Located in one of the most picturesque locations on the north coast of Crete, Greece, the ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA is an upscale five-star hotel offering a stylish getaway in a tranquil environment, enjoying culinary delights, spa treatments and the laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere of the island.
ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA was opened in 2017 near the bustling seaside town of Hersonissos.
Overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, this elegant Cycladic-style resort welcomes guests with friendly and professional service.
Snow-white low buildings, reflected in lagoon-shaped ponds and pools, descend down the slope to the sea, and through the huge glass walls in the main building of the hotel, endless sea distances open up. The luxurious interiors of the hotel are minimalistic, but with all the amenities that build a luxurious stay.
Comfortable armchairs are scattered throughout, inviting to relax, and lighting is used to create a soft and cozy atmosphere. The illumination of the pools shimmering with different colors in the evening makes this place even more romantic.
There are two outdoor swimming pools on site: a large infinity pool with daybeds and wet beds with a beautiful view of the village of Hersonissos and the sea, and a small pool for children.
Also, a private sandy beach and a 364-meter coastline create ideal conditions for rest and relaxation. The beach has free sun loungers and umbrellas.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The hotel’s portfolio includes 152 exclusively designed rooms, suites and villas in 14 categories: 71 of them have private saltwater pools, varying in size but all heated.
All rooms have balconies or terraces and most of them offer sea views. The interior is decorated in a modern style with a minimalist design with nice decorative touches such as wood sculptures and carved headboards. The combination of neutral white, earthy tones and natural materials creates an effortless chic.
The rooms are equipped with modern appliances and necessary equipment for a comfortable stay.
The bathrooms have all the bath accessories and perfumes of the elite French brand Jo Malone.
FOOD & DRINK
ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA restaurants offer culinary experiences for all tastes — Cretan, Asian and Mediterranean delicacies and quality wines from local and foreign wineries.
Head Chef Giorgos Chronakis‘ award-winning dishes are served against the backdrop of the magnificent scenery of the Cretan coastline.
The F-Zin Ivy League Restaurant, located in the main building of the hotel with panoramic sea views, serves a breakfast buffet from 07.30 to 10.30 with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, fruits, vegetables, fresh pastries, desserts and even ice cream.
There are healthy food stations (cereals, muesli, nuts, dried fruits, yoghurts) and gluten-free products, as well as a la carte menus.
In the evenings, the restaurant offers a varied selection of international and local cuisine, using its special Cretan flavor.
Specializing in classic seafood cuisine, Bony Fish Seafood Beach Restaurant serves world-class cuisine using only the finest ingredients delivered to the restaurant every day.
Here you can taste delicacies caught from the Aegean Sea and expertly prepared by a team of talented chefs who bring the flavors of their region to every dish. And fine local wines will be the best addition to the meal.
Citations from the menu
Starters:
– Smoked tuna carpaccio with cucumber, radishes and mayonnaise from pickled mussels
– Scallops — in spinach tart with fresh herbs, frumenty and galeni
– Shrimp tartare — with oysters, lime, coriander, chives, avocado pure and passion fruit
– Athenian salad with Elounda crab, carrot, cucumber, capers, lime mayonnaise, coriander, fresh herbs, crab broth with fermented strawberry
Mains:
– Lobster — with lobster bisque, cherry tomatoes, dill oil, spring onion, quenched with cognac
– Shrimps — with lobster bique, cherry tomatoes, dill oil, spring onion, quenched with cognac
– Fresh fish of the day — cooked in bread crust, herbs, potato gnocchi, butter sauce with broth of fish, caviar and seaweed
Elemes Restaurant serves traditional Cretan specialties where all the ingredients used in the preparation of the dishes come directly from local farmers to ensure a truly authentic taste, with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal produce.
If you are not very hungry or have had lunch elsewhere, be sure to check out Elemes for authentic Greek desserts from Pastry Chef Giannoulis Michali, paired with a refreshing wine. Such a delicacy will not leave indifferent even the most severe critic.
– Sfakiani pie — with honey, pollen, cinnamon, fig sorbet
– Tsoureki — with mahlepi, mastic, almond butter, beurre noisette ice cream
And according to tradition, a glass of ice-cold Raki finalizes the evening in the rays of the setting sun.
The world famous Buddha Bar Beach brings its own special style to the life of ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA.
This is the perfect atmosphere to enjoy signature cocktails, Asian fusion cuisine, chill (the bar is located next to the pool) and music from professional international DJs.
As an aperitif, you should definitely try the Abaton Spritz (sparkling) signature cocktail with Aperol, pink grapefruit, strawberry, white wine
Citations from the menu
– Salt edamame
– Fried shrimps — with spices rub & jalapenos mayonnaise
– Tacos beef, tuna, sea bream
– Squid chimichurri
– Dry-aged beef burger — with cheddar, caramelized onions, tomatoes, lettuce, harissa mayonnaise, served with fries
The stylish Ladies & Gentlemen Lobby Bar is a great place for an everyday aperitif, a cup of coffee or a nice cocktail. The bar is open throughout the day.
SPA & WELLNESS
A world class spa, ANAPNOē invites you to relax, recharge and enjoy treatments designed in synergy with body and mind based on Elemis and Augustinus Bader premium products.
A wide range of unique spa treatments include revitalizing and cleansing products designed with the body’s physiology in mind.
In addition to facial and body treatments, you can enjoy the warmth of the Turkish sauna and the indoor pool, located at the spa area. There is also a well-equipped gym and tennis court. The 18-hole Crete Golf Club is a couple of kilometers from the hotel.
Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Address: Themistokleous Ave., GR 70014 P.O.BOX 64, Hersonissos – Crete, Greece
Contacts: T. +30 28970 26410;
F. +30 28970 26419;
info@abaton.gr
Instagram: @abatonisland
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
