Axel Beach Crete - Adults Only

Axel Beach Crete is in Ano Hersonissos, the old town perched above the seaside resort, a few steps from the main square and from the taverns that stay open late. Below, towards the coast, is Sarantari, the beach best known to the island's LGBTQIA+ community. The position is the right one for those who want the sea without giving up a real village, with the mountains behind and the Aegean in front.

The property has forty rooms and is entirely reserved for adults: guests are admitted from eighteen years, with no exceptions and no areas for families. It belongs to Axel Hotels, the chain that has built its identity on LGBTQIA+ friendly hospitality, and this can be read in the atmosphere as much as in the service. The interior design looks to Minoan culture: ochre and blue, figures that recall the frescoes of Knossos, almost all the rooms with a balcony or terrace and a sea view. Some suites have a private pool.

Wellness and pool

The pool is on the roof, in the Skybar area, and it is the centre of gravity of the day: guests swim, sunbathe and at sunset have a drink while looking at the coast. Next to it is the panoramic hydromassage tub, open from eight in the morning to seven in the evening. The Wellnessclub is built on these two things plus the gym, accessible twenty-four hours a day, and the massages and treatments that are booked at reception. Anyone looking for a complete thermal route with a sauna and a Turkish bath should know beforehand: those are not here, and the offer is that of a seaside boutique hotel, not of an alpine spa.

It is the right address for those who want an adult, sociable and relaxed Cretan holiday, with the beach nearby and the evening within walking distance.