Nana Princess Suites, Villas & Spa, Heraklion

Pros

• The staff is focused on hospitality, making guests feel like they're getting a personalized luxury experience.
• Every room offers a sea view, so no matter what you choose, you can enjoy calming views of the ocean just below.
• Amenities include public and private pools, spas, gyms, upscale shops, and a beach for hotel guests.
• Rooms have technological features such as Bluetooth speakers in the walls, TVs in the mirrors, and chromotherapy lighting that guests can change depending on their moods.

Cons

• The hotel is open to families but doesn't have many kid-friendly amenities: those traveling with children will want to go next door to the sister property of Nana Golden Beach, which has a waterpark and kids club.
• While most rooms have accessible features for travelers with limited mobility, there are no fully accessible units.

Authenticity

Owner Antonis Karatzdis named the Nana Princess for his mother, Nana, and his daughter, who likes princesses. It's misleading when you first hear the name because you might expect a family-friendly resort with some sort of princess theme, but this is very much an adult-oriented space. Manager Chrysa notes that this hotel is meant for people to relax and be on vacation in a luxury environment, and the way the hotel achieves that is through its focus on hospitality. The staff is welcoming, generous, and helpful, ensuring you get everything you need. Guests can enjoy a meal of traditional Cretan flavors at one of the restaurants or even take in some live music at the cozy Artemis bar and lounge to get a sense of Cretan culture and life. 

Location

The resort is in Hersonissos, just off the highway from the east to the west side of Crete. That means there's easy access to Heraklion and Knossos, both 30 minutes away by car. The Nana Princess is next to Hersonissos but still feels a bit removed from it so people can have a more secluded experience. The town of Hersonissos is just 10 minutes away by car for those who want to enjoy its famous nightlife. Families can head next door to the Nana Golden Beach if they want to use the kids' club or hang out at the waterpark.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The resort has more than a hundred suites and villas, all with sea views, and most have private pools that can be heated on request. Many units have a walk-in closet, and all of them have modern technological amenities such as Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lighting, and unobtrusive TVs hidden in the mirrors of bathrooms. The design is chic, modern, and bright, as units feature warm wood furniture, big glass doors with sea views, and paintings made by a Greek artist. The simplest option is the Deluxe Junior Suite, a substantial 450 square feet (42 sq m) with a private pool. Higher-level suites have their own sauna or gym, and there are options for couples, families, or groups alike thanks to connecting room options and larger villas. Some villas have two bedrooms to sleep four people comfortably, and the Grand Royal Villa has a massive entertainment area with billiards and arcade games in the basement.

Amenities

The hotel has three medium-sized swimming pools—two are outdoors, and one is indoors in the hotel's fitness center. The Royal Wellness Club is the hotel's sprawling, state-of-the-art spa. Other amenities include a library with 1,000 books in various languages, a cigar room to enjoy a smoke and drink, and even a helicopter pad to set off on Cretan adventures. There's also a valet service to take guests around on golf carts.

Family-Friendliness

Though some families stay here, the most kid-friendly amenities are next door at the sister property, which features a kids' club and a private water park (accessible for free for travelers staying at the Nana Princess). The complex includes a rooftop garden for older children, a kid's library with arts and crafts supplies, and entertainment, from magic shows to movie nights.

Other Highlights

The hotel has three restaurants with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs. One restaurant is poolside, and another is on the beach. A lavish breakfast buffet is served daily, featuring an impressive selection of international dishes and Cretan specialties. There's also a cigar bar, a pool bar, and a beach bar serving a wide range of cocktails, wine, and beer.