Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Hersonissos | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
On a serene stretch of Crete’s north coast, Abaton Island Resort & Spa feels purpose-built for modern luxury breaks and once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons. Whitewashed, minimalist architecture tumbles towards the sea, framing widescreen Aegean views from almost every angle. Suites are beautifully styled, many with shared or private pools, while the spa, design-led restaurants and beachfront setting all combine to create a polished, grown-up escape close to the buzz of Hersonissos.
Think gleaming marble terraces spilling out to a statement infinity-style pool, architect-designed buildings stepping down towards the shore and the Aegean as a constant backdrop. Abaton Island Resort & Spa is one of Crete’s most talked-about design hotels, pairing minimalist chic with indulgent touches like private pools, a destination spa and a strong line-up of à la carte restaurants and beach venues – perfect for couples and style-conscious friends.
For couples seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s charm with a contemporary, upscale edge, Abaton Island Resort & Spa delivers the perfect balance. It’s set directly on the seafront, around 2.5km from lively Hersonissos and approximately 30 minutes by private transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER). See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Highlights
💞 Perfectly pitched for honeymoons and special-occasion stays
🏛️ Modern, ultra-contemporary design and architecture
🌊 Panoramic Aegean views from pools, terraces and many rooms
🏊 Choice of shared-pool rooms, private pools and outdoor whirlpools
💆 Excellent spa and wellness centre with thermal facilities and treatments
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 152 | Blocks: 6 | Floors: 2 | Lifts: 6
Board options: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board
Child age guideline: up to 11 years (age restrictions may apply for some facilities such as spa and gym).
Location | Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Location
Abaton Island Resort & Spa sits on a privileged seafront plot just outside Hersonissos, on Crete’s sun-baked north coast. The hotel feels private and serene, with low-rise, white-stone buildings cascading towards the shoreline, yet you’re only a short taxi ride from the resort’s buzzing bars, restaurants, waterparks and harbour.
Spend lazy days between the pool, beach club and spa, then head into Hersonissos for more traditional tavernas, waterfront dining and nightlife, or venture out to explore ancient sites like Knossos and the island’s mountain villages.
Distances and Transfers
Seafront setting
Nearest restaurants: approx. 1km
Hersonissos resort centre: approx. 2.5km
Approx. transfer time from airport: 30 minutes (Heraklion Airport – HER)
Map
Hersonissos, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Restaurants and Bars
Abaton takes its culinary offering seriously, with five distinct restaurants and a stylish lobby bar creating a genuine “dine-around” feel.
- Main Restaurant – Elegant buffet venue for breakfast and dinner, with show cooking and a mix of Greek and international dishes. Smart dress typically required in the evenings.
- Elemes Cretan Cuisine – A la carte restaurant by the pool celebrating farm-to-table Cretan flavours at breakfast and dinner, with an emphasis on local produce and recipes.
- Bony Fish – Beachfront à la carte specialising in fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood for lunch and dinner, perfectly paired with sea views.
- Buddha Bar Beach – Chic, globally inspired beach restaurant and bar serving lunch and dinner to a laid-back soundtrack, ideal for sunset cocktails.
- Wow Steak House – Signature fine-dining steakhouse with show cooking and premium cuts, made for date nights and celebrations.
- Ladies and Gentlemen Lobby Bar – Sophisticated lounge bar for pre-dinner aperitifs, digestifs and light bites; a smart dress code usually applies.
Guests on Half Board enjoy buffet-style breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant. You can also dine around in any à la carte venue, receiving a credit towards your food bill (plus credit for in-room dining), with reservation required and drinks extra. Seasonal opening dates, supplements and dress codes may apply; check locally for the latest details.
Pool Areas and Beach
Life here naturally gravitates to the water. The main outdoor freshwater pool is framed by wide marble sun terraces, designer loungers and endless sea views – a striking space that quickly becomes the heart of the resort.
Beyond the main pool you’ll find:
- A beach-club style sunbathing area with beds and parasols right by the seafront.
- An indoor heated freshwater pool in the spa area, ideal for cooler days (seasonal opening).
- Complimentary pool towels for guests.
Several room types feature shared pools or private pools and whirlpools, offering direct access to the water straight from your terrace – a real highlight for honeymooners and privacy-seekers. Facilities, heating and opening dates may vary by season and are subject to change.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
The Abaton Resort Spa is a destination in its own right, blending minimalist design with soothing rituals:
- Thermal area with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool*
- Extensive massage and beauty treatment* menu
- Heated indoor pool (seasonal)
For those who like to stay active:
- Gym (minimum age 12 years) with modern equipment
- Tennis and yoga* sessions
Practical touches keep everything easy:
- 24-hour reception and concierge service
- Luggage storage
- Equipment hire such as bottle warmers and kettles for families (on request)
Facilities and entertainment schedules are typically seasonal and may be adjusted without notice. Charges are marked with *.
Rooms
Deluxe Guest Room with Sea View
Sleeps 2. Contemporary double room with balcony and sweeping sea views. Facilities include flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit box, air conditioning, minibar* and fridge, coffee-making facilities and kettle, pillow menu, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer and turndown service. Bathroom with bath and separate shower. Daily cleaning with linen and towel changes.
Deluxe Guest Room with Sea View for Sole Use
Sleeps 1. As Deluxe Guest Room with Sea View, configured for solo travellers seeking extra space and comfort.
Luxury Room with Private Pool
Sleeps 2. Stylish guest room opening onto a terrace with a private swimming pool – perfect for secluded dips. Includes all standard facilities plus sun loungers on the terrace.
