Despite being established in 1989, the cozy Happy Cretan Suites remains one of the island’s best kept secrets. Located a 20-minute drive west of the capital city of Heraklion, it’s still blissfully far from city noise and bustle, nestled in the countryside amidst picturesque olive tree fields and bucolic pastures. Close proximity to the northern coastline means there’s no shortage of lovely views stretching all the way to the Sea of Crete. Rustic stone architecture adds a rich, earthy feel, while grounds are beautifully kept with fragrant lime and pomegranate trees, tall cacti, and elegant olive trees. At sunset, local traffic subsides, and the only sounds you’ll hear are distant sheep and the gentle clanging of goat bells -- a tranquil reminder of the peaceful idyllic setting. The hotel itself has a modern interior, with a small lobby. But most guests, usually couples, spend as much time as possible outdoors. 

Happy Cretan Suites is situated on a hilly countryside road, a six-minute drive to the beachside resort town of Agia Pelagia, where a long protected stretch of sandy beach is accompanied by a seaside promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. Local cuisine is excellent, making it a popular dining spot for locals and tourists alike. Mononaftis Beach, a modest swimming spot with a handful of restaurants, is also a six-minute drive. Being at the center of the island makes the hotel a good starting point for day trips. The capital city of Heraklion is accessible via a bus stop just outside the hotel. Heraklion’s airport is a 25-minute drive away, and the vibrant city of Rethimnon is about one hour by car. For those without a rental car, Rethimnon, and even Chania, which is further west, is accessible via a bus stop located a short taxi ride from the hotel. 

Rooms at Happy Cretan Suites are what really sets the tone of this boutique hotel. All 26 rooms are individually-designed suites with contemporary decor finished with quirky touches, like bold wallpaper and chandeliers, by a local designer. Suites are arranged into seven different categories, with the Mini Suite being the smallest and most simple. Stone Suites have a more traditional Cretan feel, but are no less elegant, with rustic stone walls and a slanted wood-beamed ceiling. Superior Suites and Deluxe Suites are the same size but have different decor, and all come with two balconies, sea views, and a separate lounge. Although Junior Suites lack a separate living area, these units are spacious with sea views, and have private therapeutic spa baths. Each suite comes with ample upscale touches including king-size beds, bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso machines, organic fair trade coffee and tea, Korres toiletries, minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with 50 satellite channels, and furnished balconies. Views from nearly all the suites are beautiful, and overlook the idyllic Cretan countryside and ocean. Bathrooms vary in style to match the theme of the suite, but all have modern fixtures. Although some come with rain showers only, this is compensated with a private hot tub or spa bath in the room. Nearly half of suites have such special feature tubs, including some with private outdoor hot tubs on an elegant patio with private sunbeds and beautiful sea views. 

The hotel’s main feature is its beautiful saltwater pool, an elegant space with lovely panoramic sea views and chic, yet comfortable, sunbeds. A separate hydrotherapy pool increases dipping options, while elegant Balinese beds for two provide romantic lounging for couples. An absence of hosted recreation guarantees a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, while live traditional Cretan lira performances liven the poolside ambience once a week in the summer. Local gastronomy is a strong point of this hotel, and the excellent free breakfast includes homemade Cretan pastries and marmalades, freshly made local delicacies, and omelets and eggs cooked to order. This is accompanied with live piano music twice a week. Light lunch and finger food is available from the stylish poolside bar, and don’t miss dinner at the on-site restaurant run by talented chef Giannis Manias - singularly the best food we tasted on the island with fresh local produce, rich aromatic flavors, and artful presentation. The fitness center has a variety of free weights and cardio machines -- not to mention gorgeous sea views. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking.