Have you ever imagined what the ideal resort might be? The fabulous Abaton, Island and Spa, located in Crete, might just be the place. It has it all: the stunning views, the stylish decor, the delicious food and the spectacular beach and pools!

This family-owned business resort features stunning settings with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, combining modern luxury with traditional Greek influences. It offers an exclusive experience for sophisticated guests from around the world (British, Germans, Americans and Dutch are the main customers). It’s simply the best in Crete!

The hotel is just a short 12km drive from Heraklion Airport, conveniently located on the outskirts of Hersonissos, a lively town on Crete’s northern coast. The vicinity of is renowned for its rich history, particularly its archaeological and prehistoric finds. The area is home to significant sites that offer a glimpse into the ancient civilisations of Crete. Notably, the Minoans, which flourished during the Bronze Age, has left behind important remnants in this region. These discoveries make Hersonissos an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts. Hersonissos is a vibrant town too, offering a mix of modern shops, bars, and local attractions. This proximity to both the lively town and the serene resort makes Abaton Island Resort & Spa a great destination for those seeking both relaxation and easy access to local culture and entertainment. The resort is located just a short distance from the lively tourist hotspot of Malia too, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere. However, despite being only 15 minutes away from the party scene, Abaton offers a peaceful retreat, where guests can enjoy tranquillity without the distractions of nearby tourism and clubbing craziness.

Art is Alive meets Markos Pratsinakis, Manager of Abaton Island Resort and Spa, from a second generation of hotel managers:  “I’m from Crete. I’m actually half Dutch, half Greek and I grew up here. As a kid, I was going to the Netherlands for the summer holidays, while all my friends were going to the Greek islands, in stark contrast. It was the other way around for me. But I was missing the sunshine! Now I work in a beautiful resort, in a stunning place and hotel, and it’s very thrilling. Seeing that guests are very happy with the quality that we deliver and that staff are also really enjoying their work, is very rewarding.”

Abaton Island Resort & Spa is beautifully set along a stretch of a rocky coastline, offering spectacular, sprawling views of the shimmering Aegean Sea. In the evening, it’s particularly beautiful as the sky changes colours. “Abaton in Greek means a place that is exclusive and unique. The forbidden city in China is a great example.” Markos adds.

From the rooms, and some feature private pools, the beautiful sea is endless. “We have 152 rooms in total, and five villas. About 50% of the rooms come either with a private pool, a sharing pool or with a jacuzzi, and breakfast time is the moment when it’s the busiest. We might expand in the future due to the success with customers.” Breakfast is a feast for the eyes with amazing choices, options (Greek and international) and remarkable relaxing spaces to overlook the sea.

This five-star destination is designed to provide an immersive experience for its guests, blending comfort and elegance – amazing bed heads crafted in Indonesia, stunning details, designed décor from Greece and selected by the family who owns the resort, and a gigantic central pool. “We started building the property in October 2016 and it was ready in October 2017 with an official opening in April 2018. It took a year to build, which was quite an achievement.”

With a wide range of rooms to choose from, including the Luxury Guestroom, Loft Deluxe, and Abaton Collection Suite, each option offers open-plan layouts and expansive outdoor spaces, ensuring an exceptional comfort experience for all guests. The Dream Villa Beachfront and The Royal Villa are the crowning jewels of the resort, embodying the pinnacle of private luxury with exclusive amenities and unparalleled seclusion, perfect for those seeking the ultimate in indulgence. “A lot of celebrities have stayed with us and sadly I can’t give names but Formula One drivers, DJs love Abaton!”

Abaton Island Resort & Spa is a stunning example of elegance and minimalism, designed in the timeless Cycladic style by the owner, a Greek architect by profession. The architecture draws inspiration from the ancient Bronze Age culture of the Aegean and the Cycladic islands, with clean lines (the arrival welcoming process is stunning!), whitewashed surfaces, and a focus on natural beauty with beautiful gardens.

From the moment you enter the resort, with its grand, Greek temple-esque entrance, you’re met with a sense of grandeur. The interiors are expansive, creating an open, airy atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This design philosophy emphasises simplicity and sophistication (a fire place by the pool for example), making Abaton not only a luxurious retreat but also a tribute to Greece’s rich cultural heritage. LGBTQI+ guests are also felt very welcome which is always a bonus.

The beds at Abaton Island Resort & Spa were handcrafted specifically for the resort, with a unique backstory behind them. “According to the story, the owner, who frequently travels between the US and Crete, noticed a significant difference between the mattresses in Europe and those in the United States. Inspired by the comfort of American mattresses, he decided to bring one from the US to Crete and gave it to a local factory, asking them to recreate it. The result is a mattress designed in the American style, featuring more springs, which contributes to its incredibly soft and luxurious feel. These custom-made mattresses have become a standout feature at Abaton, with many guests inquiring about them, though they’re exclusively made for the resort and not available for purchase elsewhere.” Markos continues.

Whether you’re an absolute food critic or a discerning eater, Abaton satisfies every palate with its diverse range of international cuisine. Chef Giorgos Chronakis delivers award-winning dishes that showcase exceptional culinary artistry, all served against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cretan coastline. The combination of world-class cuisine and stunning sea views ensures a dining experience that delights both the senses and the soul.

