirements for a food safety management system and can be certified. It maps out what an organization needs to do to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe
TUI UMWELT
This TUI award exists since 1996 for hotels that are especially committed to protecting the environment and are socially responsible. TUI intends to increase the TUI Environmental Champion awareness and commitment of the hoteliers for sustainability.