A Few Days at Nana Princess, Crete
After a short 3.5-hour flight from Manchester, I was met by a private transfer and taken straight to the hotel. There was no queue at reception — instead, I was welcomed with a glass of fizz, a cooling towel, and a personalised check-in, all from the comfort of a sofa. A small detail, but it set the tone for what was to come.
From there, a golf buggy took me to my suite — spacious, beautifully designed, and complete with a private pool, a chilled bottle of wine, water, and canapés waiting. Every suite at the hotel has its own pool, and the layout ensures both privacy and sea views. The in-room technology is excellent, with everything from lights to curtains controlled at the touch of a button.
The food throughout the stay was a real highlight. Our first meal was at Meat-In Point, a poolside restaurant specialising in grilled meats. Standout dishes included the Black Angus tartare, Lamb Kontosouvli, and Wagyu fillet, served alongside fresh salads and vegetables with just the right amount of truffle oil.
Breakfast at Carpe Diem was equally impressive. Greeted with coffee and fresh juice on arrival, we enjoyed a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, seasonal produce, local specialities from the Cretan Corner, and even a live violinist setting the tone for the morning. The wine list, curated by award-winning sommelier Nikos Giannopoulos, features over 160 regional and international labels, offering perfect pairings for any meal.
Outside the hotel, we visited the Palace of Knossos, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. It’s a must-see if you’re interested in history, with colourful frescoes, fascinating ruins, and connections to the legend of the Minotaur. Afterwards, we explored Heraklion’s busy streets, full of small boutiques, local markets, and traditional cafés. Lunch at Peskesi was a standout — authentic Cretan food served in a beautifully restored mansion. Booking ahead is a good idea.
On the way back, we stopped at Old Hersonissos, just ten minutes from the hotel. It’s a charming village with traditional tavernas, a slower pace, and excellent food.
We also made time for the spa, which was well worth it. The facilities include steam rooms, saunas, ice rooms, and a particularly bracing cold plunge pool. I tried the “Palatial Experience” treatment — a carob scrub, toning massage, and facial — and left feeling completely reset.
Our final evening was spent at Eternal Blue, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant. We dined at sunset with the waves in the background, enjoying fresh lobster, grilled octopus, and a standout seafood risotto. Most evenings ended at the Artmitsi Bar, with cocktails around the fire pit, live music, and incredible sea views. A perfect way to unwind after full days of exploring.
Nana Princess is an exceptional hotel. The service is discreet, thoughtful, and genuinely five-star. Every detail is carefully considered, and the entire experience feels seamless. If you're looking for luxury in Crete, it’s hard to imagine a better option.