Acro Suites, Heraklion

Pros

• Guests can see incredible views, taste some of Crete's best flavors, and smell aromatic herbs around the property.
• This hotel has an overwhelming atmosphere of peace and relaxation, particularly in the rooms, which all look out onto the sea.
• The warm and earthy design lends an organic feel to the space, so guests can feel like they're part of the Cretan landscape.
• This luxury hotel feels relaxing and fun rather than pretentious.

Cons

• There are steps all over the property, so the hotel isn't suitable for those with limited mobility or wheelchairs.
• The hotel is adults-only, and children are not allowed.
• You can walk to a nearby beach, but the walk back is a steep uphill climb.

Additional Notes

Most of my notes during my visit had to do with the land. ("It smells really good here," "there are goats," "beautiful space.") In a place like Crete, there's nothing more important than the land, which is some of Greece's most striking and fruitful. The Acro Suites taps into that, creating an atmosphere that's immediately warm, soothing, and replenishing. After just a few minutes, I already felt better than when I arrived.

Authenticity

When you drive up to the Acro Suites, you get the feeling that it's part of the land itself. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and bordered by mountains behind it, the stone buildings, domed fitness center, and lush green landscape make this hotel seem like it rose up from the ground. Perhaps that's why it's so relaxing, as the ethos of the Acro Suites is a holistic one where everything gets integrated seamlessly, and it does so with the help of Crete and all that it has to offer. Grab a lounge chair beside a mix of rosemary and sage bushes and watch the sunset. Or dig into homemade stuffed vine leaves made by one of the server's grandmothers at Cremnos, the hotel's restaurant, where you can enjoy a mix of comfort and upscale Greek cuisine. If you want to experience Crete with all your senses, there's no better place to do it than the Acro Suites. 

Location

Situated high on a cliff with the sea below and the village of Agia Pelagia just five minutes away by car, the Acro Suites is both secluded and accessible. Many guests choose to remain on the property, which has elevator access to a beach below, during their stay. For those with cars, Heraklion, the airport, and Knossos are all 30 minutes away. Drive to nearby Psaromoura Beach in just over five minutes, or take a leisurely walk down to it in 25, but don't forget that it's all uphill going back.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All 47 suites look out onto the sea, and some have private pools; they all have the same sense of peace, relaxation, and luxury. Using stone and wood materials and decorated stylishly by one of the owner's daughters, the rooms feel warm, earthy, and romantic. There are connecting rooms with outside access through the balcony for a bit more privacy. Large groups can book two- or four-bedroom villas with private pools. Each can sleep up to eight people.

Amenities

The hotel has a large outdoor infinity pool; some rooms have private infinity pools. The shared pool wraps around a courtyard with a central stone island, sea views, and lounge chairs. A pool bar served drinks and food. The hotel also has a domed spa with a smaller indoor pool. Other amenities include fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, cross-training, and functional training.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel is adults-only. Children aren't permitted, so it's not a good choice for families. 

Other Highlights

The hotel's restaurant specializes in Greek-inspired dishes using organic local ingredients with a healthy spin. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with seating overlooking the resort's circular pool. The restaurant also has a few outdoor tables with sea views; travelers should reserve for dinner to get the best tables. The pool bar, Circle, serves drinks from a full bar menu until 2 am.