Lifestyle
Our Romantic European Summer: Crete, Greece
Firstly, all I can say is WOW. This island was absolutely incredible. The food was to die for, the views were jaw dropping and I love how it was quiet and relaxing 🤤
Our European summer wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Crete, an island that seamlessly blends rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of luxury. We found ourselves completely enamored by this Greek paradise, and I’m excited to share all the details with you.
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STAYED:
Acro Suites & Blue Palace and A Luxury Collection Hotel
Our stay at Acro Suites was nothing short of magical. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, this boutique wellness resort offers a sanctuary of serenity and luxury. We chose the Sea View Loft with Private Pool, a stunning space that perfectly embodies the essence of relaxation and elegance. The loft’s design is a harmonious blend of natural elements and contemporary sophistication, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking views of the sea.
The private pool was an absolute highlight. We spent hours just floating, gazing out at the endless horizon, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The loft itself is a masterpiece of minimalist design, with organic materials, soft linens, and earthy tones that create a calming environment. Every detail, from the handcrafted furniture to the luxurious bath products, was carefully curated to enhance our experience.
Acro Suites’ commitment to wellness is evident throughout the resort. The Bath House, inspired by ancient Greek baths, was a favorite. The combination of steam, cold plunge pools, and soothing massages left us feeling completely rejuvenated.
Plus, as the breakfast snobs that we are, the food was TO DIE FOR.Â
Blue Palace:
Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, a stunning property that offered the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The resort itself is beautifully laid out, with stone pathways winding through lush gardens, leading to bungalows and suites that overlook the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. We opted for the two bedroom villa, which quickly became our sanctuary. There’s something so liberating about swimming naked in your own pool, surrounded by the serene beauty of Crete.
One of the highlights of our stay at Blue Palace was jet skiing. The thrill of speeding across the crystal-clear waters, with the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces, was unforgettable. Afterward, we’d retreat to our suite, where we could relax by the pool, soaking in the views and the tranquil atmosphere.
While the food at Blue Palace was good, especially considering the variety of options available, we found that it leaned more towards a typical resort experience. The dishes were delicious, but they didn’t quite reach the level of luxury and authenticity that we experienced at Acro Suites. However, the resort’s proximity to a nearby town more than made up for it.
The town, just a short walk from the resort, was absolutely charming. We fell in love with its narrow streets, lined with bougainvillea-covered buildings, and the warm, welcoming vibe of the local restaurants. It was the kind of place where you could spend hours wandering, stopping for a coffee or a glass of wine, and just soaking in the atmosphere. We had some of our most memorable meals here, savoring fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes, all prepared with love and served in the most adorable settings. We really appreciated the authentic, down-to-earth vibe of the town, which offered a lovely contrast to the more polished experience at the resort.
ATE: ΚΡΗΤΙΚΕΣ ΓΕΥΣΕΙΣ, Ασώματος, Plakias, Greece.Â
This place had the best greek salad I've ever eaten in my life. Just do yourself a favor and only order that there because you'll want to die IN it.
We ate here on teh way back from Preveli beach. It was this divine beach where freshwater met the ocean. You have to hike down to get to it. and it is so worth it. We felt like we arrived on another planet.
Ostria Taverna was also another favorite of ours.
Gelato Vienna had the best ice cream!
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AND.... both hotels had the most AMAZING foodÂ
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We didn't have time, but I would highly recommend going to Spinalonga Island, The history behind it is amazing. I cannot believe they kept people guaranteed on that island until 1950!
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TIPS FOR CRETE:
You need to rent a car. You have to drive everywhere (if you want to leave your hotel) and it's worth the drives. The mountains are INSANE (I didn't even know they had mountains) to drive through and the beaches are so beautiful.
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If you can, take a man. The roads are INTENSE to drive on and I was stressed as a passenger, let alone being a driver. Plus, if you don't know how to drive a manual...you need to learn before going to Europe.