Abaton Island Resort

What do Zeus, El Greco and Nikos Kazantzakis have in common? The god of thunder, renaissance painter and author of Zorba the Greek were all sons of Crete, an island that has punched above its weight since antiquity.

History, legend and natural beauty abound here, and the island can even lay claim to being the birthplace of the first advanced civilisation in the Western world, the Minoans. Safe to say it’s a place that’s thoroughly steeped in tradition, yet from one glance at Abaton Island Resort, you’ll see it’s not all stuck in the past. 

It was late when Tom and I checked into Abaton, so we did the classic late-night arrival routine of quickly admiring each and every corner of our suite, marvelling over the personalised initialled pillowcases, the selection of macarons, fresh fruit, red wine and complimentary beach bag and hats that lay out waiting for us. The more we wandered around the suite, the more I was lost for words; and I am rarely lost for words. 

I opened the terrace doors, smelt that salty Cretan breeze, and made my way out onto our terrace and uttered, “I can’t wait to see the view in the morning”. We woke up, sun pouring on our faces, and opened our electric sheer white curtains to our sun-kissed terrace overlooking our glistening private pool. The views continued right out to the sea and the horizon. Bliss. Come evening, with the sun setting, the garden that backs onto our terrace was quite the spot to raise a glass of local wine that was left for us. 

LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE

Abaton Island Resort is on the northern stretch of Crete, just 20 minutes along the coast from Heraklion, which is also the island’s main air hub. Airport transfers can be arranged through the Resort for €60 (for up to six passengers). If you plan on renting a car in Crete, like we did, there is free parking on site. 

The best way to travel to Crete if you’re island hopping is by ferry. There are plenty of ferries linking Crete with other Greek islands. We took a ferry from Mykonos to Crete and the crossing took around 5 hours. On average, there are 3 crossings each day between Mykonos and Crete, which are operated by Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Minoan Lines and Sea Jets.

WHEN TO VISIT

With its typically temperate Mediterranean climate, Crete is lucky to enjoy year-round sunshine, mild weather and high temperatures. The seasons can be roughly split into two: a dry and hot summer from May to October, which is perfect for sun-worshippers and mild heat-lovers; and a milder winter, from November to April, which can be rainy at times and cooler at night. We visited in early June, so early in the summer seasons, which is the best time to sightsee and enjoy the diversity of Crete’s fauna and flora.

THE ABATON RESORT EXPERIENCE

With 71 pools in the guest rooms, an immaculate infinity pool that shimmers in sunlight and a private sandy beach with 364-meters of shoreline, Abaton Island Resort & Spa serves as the perfect settings for rest and relaxation. A forewarning though: you’ll want to spend most of your time by the infinity pool or on the beachfront on your sun-lounger, with laid back tunes playing, and either bean bags or double sun-beds to curl up with a good book on. 

With 152  rooms and suites, there’s no denying the Abaton is a ‘resort’ but it’s one that feels sophisticated and serene. Despite being family-friendly, there were no little ones running around and no teens splashing in the pool during our stay, so it felt romantic and grown-up with an ambient atmosphere from morning till late. 

LUXURY SUITES & ACCOMMODATIONS

Nearly all 152 rooms and suites at Abaton Island have sparkling sea views; however, there are a handful that don’t – so if that’s a dealbreaker, speak now. Almost half of these rooms have private pools, so if you’re looking to splash out on your holiday, book a room with a private pool.  No expense has been spared in the decor of the guest rooms. 

The decor itself erred towards contemporary beachy cool, crafted from natural materials, soft finishes, pale surfaces and sea-blue upholstered highlights, allowing the blue waves out the window do the talking. The walls are gleaming white and feature enormous intricately carved headboards from Indonesia, along with driftwood sculptures which add warmth to the rooms. King-size beds are topped with mattresses that feel as if you’re floating on a cloud, and the bathrooms are stoked with Jo Malone products. I mean, what could define luxury more?

DINING OPTIONS

I think I may have squealed when I first lay eyes on the breakfast buffet. Perhaps I was hungry, but it was a spectacular spread - a buffet full of international favourites; eggs (any and every style), a huge assortment of local fruits and delicacies including thick Greek yoghurt, spanakopita (spinach pie) and my all time favourite breakfast, ribbon pasta with a salmon and champagne white sauce. Yes, I had pasta for breakfast. For those who don’t know me, I am a pasta queen! 

WHAT TO KNOW

THE SPA: Abaton’s Elemis Spa has a Turkish bath, nail bar and a rather tempting treatment list, which includes various rituals, scrubs and massages. 

THE GYM: A personal trainer is on hand and the gym has top-spec equipment.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Extra beds and cots can be added to rooms. There are mini bathrobes and slippers, bath products and bottle sterilisers. Babysitting can be arranged for €20 an hour (two-hour minimum; a week’s notice is required though) and the restaurants also have children’s menus.

BEACH: There’s a 365-metre stretch of coast on your doorstep with sunbeds and parasols studded along the shore. Choose wisely though; three areas are sandy and the rest are rocky. Staff are poised ready to swap towels and serve snacks and drinks.

PARKING: The Abaton offers free parking on-site.

Visit https://www.abaton.gr/ to check their availability or visit their Instagram page @abatonisland.

I was hosted as a guest of Abaton Island Resort & Spa, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.