Nana Beach Hotel

Nana Beach Hotel is a beautiful, sprawling resort that appeals largely to families, but also couples, thanks to a wide range of facilities and activities for both. The front entryway is striking with its stone facade shaded by a vine-covered trellis dripping with bright pink flowers. The design throughout is contemporary, with locally inspired details such as natural stone tile, wrought-iron accents, and gold-framed artwork. Grounds are lush with greenery, flowers, and stone-paved walkways. As the hotel is set on a hill, paths and buildings slope down toward the beach, which can be difficult for those with mobility issues. However, the hotel has stairs and ramps in most area to improve accessibility. The slope also provides many breathtaking views out to the sea and the surrounding mountains. 

Nana Beach Hotel is on the northern coast of Crete, east of Heraklion near the small village of Hersonissos. There are a few small restaurants within an eight-minute walk of the hotel, and a supermarket three minutes away, but not much else. However, a bus stops directly in front of the hotel, and there is free parking for those with cars. A two-minute drive will bring guests to a more populated area with restaurants, entertainment, and a car rental agency. 

The village of Hersonissos, a busier area with plenty of shopping, is a five-minute drive away. Knossos, the archaeological site of Europe’s oldest city, is a 30-minute drive. A 36-minute drive will bring guests to the city of Heraklion with its many restaurants, museums, shops, and historic sites. Heraklion Airport is a 20-minute drive, while Heraklion port, where many cruise ships arrive, is 30 minutes away.

Guest rooms are comfortable and contemporary with a pleasant design in beige and deep blue. Off-white tile floors, wainscoting, and cream-colored walls are crisp, and blue touches in the drawer faces, comfy chairs, and duvet patterns add visual interest. All rooms have furnished terraces or balconies with a view to the sea or gardens. Bathrooms are small, but have counter space, showers or shower/tub combos, and some rooms have double sinks. Hairdryers and free soap and shampoo are provided. Also standard are 24-inch flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but there are no kettles and both safes and Wi-Fi cost extra.

Upgraded rooms have options such as a separate bedroom, a sitting room, and two bedroom/two bathroom suites. Waterfront Suites are newer and offer a slightly more upscale experience. Each room has two bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a tub, larger beds, a minibar, bathrobes, slippers, and a gorgeous, unimpeded view of the sea.

Nana Beach Hotel is an all-inclusive resort with an impressive list of facilities and activities. Five restaurants offer guests plenty of choice for dining. The main restaurant has green-and-white-checkered floors, green Roman shades, and stone accent walls. The two buffet restaurants serve American-style breakfast, and one has an early dinner for kids. La Pergola is an outdoor eatery serving lunch, midday tea, and a midnight snack bar. There are two a la carte restaurants -- one Italian and one seafood -- and all-inclusive guests get one free meal at each, for each week of their stay. All the restaurants are well-reviewed by guests. There are also three bars serving cocktails and drinks, plus four snack bars spread around the grounds. 

Seven pools are also distributed around the grounds, so no one area becomes overcrowded or loud. The main pool is divided, with a swim-up bar on one side and a bridge and waterfall feature in the middle. Shaded tables in the pool bar and free loungers with bright-blue umbrellas offer plenty of seating. The main pool has a built-in whirlpool and a wading pool for kids. The adults-only pool also has a whirlpool, and offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. There are also free loungers on the beach, both on rocky outcroppings and on a man-made strip of sand. 

An extensive list of features appealing to kids includes a fun wading pool with fountains and small slides, indoor and outdoor play space, daily activities, sports facilities, and swimming lessons (with a fee). Adults will likely enjoy the spa with massages, a sauna, Turkish bath, and heated pool -- though there is a fee to gain access. Several other facilities include a fitness room, mini-market, and chapel.