„Crete is so cliché-beautiful and yet surprising, like at the Abaton Island Resort & Spa – working at the Abaton as bleisure work with a blue and white coolness factor.” Kai Böcking
Maybe it’s the same for others, when it comes to destinations and countries I like to think in colours. Germany is pretty grey at the moment (there are many reasons for that), Asia is bright and colourful, Africa is green and blessed with steel blue skies. And Greece? White, paired with the blue of the sea and the crystal-clear pool of a really good hotel. One of these is the Abaton Island Resort and Spa, just a relaxing 15 minutes from the island’s capital airport, Heraklion.
When I arrive at the airport in Crete last year, the snow-white limousine is already waiting. It picks up the guests in a relaxed manner and takes them over mountainous roads to the – yes, dream in white. The Abaton nestles on the coast of Crete like a white, gentle giant, embracing its guests with flashing, bright buildings. Architecturally classic angular buildings, clear contours. Water and marble as stylistic elements. This hotel is a statement.
The reception, the staff uniforms, the villas, rooms and loungers – they are, yes, white. The private pools of the double-storey suites or villas, the huge Buddha Bar pool and not to forget: the sea is simply clichéd-Greek blue.
White rooms
There are 14 different types of rooms, suites and villas at Abaton Island Resort & Spa. The two-storey suites with their own small pool are particularly beautiful. The further forward you get a room here, the more undisturbed the view of the sea. My suite is naturally tiled in white, the furniture predominantly light, the bathroom open-plan with white marble, free-standing bathtub in the room and a “dream in white bed” on the gallery with hand-carved Asian headboard and uninterrupted view of the resort. No frills – everything clear, classy, white!
And safe cosy: the neighbours in the annexe are spatially close, but the terrace and balcony still offer a protected, private space.
Music works
Those who also come to work at the Abaton Island can access fast internet everywhere and, if required, also use an excellent business service. Whether at your own infinity pool in the two-storey suites, at the large pool or in one of the many niches with the sound of the sea – the choice of workplaces at the Abaton is manifold. I often enjoy the theme “I can work anywhere” here in the area with cool music in the background. The highlight is the in-house Buddha Bar by the Mega Pool: as much as the Buddha Bar brand is known around the world and sometimes seems pretentious and pretentious. Here, it exudes the finest relaxation atmosphere, while the sea below rests or roars with its stony beach, above which the pool is enthroned with, of course, snow-white loungers. And from noon until the magnificent sunset, a DJ plays mercilessly brilliant tracks at just the right volume – all of which I can later take home as copies.
Culinary Kreta
Chef Zinonas Christofidis, who is responsible for all culinary outlets of the 150-room hotel, is also the mastermind behind the fine menu of the Buddha Bar. Sushi, tempura and Greek finder food, a fine local and international wine list, cocktails for the sundowner – simply a perfect concept.
And if you want to try one of the five restaurants in the complex, we recommend “Bony Fish” and “Elemes”. The latter offers classic Cretan highlight cuisine on classic Cretan wooden chairs and tables: tzatziki, salads, fresh fish … wine, ouzo … and then off to bed.
A word about the guests. The Abaton is an amazingly quiet, relaxed hotel. No loud holiday jugglers, no posing, no animation, no hubbub – here everyone wants and should have a relaxed time according to their own style. And I had it.
Kai Böcking …
relaxed and at the same time worked diligently, in between taking a dip in the pool, listening to the music, drinking a glass of cold Retsina – and: Never took off his sunglasses, because the white at the Abaton shines very brightly. A carefree post-Corona summer can come in 2021.
At a glance
Getting there: The resort is located in the north of Crete, 5 km from Malia beach and 28 km east of Heraklion airport.
Abaton Island Resort & Spa: The coastal hotel boasts an outdoor pool, five restaurants and the Buddha Bar under the direction of Chef Zinonas Christofidis, as well as a spa with hammam and massage services. Highlights include the Signature Flight Experience – a helicopter flight with a bird’s eye view of white Crete..
Address: Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Themistokleous Avenue, GR 70014 P.O. Box 64, Hersonissos – Crete, Greece, +30 2897 026410, reservations@abaton.gr
Fotos: © Böcking, Abaton Island Resort and Spa
