Opening in June 2023 on the island of Crete, beach-front resort Pnoé Breathing Life represents a new chapter for the luxury wellbeing scene in Europe.
The trend for wellbeing holidays has taken off over the past few years, as travellers seek destinations that offer authentic experiences alongside spa and beauty treatments. And post-lockdown, the travel world saw a growing desire for adults-only spaces that provided the chance for total relaxation and rejuvenation – not only among couples and singles, but among parents too.
Pnoé Breathing Life – pnoé translating as the breath of life in Greek – has been created as a calming, design-savvy environment in which to enjoy the best Cretan dining experiences alongside island adventures and exceptional wellbeing programmes.
Part of the new Greek-owned MK Hotel Collection, which also includes Sentido Unique Blue, Pnoé is located just outside the historic city of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete. While Crete is home to many hotels and resorts, Pnoé is one of a new breed of small, contemporary resorts where wellbeing and food are the focus, offering a space for adults to take a well-earned break and immerse themselves in an environment designed to rejuvenate on every level.
Interior design
Pnoé offers a range of 60 suites – all with private pools – that have been designed to reflect the island’s natural beauty, using subdued colour palettes and materials such as wood and stone throughout. The modernist décor has been purposefully created to encourage guests to clear their minds and recentre themselves.
Stepping outside their suites, guests will find tranquil open spaces centred around a stunning swimming pool. Designers have used natural aesthetics to complement the panoramic sea and mountain views of the surrounding Cretan landscape. Each communal area has its own identity – from the warm earthy tones in the fine dining Thymises restaurant, to the lush greenery that adorns the Uranos Rooftop Bar.
Food and beverage
Cretan cuisine has its own distinctive character amid the Mediterranean palate, drawing on seafood, lamb, herbs and farm-grown vegetables. Pnoé‘s focus is on nourishing guests with high quality produce, with local suppliers providing an authentic taste of the island. For those wanting a fine dining experience, Thymises takes guests on a culinary trip through Cretan cuisine with open kitchens inviting a convivial, relaxed atmosphere.
Fresh sushi, snacks and smoothies are available throughout the day next to the central pool, whilst bar mixologist Aris Antonakakis has created a bespoke range of cocktails best enjoyed at sunset from the Uranos Rooftop Bar. This is not a resort designed to deprive or restrict – there are speciality meat cuts from dry aging cabinets at Anάsa and those wanting to enjoy a selection of cigars and shisha flavours will have an extensive range to choose from.
Wellbeing
A central focus at Pnoé is the wellbeing of every guest, whether they want to improve fitness, nurture inner health or simply slow down and reset. Guests will have access to recovery programmes such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, zerobody and breathwork therapy, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness facility and professional personal trainers.
A stimulating workout can be balanced with a visit to the waterfalls of the wet area, the Himalayan salt stones, a wood fired sauna or the impressive ice fall. Pnoé also has an onsite beauty salon, as well as a guest relation service to ensure that every need and requirement can be taken care of.
Location
Set on the northern coast of Crete close to the island capital, Heraklion, Pnoé exists both in total privacy and as part of a wider community. Visits to landmarks such as Knossos – the Minoan ruins recognised as ‘Europe’s Oldest City’ and home to the legendary Minotaur – can be arranged by the team at Pnoé, as well as day trips to the world famous Elafonissi beach.
Heraklion itself has a fascinating history, which can be witnessed in its architecture – from medieval churches to Venetian-era fountains and one of the most important archaeological museums in Europe.
Factbox
Prices at Pnoé Breathing Life start from €415 per room per night, including breakfast.
Address: Karteros Beach, Heraklion, Crete, TK 71500
Phone: +30 2810 000990
Website: pnoe-breathinglife.com
