Acro Suites, an SLH Hotel

"Unique for its suites carved into rock faces, Acro Suites on Crete focuses on wellbeing with hammam baths, yoga sessions, and authentic Cretan cuisine." - Caterina Hrysomallis

"A hotel on Crete featuring rooms carved into stone caves, offering a unique and luxurious experience." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Why book? High on a Cretan cliff overlooking the dazzling Aegean Sea, this adults-only hotel has views for days. Each of the 49 suites and villas has its own private plunge pool–carved into the surrounding rock or cantilevered dramatically over the cliff’s edge–and blends seamlessly into the island landscape. Set the scene This resort stuns, with magical panoramic views of the northern coastline of Crete. Perfectly integrated into its surroundings, the minimalist, organic design relies on natural materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and marble. A 20-minute drive from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, you feel like you’re a world away from the bustle of that port city. Guests are mostly young, affluent couples from the United States or Western Europe. The no-kids policy makes it an incredibly relaxing getaway. The backstory Open since 2020, the hotel is the newest of three in Crete that are owned and operated by the family-run Omicron Hotels Group. It's the brainchild of sisters Danae and Konstantina Orfanake, who are native Cretans with a passion for hospitality. They wanted to create a place that showcases the beauty and culture of their island while offering a luxurious and exclusive experience. The resort is adjacent to its sister property, Seaside Resort, which Acro guests have access to—but the all-suite Acro is reserved for its guests only. The rooms Everything references nature. Done up in cool and neutral tones—think lots of beige, cream, and gray—the rooms bring the surrounding colors indoors. The same thing goes for textures: reclaimed wood furniture, textured plaster walls that mimic local stone, and marble counters and accents in the bathrooms. The lighting is dim, with natural light being the main source—this can, at times, make getting ready for a night out a little tricky. The rooms are spread out along the hillside, so be prepared for a steep walk, or call for a golf cart ride to the resort’s facilities. Rates start at $500 per night. Food and drink The onsite restaurant, Cremnos, is the jewel at the center of the resort and a true gathering place for guests. While breakfast and lunch are first-come, first-serve, for dinner a reservation is a must. The farm-to-table menu takes its cues from traditional Greek cuisine while putting its own twist on every dish—for example the grilled octopus with a chickpea cream and cherry-tomato confit. The spa The aptly named Bath House offers a range of treatments that involve water and steam. Do yourself a favor and book the 80-minute Hammam Experience where you’ll steam for a bit, have all your dead skin scrubbed off, be stretched and massaged, and somehow leave both relaxed and invigorated. The hammam and treatment rooms are the epitome of relaxation. Post treatment, you’ll be served herbal tea on an outdoor patio overlooking the sea. The neighborhood/area The hotel is situated on the north side of a quiet, seaside neighborhood called Agia Pelagia. A handful of other hotels line the cliffside coast, and the local beach is small but lovely. A three-minute chauffeured golf cart trip to the sister property, a four-floor ride down an elevator, and a five-minute walk later you arrive on this roughly 200-foot beach set deep between two cliffs that protect and calm the crystal clear blue water. The rocky beach is lined with beach chairs that can be rented, and there are several traditional taverns and snack shacks. The family-run Taverna Bar Vasilis is a true standout; food is fresh and the wine is cold, but it’s the people there that make the experience what it is. Make a reservation if you want to get a front table with the best views of the water. The service The service is exceptional and personal without being stuffy. The concierge team is attentive and goes over every detail with a fine tooth comb, and can even arrange for a sleek convertible to be dropped off and picked up at the hotel so you can explore the island in style and without the hassle of trekking to a rental agency. One area where there is some room for improvement: housekeeping's attention to detail. Accessibility If you’re heading to the hotel for a meal, there's an elevator to whisk you upstairs. However, for those with mobility issues looking to book a stay, most of the rooms require the use of stairs and doorways are not meant to accommodate wheelchairs. The main pool also lacks access to those unable to use stairs. Anything left to mention? The property and location are the true stars here, and shine bright. While every room has a private pool with amazing views, don’t miss the resort’s stunning main pool that wraps around a central garden." - Eugene Shevertalov