Our Incredible Stay at the Top Luxury Hotel in Crete

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We just returned from a top luxury hotel in Crete, and we are already dying to go back!

Tucked along the sparkling shores of Hersonissos in northeastern Crete, Abaton Island Resort & Spa is a five-star sanctuary that blends sleek, contemporary architecture with timeless Cretan charm. 

This luxury resort offers more than just a plush place to sleep, it’s a full sensory experience. 

From world-class dining to pampering pools and immersive culinary offerings, here’s why Abaton earns its place as the top luxury hotel in Crete.

Jawdropping Hotel Rooms with Private Pools

The suites at Abaton are where luxury meets personal sanctuary. 

Designed with a minimalist-chic aesthetic and flooded with natural light, each suite is a tranquil retreat that offers stunning sea or garden views. 

Many come with their own private pool or outdoor hot tub, perfect for a moonlit dip or morning swim with total privacy. 

Inside, you’ll find freestanding bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for soaking in the tub while soaking in the view.

And for those who take their sleep seriously, Abaton’s customizable pillow menu ensures your dream vacation is truly dreamy. 

Whether you choose a memory foam, feather-soft, or orthopedic pillow, restful luxury is quite literally built into the bed.

Elemes: A Taste of Elevated Cretan Tradition

Elemes Cretan Restaurant at Abaton brings farm-to-table to a new level. The setting? Intimate, earthy elegance with panoramic sea views.

With ingredients sourced locally from the island’s lush farms and coastlines, every dish pays tribute to Crete’s culinary heritage. 

There are even fresh vegetables being grown next to their outdoor kitchen. Talk about farm fresh!

Think slow-cooked lamb being grilled over the open fire, fresh Greek pies wrapped in dough, and seasonal dishes that grandma would be proud of, if grandma had a Michelin star. 

Our favorite starter was the cabbage rolls, which were served in a bright and flavorful sauce.

The oven roasted lamb entree was, without question, the tastiest lamb that has ever grazed our lips. It was juicy, meaty, and not at all gamey.

The portions are massive. Even though we felt like we couldn’t eat another bite, the server convinced us to try their traditional dessert of galaktoboureko.

Baked in the outdoor oven fueled by local olive wood, this custardy dish was topped with phyllo and made with goat milk, a Greek grape molasses, and served with bergamot ice cream.

It was delectable beyond words.

Bony Fish Restaurant: Straight from the Sea

Seafood lovers, rejoice. 

Bony Fish Restaurant is Abaton’s ode to the treasures of the Mediterranean. 

Select your own catch of the day, literally from the ice display, and have it grilled to perfection or prepared en crote.

With its chic whitewashed decor and breezy atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner with the Aegean practically lapping at your feet.

We love Greek octopus, but have never tried it deep fried (unlike its crispy cousin calamari), but we were floored by the tender texture of the dish.

Our favorite bite of all of Greece? That is, hands down, the potato salad at Bony Fish.

Most Americans would run the other way when they learned that the potato salad was served with eel, but it was the game changing flavor for this incredible meal.

The potatoes in the salad were smoked and grilled alongside the eel, which created so many dimensions of flavor. 

Served with bright, acidic tomatoes and pickled onions, fresh local Cretan cheese, and capers and horseradish, the salad was so good, we got an order for lunch the next day as well. 

We will continue to dream about that salad until we get our hands on the recipe. 

Even then, making it at home will never measure up to devouring it seaside, next to the turquoise waters at Abaton.

Buddha-Bar Crete: Sunset Vibes & Sushi Dreams

Buddha-Bar at Abaton is not your average hotel poolside bar and restaurant, this is the destination for an energy-filled lunch or a sunset-soaked glamourous evening. 

Overlooking the Aegean Sea, it pairs renowned Buddha-Bar DJ beats with an impressive menu of signature cocktails, fresh sushi, and pan-Asian fusion fare. 

We started with prawns two ways. First, the marinated raw version and then later enjoyed the crispy fried shrimp with a flavorful dipping sauce.

The crispy tacos were loaded with tartares of beef, tuna and sea bream and were the perfect waterside snack.

For entrees we loved the miso black cod that rivaled both Nobu’s rendition as well as our Miso Marinated Black Cod Recipe that we make at home.

Finally, we finished our feast with a large platter of assorted sushi which included both rolls as well as nigiri sushi. 

As the sun sets, this seafront venue transforms into a stylish hotspot where DJs spin and glasses clink against the backdrop of a glowing sea.

The Breakfast Buffet: A Morning Feast

You haven’t had breakfast until you’ve had Abaton’s breakfast buffet. 

Start your feast with beverage options like fresh-pressed OJ or a traditional Greek freddo espresso, then head to the seemingly miles-long array of brunch offerings.

Cretan honeycomb, local yogurts, eggs cooked to order, and pastries still warm from the oven; it’s a luxurious spread that makes it hard to leave the table. 

There is even a wine bucket of chilled prosecco just waiting for you to dive in; it is a vacation, after all.

Surprisingly, our favorite items were the roasted vegetables with broiled feta. The produce is so bright and flavorful in Crete, we just couldn’t get enough!

Whether you’re in the mood for healthy or indulgent, the buffet caters to every palate with thoughtful elegance.

The Beach: Private, Pristine, and Peaceful

Abaton’s private stretch of beach is a sun-soaked paradise. 

With powdery golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious loungers, this secluded haven is tailor-made for relaxation. 

The turquoise water is framed by large rocky cliffs, creating a little swimming oasis around every corner.

For a boho-chic escape from the sun, lounge in the cabanas sprinkled across the beach.

Staff deliver drinks straight to your chair, and the gentle sound of waves is the only background noise you’ll need.

Pools Worth Posting About

From lagoon-style pools to serene private plunge pools with stunning views, Abaton’s pool game is strong. 

Even the pool near the lobby is a showstopper, a water oasis with a lounge platform for enjoying a drink and the view without even getting wet.

The main outdoor pool is surrounded by elegant loungers and palm trees. You’ll even find some of the day beds are built right in the pool.

Many of the rooms and suites also offer semi-private or swim-up access pools, which is a great way to cool off in a more private, relaxing way.

Instagram-worthy? Absolutely. Refreshing? Even more so.

Cooking Class: Hands-On with Cretan Cuisine

Want to take a taste of Crete home with you? 

Sign up for Abaton’s cooking class, where expert chefs guide you through traditional Greek recipes.

We started by learning the art of lihnarakia, a sweet cheese-filled Greek pastry with a hand-folded edge.

We also learned about how to make dakos, the Cretan answer to bruschetta.

You’ll learn the secrets of local olive oil, herbs, and cheeses, and yes, you’ll get to eat everything you make. 

It’s a memorable, delicious dive into the island’s culinary soul.

If you’re dreaming of luxe lounging, five-star feasting, and authentic immersion, Abaton Island Resort & Spa delivers on every front. 

Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Buddha-Bar, dining seaside at Bony Fish, or learning to cook like a local, Abaton isn’t just a hotel—it’s the ultimate Cretan escape.

Visiting Greece? Don’t Miss These Other Guides:

• The Best Things to do in Rethymno, Crete
• The Top Wineries in Santorini, Greece
• Seven Can’t Miss Beaches in Milos, Greece

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