In addition, Abaton boasts a selection of fine dining restaurants that serve a variety of Greek and international cuisine, creating a perfect balance between local flavours and global culinary influences. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking luxury, wellness, and exceptional dining by the sea.

There are five exceptional restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experiences using the finest local products, many of which are produced right here in Crete, making them a destination for anyone looking to enjoy world-class cuisine in a beautiful setting.

All of these restaurants are open to everyone, not just hotel guests, and visitors can make reservations online.

The outstanding, friendly service and carefully crafted luxury that you can enjoy in every room make for the perfect stay in Abaton. Every detail, from the elegantly designed interiors (have you noticed the Ruth Asawa-inspired artworks?) to the personalised service, ensures a memorable and seamless experience. Whether you’re lounging in a spacious suite with stunning sea views or relaxing in the serene ambiance of the resort, Abaton provides an unparalleled atmosphere of comfort and sophistication – including on the private beach cleaned and taken care of by the resort’s amazing staff. This combination of exceptional service and luxurious accommodations guarantees that every guest’s stay is truly extraordinary.

The Cretan Restaurant: Offering a late breakfast from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (ideal for brunch), and dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It specialises in traditional Cretan dishes, including lamb cooked in a wood oven using the ancient technique called “decrystal,” where the lamb is cooked facing the fire. This method is considered healthier since the fat drips away during cooking. The restaurant has earned two stars from FNL, Greece’s most renowned culinary magazine, and is the only one in Crete to receive this distinction.

Buddha Bar: Known globally, this restaurant offers Asian fusion cuisine, blending bold flavours and techniques from across Asia to create an exciting dining experience. “A global icon in the realms of gastronomy, hospitality, wellness, music, and mixology, the legendary Buddha Bar now graces Crete for the first time, bringing its signature blend of luxury and style to the island.” Markos says. Set in a breathtaking beachfront location, the Buddha Bar offers a unique dining and lifestyle experience, combining exquisite neo-Asian cuisine with an atmosphere that seamlessly integrates music and mixology. This new chapter on Crete elevates the island’s culinary and lifestyle scene, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind summer destination where world-class dining meets the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

Bonnie Fish Restaurant: Recently awarded one star by FNL, this restaurant offers a mix of seafood delights, with both a traditional Greek fish tavern menu (including saganaki shrimp and fried calamari) available for lunch and a more refined fish-focused menu for dinner.

Woudi Steakhouse: A haven for steak lovers, this restaurant serves locally produced Black Angus beef from the south of Crete, ensuring top-quality, flavorful cuts for a memorable meal.

Looking to the future, Markos continues: “I’m preparing start to prepare for the next season. Hiring staff, changing the menus, budgeting and looking ahead. It’s a very busy and exciting time.”

Currently, Abaton Island Resort & Spa presents an exhibition by the renowned American photographer Slim Aarons, famous for his captivating images of high society, jet-setters, and celebrities. Aarons built a career around “photographing attractive people doing attractive things,” capturing moments of glamour and elegance in idyllic settings. This exhibition is a perfect complement to the resort’s own atmosphere, where beauty, luxury, and sophistication are central to the experience. The photos on view are next to chic shops featuring international brands such as Aqua di Parma fragrances and Orlebar Brown swim trunks, but also, more interestingly, products designed by Abaton – polo shirt, elegant Panama hats, and practical beach bag etc.

“Abaton is part of a family-owned business. They have five more four-star and five starts resorts in the area and “a new baby”, let’s call it that way, now in Santorini. It’s a small high-luxury boutique in Santorini but slowly expanding.”

Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments for both the mind and body, ensuring relaxation and well-being at the Elemis spa. The ANAPNOē Spa, powered by Elemis and Augustinus Bader, offers a world-class wellness experience designed to rejuvenate the body. With a wide range of spa treatments and packages, each one is crafted to revitalize and purify using products that respect the body’s complex physiology. The therapies at ANAPNOē Spa work in natural synergy with the skin, body, and mind, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being. Every treatment is uniquely tailored, featuring powerful massage sequences and the most potent active ingredients available today, delivering an unparalleled experience of luxury and healing.

“My tips for travellers? Crete is a huge island, and to explore it thoroughly, renting a car is highly recommended. Ideally, visitors should plan for at least seven days to explore the whole island. Alternatively, the island can be explored in two parts, focusing on regions like Heraklion and Chania for example.”

In addition, Abaton caters for all needs whether deciding for a snorkerling exploration from the semi-private beach to a riva boat tour to the next town.

With its intimate and professional service and timeless amenities, the resort can accommodate weddings or a corporate events such as conferences too. Focused on modernity, Abaton is absolutely perfect: “Everything is a lot more digital now, we have last-minute bookings, which was not a thing in the past and everyone is welcome at Abaton.”

Situated close to the bustling seaside town of Hersonissos, this modern beachside spa resort offers excellent gastronomy, stunning architecture and design, and friendly service. The resort is the perfect place for golfers because it is near to the only 18-hole course in the area. The resort’s five restaurants serve a blend of Greek and foreign cuisine, and guests can take advantage of the luxury of its own pier and impressive pools. This resort guarantees each visitor an amazing stay with its blend of luxury, pleasure, and first-rate amenities. Start booking for 2025!

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