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Relax and unwind at this stylish five-star Crete hotel where you’ll find luxury accommodation, local produce and a laid-back vibe – and Greece still sees warm temperatures in October
If there’s one word to describe a stay at Asterion Suites & Spa, on Crete’s northwest coast, it’s ‘easy’. From the luxury car waiting to pick us up at Chania airport to drinks arriving at the push of a button (more on that later), we barely had to lift a finger — or even think — on our trip here. If it’s a chic, adults-only ‘fly and flop’ destination with a healthy helping of Cretan authenticity you’re looking for, Asterion is the place.
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The rooms at Asterion Suites & Spa
Asterion has an air of stylish calm from the moment you walk in, with open-plan buildings filled with natural textures and cream-coloured interiors set among pretty, well-tended gardens and flowerbeds.
Our Ocean suite opened out on to a swim- up pool shared between three rooms. A late afternoon sun trap, it was the perfect spot for a glass of the complimentary local fizz that welcomes you to your room.
The pool is lined with comfy loungers and linen-clad day beds (there were always enough for everyone), and Asterion has its own private beach area with umbrellas and beds, ensuring relaxation is a top priority for guests.
The food at Asterion Suites & Spa
Asterion has two restaurants: Matter for breakfast, lunch and buffet dinners, and à la carte 35°, which has more of an upmarket feel and live music most nights. The latter specialises in generous portions of elevated Cretan dishes such as fresh seafood, filo pastry pies and, our favourite, dakos, a delicious combination of barley rusk, chopped tomatoes and feta.
The buffet is not to be dismissed, though, and we actually found ourselves eating here most nights, going back for seconds (and sometimes thirds) of the fresh salads, grilled fish and tempting desserts. Dishes change every day and there are nights with themed cuisine, but it’s mainly Greek – something that continues at the breakfast buffet, where you’ll find delicious local yoghurt and honey, and traditional pastries such as bougatsa, lyxnarakia and loukoumades.
Dinner at 35° can be booked in advance via the hotel’s simple-to-use app, which will quickly become your best friend as it can also be used to order drinks directly to your sun lounger by the pool or at the beach. Getting a champagne colada cocktail or local Alfa beer delivered with a cheery smile with just a few taps became all too tempting, and we soon found ourselves settling into this ultimate level of relaxation.
Although you barely need to speak to anyone while here, it would be a shame not to because the staff are as charming as the setting. Manager George greets all guests upon arrival, and the bar and restaurant staff remember names and drinks orders, and are always up for a chat. It’s an attitude that spreads to the guests – many are clearly repeat visitors and we saw lots of new friendships form over an after-dinner drink in the candlelit bar garden.
The beach
Asterion sits directly on Pyrgos Psilonerou beach, a pebbly stretch of sand and a turtle nesting ground. While not a strong contender for Crete’s prettiest beach (this probably goes to Elafonissi or Balos), it’s popular with locals, who park up under the tamarisk trees, set up chairs and watch the sunset.
This is not the area for you if you’re looking for nightlife or a vast array of eateries, but there are a couple of small local restaurants either side of Asterion that are quiet during the day but catch the attention of those strolling along the quiet beach promenade at night.
What to do in Crete
There isn’t much directly around Asterion (part of its peaceful and secluded vibe), but tours to other beaches, towns and Crete’s tourist sites can be easily arranged via reception. The historic town of Chania is a 15km bus or taxi ride away, while the hotel offers more unique experiences such as cookery classes at a local farm-to-table restaurant and visits to a winery.
If you really want to stick with the theme of relaxation, then book into the hotel’s Orion Spa. Greek authenticity continues here too, and I loved my Hydra Face treatment using local Cretan products and facial massage, which was perfect for parched skin.
How much does it cost to stay at Asterion Suites & Spa?
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the five star Asterion Suites & Spa on an all-inclusive basis in a Superior Double Room with Garden View from £1,233 per person including flights from London to Chania, 23kg of luggage per person and transfers, based on travel on 3 May 2026.
A Standard Room with breakfast at Hampton by Hilton, Gatwick Airport, costs £143 based on arrival on 2 May 2026 and entry into the Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick North for two people costs £88 when booked via Holiday Extras.
Airport hotels can also be booked via Premier Inn, Booking.com and Gatwick Airport directly.