Luxury Room with Private Outdoor Whirlpool
Sleeps 2. Elegant room with balcony and a private outdoor whirlpool for open-air soaks. Includes TV, Wi‑Fi, air-con, minibar*, coffee machine, pillow menu, bathrobe and slippers, and bathroom with bath and separate shower.
Luxury Room with Shared Pool
Sleeps 2. Modern bedroom with balcony or terrace and direct access to a shared pool used by a small number of neighbouring rooms. Full standard amenities as above.
Luxury Seafront Room with Private Pool
Sleeps 2. Premium seafront setting with private pool and panoramic Aegean views. Ideal for honeymooners and special occasions.
Loft Deluxe Room with Sea View
Sleeps up to 3. Split-level or loft-style layout with sea-view balcony and generous living space. Includes standard facilities plus pillow menu and turndown service.
Loft Luxury Seafront Room with Private Pool
Sleeps up to 3. Loft-style seafront room leading to a private pool and sunbeds on the terrace, combining extra interior volume with outdoor living.
Abaton Collection Suite with Shared Pool
Sleeps up to 3. Suite with separate sleeping and living areas (or open-plan layout, depending on allocation) and access to a shared pool. Balcony or terrace, premium amenities, bath and separate shower.
Abaton Collection Suite with Private Outdoor Whirlpool
Sleeps up to 3. Suite with balcony or terrace and a private outdoor whirlpool, plus all the comforts of the Collection range: high-spec bathroom, coffee machine, minibar*, pillow menu and turndown service.
Abaton Collection Suite with Private Pool
Sleeps up to 3. Suite accommodation with private swimming pool and spacious outdoor area, perfect if you want resort facilities but villa-style privacy.
Dream Beachfront Villa with Private Pool
Sleeps up to 6. Signature beachfront villa with private pool, terrace, sunbeds and generous indoor–outdoor living space. Features multiple sleeping areas (layout can vary), luxury bathroom with bath and separate shower, and all premium amenities including minibar*, coffee facilities, pillow menu and turndown service.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
🎾 Tennis (equipment and court time; reservation may be required)
🧘 Yoga sessions* for mindful movement and stretching
🏋️ Gym workouts (min age 12 years)
🎵 Occasional daytime activities including family-friendly options (seasonal)
🎧 Evening entertainment with live DJs and live music during peak months (typically May–September; programme varies)
Guest Services
🛎️ 24-hour reception and dedicated concierge service
🧳 Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
👨👩👧 Family-friendly touches such as bottle warmers and kettle hire (on request)
💄 Spa, thermal facilities and beauty treatments*
🧺 Daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes
📶 Free Wi‑Fi throughout the resort
📰 Option to purchase international/English newspapers*
*Local charges may apply for selected services and facilities.
Practical Info
Hersonissos blends a lively beachfront and nightlife with easy access to Crete’s history and nature. Expect a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild springs and autumns. Local currency is the Euro (€) and the official language is Greek, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Typical UK–Heraklion flight time is around 4 to 4.5 hours, followed by a transfer of approximately 30 minutes to Abaton Island Resort & Spa.
Local attractions include waterparks, boat trips, Aquaworld Aquarium and day tours to Knossos and the island of Spinalonga.
Information is subject to change; some facilities operate seasonally. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices and Book | Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Abaton Island Resort & Spa Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and the latest offers on Abaton Island Resort & Spa. Secure your holiday with low deposits and enjoy full ATOL protection when you book with Travelisto.
FAQs | Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Abaton Island Resort & Spa directly on the seafront?
Yes. Abaton Island Resort & Spa enjoys a prime seafront location just outside Hersonissos, with sunbathing areas and a beach-club vibe right by the shoreline. Many rooms and public spaces make the most of the Aegean views.
2. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Abaton Island Resort & Spa?
The transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Abaton Island Resort & Spa is approximately 30 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Private transfers are typically the quickest and most comfortable way to arrive.
3. What board basis should I choose at Abaton Island Resort & Spa?
You can book Bed & Breakfast if you prefer to dine out in Hersonissos or keep plans flexible, or opt for Half Board, which includes buffet breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant plus a dine-around credit towards food in the à la carte restaurants and in-room dining (drinks extra, reservations required).
4. Does Abaton Island Resort & Spa offer rooms with private pools or whirlpools?
Yes. Several categories feature direct pool access, including Luxury Rooms with Private Pool, Abaton Collection Suites with Private Pool, Luxury Seafront Rooms with Private Pool, Loft Luxury Seafront Rooms with Private Pool and villas and suites with private outdoor whirlpools. There are also rooms and suites sharing semi-private pools.
5. Is there a spa and gym at Abaton Island Resort & Spa?
The resort has a fully equipped gym (minimum age 12 years) plus the Abaton Resort Spa, which offers a thermal area with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool, an indoor pool and a wide choice of massages and beauty treatments, all available for an extra charge.
6. Is Abaton Island Resort & Spa suitable for children?
Children are welcomed and priced up to 11 years, although the atmosphere is generally sophisticated and relaxed, making it especially suited to couples and older families. Some facilities, such as the gym and spa, have minimum age requirements.
7. What is the dress code for the restaurants at Abaton Island Resort & Spa?
A smart dress code usually applies in the evening, especially in the à la carte restaurants and lobby bar. Beachwear is not permitted and gentlemen are typically asked to wear long trousers for dinner. Details can change, so check the latest information on arrival.
8. Is Wi‑Fi available at Abaton Island Resort & Spa?
Yes, complimentary Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including rooms and most public areas.













