Acro Suites: A Cliffside Wellness Retreat on Crete’s Northern Coast.
Acro Suites in Mononaftis Bay, Crete, is a wellness retreat set high above the Aegean Sea, conceived as a place for restoration, presence, and deeper connection with the natural world. Its adults-only setting, integrated into the island’s rugged cliffs, offers an immersive experience where contemporary living and holistic wellbeing come together with clarity and intent.
The retreat’s name stems from the ancient Greek word akros/akron, meaning “on the edge,” an apt reference to its position on the rock face and its approach to elevated, mindful hospitality. With 47 suites, lofts, and villas—each with a private saltwater pool and uninterrupted sea views—Acro Suites offers an intimate environment designed for quiet retreat and purposeful renewal.
An introduction to Acro Suites begins with its materiality. The architecture is shaped by stone, timber, and earthy textures that mirror Crete’s coastal terrain. These elements ground the retreat within its surroundings, creating interiors that feel calm, tactile, and naturally attuned to the landscape. Throughout the property, the aesthetic remains pared back and intentional, supporting a slower pace and a sense of ease.
At the centre of the retreat is the Bath House, a wellness hub inspired by ancient Byzantine hammams. The circular volumes, subdued light, and curated warmth guide guests into a state of gentle release. Treatments draw from long-standing healing traditions and contemporary bodywork—deep tissue therapies, purifying scrubs, and restorative rituals oriented around balance and inner steadiness. Nearby, the bamboo-built Asana Yoga Shala offers daily movement, breathwork, and meditation with views stretching toward the open sea.
Dining across the retreat reflects Crete’s agricultural richness and Acro Suites’ commitment to conscious living. Cremnos presents modern interpretations of Greek cuisine anchored by local produce. Umi brings together Japanese and Peruvian influences with a refined sensibility. In an olive grove, Elaionas provides a grounded, rustic Cretan experience surrounded by centuries-old trees, while Caléa by Gerardo Metta introduces a Mediterranean-Italian perspective shaped by contemporary culinary thinking.