Acro Suites
Why it made our list: Built into the rock, not on top of it. Every suite with a private pool, every view a cliff drop to the Aegean. Adults only. The kind of reset you actually feel.
At a Glance
Stone, cement mortar, chestnut wood. The buildings step down a headland above Mononaftis Bay in low volumes that follow the cliff rather than fight it. Every suite faces the sea. Every one has its own
private saltwater pool. The palette is muted, earthy, raw. Exposed rock, raw silk, marble from ancient Phaistos. No room looks into another. The privacy is built into the architecture, not added after.
The main pool curves around a central deck in a long, unbroken loop — saltwater, with the Aegean beyond it and Circle Bar right there for sunset. The wellness is structured if you want it: three- and
five-day retreat packages, a Byzantine hammam with heated marble beds, a bamboo-and-glass yoga shala over the cliff, daily classes, sound healing. Or you do nothing at all. There is very little around you and
that is the point. Agia Pelagia is five minutes by car, Knossos half an hour, but most people don’t leave.
Our Take: Drama, quiet and the Aegean below your feet. The stay that resets everything.
Rooms We Love
The one that books out first, and for good reason. Carved into the cliff, with exposed rock walls, raw silk bed covers, marble from Phaistos and a private pool under a cavernous curved ceiling. The double walk-in rain shower faces the sea. Seven of these exist. Request sunrise-facing if you can. 82-90 sqm.
A split-level maisonette with a different energy: lighter, more open, with sweeping sea views from the upper level. Private terrace, outdoor shower, infinity pool. Good for anyone who wants the space of a suite without the cave drama. 120-140 sqm.
One of a kind. Set on the western edge of the resort with an infinity glass pool and panoramic views. King bed, hammock on the terrace, record player. This is the room for a honeymoon or anniversary when you want privacy. 182 sqm.
Dining
Cremnos — The main restaurant and the heart of the food programme. Organic, seasonal, rooted in the Cretan diet. Breakfast is included for Filita clients. Dinner is where it steps up: grilled seafood, farm produce, creative takes on traditional recipes. Live music most evenings.
Caléa — Led by Michelin-starred chef Gerardo Metta in collaboration with Executive Chef Manolis Kastanakis. Mediterranean-Italian fine dining under open sky. Seasonal, precise, and the most ambitious restaurant on the property. Book ahead.
Eleonas — Set in an olive grove at the centre of the resort. Wood-fired Cretan cooking, communal atmosphere, the smell of the hearth. Dinner only. Also hosts olive oil tastings and wine evenings.
Circle Bar — The all-day pool bar. Herb-infused cocktails, fresh juices, poolside snacks. Positioned for sunset.
Umi — Japanese-Peruvian fusion at the sister property Seaside, a short drive or golf cart ride away.
Essentials
Check-in:
3:00 PM
Check-out:
12:00 PM
Rooms:
45 Suites | 4 Villas
Open:
April 8 – Nov 6
Children:
Adults Only
Parking:
On Site
Accessibility:
Elevator access to some areas. The property is built into a cliff with steps throughout and is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility
- 49 private saltwater pools (one per suite/villa)
- 3 main communal pools including infinity pool
- Bath House spa with Byzantine hammam, Finnish sauna, cold plunge pool, heated marble beds
- Asana Yoga Shala (300 sqm, bamboo and glass construction)
- Daily yoga and meditation classes, sound healing sessions
- Fitness centre (open 24/7)
- Tennis court
- Padel court
- Basketball court
- Olive oil tastings (weekly)
- Wine tastings
- Scuba diving and paddleboarding (arranged)
- Private yacht and helicopter transfers (arranged)
- Guided hikes (Mount Ida, Kamares Cave)
- Fitness centre
- Restaurant and bar
- Coffee shop
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge
- Room service
- Bike rentals
- Event space
- Free WiFi
Small pets are welcome, subject to confirmation with the hotel before booking.
The property is built into a cliff with steps and steep paths throughout. It is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
The location is secluded; there is little within walking distance beyond the small cove below.
Air conditioning in some suites can feel light in peak summer.
The Cave Suites (seven total) book out early, especially in high season.
Pool heating for private pools is available at an extra charge with 48 hours’ notice.
Mononaftis, Agia Pelagia, Heraklion
Heraklion Airport: 29KM / 25-30 min drive
Heraklion Port: 25KM / 25 min drive
Rethymno: 59 KM / 1HR drive
Chania: 120KM / 1HR 50min drive
Getting Here:
Fly direct into Heraklion Airport from Athens or several major European cities + transfer to hotel
Ferries connect Crete via several islands
Connects well with:
- Santorini via hydrofoil ferrry from Heraklion Port ~ 2HR
- Paros
- Naxos
- Mykonos
- Chania and Rethymno for the western half of the island, driving
The adults-only escape you didn't know you needed
