Enorme Santanna Beach is set along Crete’s quieter southern coastline near Ierápetra, where the landscape opens out into a broader, more elemental stretch of the island, with uninterrupted views across the Cretan Sea.

The resort is arranged across a series of elevated terraces, with the main pool and social areas positioned to draw the eye outward towards the horizon. Water is used deliberately throughout the layout, from the infinity-edge pool that visually merges with the sea to the layered levels that create depth without overcomplicating the design.

The overall aesthetic remains contemporary but relaxed, with an emphasis on openness, light and the flow between spaces rather than any rigid structure. Movement through the property feels natural, with each area leading into the next without interruption.

Staying

Rooms follow the same direction, with a clear focus on outdoor living and connection to the setting. Private pools, swim-up access and sea-facing terraces shift the experience significantly, creating a more immersive and self-contained stay.

The interiors remain intentionally pared back, allowing terraces and external space to take priority, with the emphasis placed firmly on the view and the surrounding landscape.

The Main Restaurant is positioned as a central part of the experience, combining live cooking with a rotating selection of Greek, Mediterranean and international dishes that change throughout the week rather than remaining static. The elevated setting adds another layer, with uninterrupted sea views carrying through from breakfast into the evening service.

During the day, the focus shifts towards a more relaxed style of dining, with drinks, light bites and poolside service available across the terraces, maintaining a fluid, open-air approach that stays consistent with the overall feel of the resort.

Experience

The rhythm of the hotel is built around the pool and surrounding terraces, where large daybeds and open lounging areas encourage long, unhurried days. A subtle social energy runs throughout, with music and movement present but never intrusive.

It’s a setting that allows you to drift between complete stillness and light activity without ever feeling directed, maintaining a consistent sense of ease across the day.

Wellness

Wellness is integrated in a more understated way, with yoga, fitness sessions and treatments available as part of the daily flow rather than positioned as a separate, dominant feature.

Where

Located approximately 2.5 km from Ierápetra and around 58 km from Sitia Airport, the hotel sits on the island’s less developed southern coast, offering a quieter, more open alternative to Crete’s busier northern resorts.