Spending the morning lounging by the poolside daybeds, surrounded by couples and solo travellers lost in their own worlds, escaping into novels and ordering refreshments with their personal barcodes, the buzz of London felt so far away from the world I had just entered. The atmosphere of an adult-only hotel is very different to what I am used to. Absent of the buzzing feel that comes with families and children, adults-only hotels are filled with a feeling of serenity, privacy, and the privilege to get lost in thought, conversation, and entertainment, without the worry of another soul around you.
For many, it’s a chance to indulge in yourself without the guilt or worry of daily responsibilities or deadlines. This slower way of travelling allows you to have a true romantic getaway, in an environment where everything around you is provided to ensure your trip is customised and built around your every want and need. One such place that caters so well to this type of travel is Greece and so below we will explore five of the best luxury adult-only hotels on the country’s largest island, Crete, for you to enjoy your time alone to switch off, or relax with your significant other.
Asterion Suites and Spa, Crete
Located 10km west of the Chania harbour into the village of Platanias, Asterion Suites and Spa is a modern, contemporary award-winning hotel overlooking the sandy beach of Pyrgos Psilonerou. With a tranquil atmosphere created by the sound of the ocean waves and the ambient music playing from the poolside restaurant, between the exceptional climate, food, spa and hospitality, Asterion is truly an adults-only playground.
The property has an in-house spa, which offers all new guests a complimentary 15-minute massage and there’s a gym, sauna and 67 fully renovated rooms and suites with private and communal swim-up pools for guests to enjoy privately. The hotel pool is surrounded by bouncy, cushioned sun beds where guests can order food and beverages throughout the day. With access to the hotel menu through your handy barcode you get once you check in, food, reservations, events, and yoga classes are just one click away. With two restaurants serving the best of Cretan cuisine, including an a la carte restaurant boasting local ingredients, after an evening of dining an entertainment, guests can sit by the poolside bar and enjoy a digestif before taking an evening walk on the beach.
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NUMO Resort
NUMO is an adults-only seaside resort located on the southern side of Crete, only 2.3km away from Koutsounari Long Beach. The hotel has a young contemporary atmosphere with an in-house DJ, events and a fusion of Asian and Peruvian dining options. As the second award-winning hotel on the list, highlighted for it’s unique interior design, boasting sandy brown tones, oaks and neutrals, the hotel’s design creates a relaxed aesthetic for guests who get access to a range of guest suites with private pools, balconies and private outdoor living areas.
There are three bars and two restaurants on the property which include an exclusive pop up restaurant on the rocks – The Coast by Tamarisk. A restaurant within a restaurant offering exclusive fine dining with breath-taking views of the Cretan sea which is so close, you can feel the water under your feet. Alongside their bespoke spa, where guests can enjoy a mix of fitness, training, meditation sessions and pampering treatments, NUMO is sure to be an unforgettable experience suited for couples who want to relight that romantic fire.
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Kakkos Beach
Kakkos Beach offers the quintessential five-star experience with a luxury escape perched on the verdant hillside on the South-east of Crete. Overlooking the picturesque coast of Koutsounari beach, delivering a sense of serenity and peace, Kakkos has listed by guests as one of the perfect locations for romantic trips. For couples who wish to enjoy their private time; enjoying a swim in your private infinity pool, gazing across at the beachfront and ordering an in-room spa treatment are just some of the ways for you to have that reviving experience.
Offering a range of cuisine ranging from an American buffet breakfast to Asian food, couples can dine to their taste in this idyllic setting facing the beach, whilst enjoying the themed flavour of the night. Due to its ideal location, the hotel is perfect for weddings and newlyweds. Guests will have access to a range of junior suites, beachfront villas and rooms with private swim-up pools for them to enjoy privately with their romantic partner.
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Domes Noruz Chania
Domes Noruz is a multi-award-winning boutique hotel located in the ancient coastal town of Chania. This hotel is a magnificent blend of glamour and relaxation with a touch of vibrancy brought by its on the pulse lifestyle events including live performers and in-house DJs spinning electrifying sets for your entertainment. From beach parties to olive oil and winery tours, you’re sure to enjoy your time here.
Facing the beautiful and quiet Glaros beach, guests can pick from an array of superior rooms, luxury suites and loft spaces facing the beach or pool area. The suites include private pools and Jacuzzis facing the seafront, which are perfect for couples. There is also an option for ultra VIP guests who will have access to off-limits spaces in the hotel uniquely for them alongside a list of extras, which include access to the Haute living area, luxury amenities and a personal concierge. Dining includes a mix of sushi and sashimi options with Cretan seafood and access to the award-winning neo-Greek seafood restaurant, Topos.
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The Syntopia Hotel
As one of the most uniquely designed hotels on the list, The Syntopia Hotel has been designed as a picture-perfect sanctuary for the wandering adventurer. From the landscaped communal pool surrounded by stylish cabanas, sun loungers, micro-pebbles mimicking the seabed to the focal point of a large teepee centrepiece sitting in the middle of the water area. The hotel encourages a communal culture with curated calendar of events and activities for guests to enjoy throughout their stay. From morning yoga classes to wine tasting to outdoor cinema screenings, their unique approach to community and collaboration creates an environment for fascinating memories.
With their in-house wellness centre run by award-winning spa group Aegeo Spa, guests can enjoy their pick of personalised massages, treatments and full body experiences to help with a number of ailments such as sleep issues, poor circulation and high blood pressure. With 127 rooms and suites which have access to sea views and Jacuzzis, Syntopia aims to make your stay as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. Boasting a carefree attitude, this luxury hotel is perfect for those who want to meet new people, join a community and enjoy an all-inclusive stay.
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