PAID CONTENT FOR ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA
PAID CONTENT FOR ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA
PAID CONTENT FOR ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA
Abaton Island Resort & Spa CRETE, GREECE
PERCHED ON THE SUN-DRENCHED NORTHERN COASTLINE OF CRETE, ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA OFFERS TRAVELLERS AN ELEGANT CRETAN SANCTUARY
Located near the lively town of Hersonissos and just 15 miles from Heraklion International Airport, Abaton Island Resort & Spa combines the tranquillity of a beachfront retreat with convenient access to Crete’s most captivating cultural and natural treasures. Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a destination
layered with myth, history and striking landscapes. Visitors can step back in time at the Minoan palaces of Knossos, long believed to be the seat of King Minos and the legendary labyrinth of the Minotaur, or wander through traditional mountain villages such as Archanes, where stone-paved alleys and local wines reveal the island’s timeless charm. The surrounding region of Heraklion is dotted with olive groves and vineyards, producing some of the Mediterranean’s finest ingredients and forming the foundation of the island’s famed Cretan diet.
A paradise for nature enthusiasts Nature-lovers will discover an island of remarkable diversity, from golden beaches and crystalline
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waters to rugged gorges such as Richtis and Samaria, where rare plants and animals, including the kri-kri goat and birds of prey, thrive. This rich blend of culture and landscape makes Crete a destination of endless discovery.
Designs led by the great outdoors Abaton Island Resort & Spa has been designed to harmonise with this natural beauty. Its whitewashed architecture stands in elegant contrast against the turquoise Aegean, while interiors embrace understated luxury with natural textures and soft neutral tones. Spread across a generous seafront estate, the resort offers 152 rooms, suites and villas, many with private pools or outdoor whirlpool baths, creating a sense of seclusion and breathtaking views. Shared spaces such as the infinity pool overlooking the horizon invite moments of connection, while design details inspired by Cretan tradition, including locally sourced stone and wood, root the resort in its island setting.
Authentic, home-spun cuisine Food lies at the heart of the Abaton experience, with a choice of five restaurants taking guests on a rich culinary journey. At Elemes, authentic farm-to-table Cretan cuisine celebrates local produce and olive oil, earning recognition as the only restaurant in Crete to be twice awarded two stars by the FNL Restaurant Awards. Buddha-Bar Beach Crete pairs signature Pan-Asian flavours with a vibrant beachside atmosphere, while Wow Steakhouse offers premium cuts grilled to perfection. Freshly caught seafood is the star at Bony Fish, where refined Mediterranean flavours shine, and F-Zin Ivy League Restaurant provides a cosmopolitan, all-day menu of international and comfort classics. Under the guidance of executive chef Giorgos Chronakis, the culinary team balances authenticity with innovation, and each August guests can witness the baking of traditional bread during the Feast of the Dormition, a ritual that connects them with the island’s deep-rooted traditions.
Ancient wellness with a modern edge Wellness is also a central part of the Abaton experience. The Anapnoe Spa by Elemis blends modern therapies with ancient rituals. It also has an exclusive partnership with Augustinus Bader, whereby all treatments at the spa use the brand’s award-winning skincare — an indulgence rarely found in resort spas. Elemis signature therapies, hammam rituals, a sauna and a fully equipped fitness centre complete the offering, while outside the resort, the island becomes a natural playground for scuba diving in clear waters, hiking through dramatic gorges or exploring world-renowned archaeological sites. The concierge is on hand to arrange tailored experiences, from wine-tastings in boutique vineyards to private tours of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
A wealth of cultural experiences For those wishing to delve deeper into local life, the resort’s location offers easy access to authentic cultural experiences. The Lychnostatis
Open-Air Museum, just minutes away, brings traditional Cretan life to vivid detail, while the hillside village of Koutouloufari enchants with its tavernas and sweeping sunset views. Guests may tour olive farms to learn centuries-old production methods, cross to Spinalonga Island to explore its Venetian fortress and poignant history, or join local festivals in mid-August when music, dance and religious traditions bring communities together during the Dormition of the Virgin Mary celebrations.
Staff who go above and beyond But what truly sets Abaton apart is its seamless blend of location, design and heartfelt hospitality. Guests often speak of the warmth of the staff, many of whom are locals who are passionate about sharing the island’s heritage. Whether practising sunrise yoga, savouring seafood beneath the stars or discovering hidden mountain chapels, visitors leave not only with cherished memories of the island, but also with a lasting connection to the spirit of Crete.
DON’T MISS Try a cooking class with the hotel’s top chefs to discover the secrets of Cretan cuisine from locals
197 Need to know
KEY FACILITIES • 152 rooms • 5 restaurants • Anapnoe Spa, which uses Elemis & Augustinus Bader products • Fitness centre
KEY ACTIVITIES • Archaeological tours • Hiking & gorge excursions • Diving • Local festivals • Olive oil & wine tours
GET IN TOUCH
abaton.gr T: +30 28970 26410 E:
info@abaton.gr
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