Enorme Santanna Island sits just outside the coastal village of Sissi, where the pace softens and the coastline feels more understated, with the sea always within reach and an atmosphere geared towards switching off rather than filling every moment.

The resort is arranged with a strong sense of openness, where terraces, pools and walkways connect naturally without feeling segmented. Water runs through the experience as a defining element, from the main pool areas to the swim-up sections woven into the layout, creating a consistent sense of movement and flow.

The overall design remains contemporary but relaxed, with a clear emphasis on light, space and a more informal interpretation of luxury. Nothing feels overworked, with the focus placed firmly on how the spaces are experienced rather than how they are styled.

Staying

Accommodation is built around outdoor living, with swim-up rooms, private pool options and sea-facing terraces shaping the stay far more than the interiors themselves. The layout is intentionally simple, allowing the setting to lead.

Higher room categories noticeably elevate the experience, creating a more immersive and self-contained feel, where private water access and terrace space become central to how the room is used throughout the day.

The dining experience is layered across a number of distinct venues, each adding a different tone to the stay. Sunset Buffet Restaurant sets the overall rhythm, with live cooking and a rotating selection of Mediterranean and international dishes that shift throughout the week rather than remaining static.

Veggera moves the focus towards Cretan cuisine, bringing in more local character, while Trattoria Bella introduces a more relaxed Italian setting that sits comfortably within the flow of the resort. Umika Asian Fusion adds contrast, with a more contemporary menu that broadens the overall offering, while Brunch & Co softens the structure earlier in the day, allowing for a more flexible start to the morning.

The bar scene is centred around the main terrace areas, where cocktails and drinks naturally carry the atmosphere into the evening without shifting the tone too far away from the hotel’s laid-back rhythm.

Experience

Days move easily between the pool areas and the nearby Boufos Beach, with enough space across the resort to avoid everything feeling concentrated in one place. The layout naturally spreads people out, reinforcing the relaxed atmosphere.

There’s a light social energy running through the hotel — yoga sessions, music and a gentle sense of movement — but it remains controlled, allowing you to stay within your own pace without feeling drawn into a scene.

Wellness

Wellness is integrated into the experience rather than separated from it, with yoga sessions, fitness and treatments forming part of the daily flow. The spa offering remains intentionally low-key, aligning with the overall tone of the resort rather than competing with it.

Where

Located around 300 metres from Boufos Beach and approximately 37 km from Heraklion Airport, the hotel offers a quieter base on Crete’s northern coast while keeping the island’s main highlights within easy reach.