Vicky Sanderson I’ll be spending some time in Europe this summer, so I find myself paying a little more attention to the press releases about luxury travel destinations that cross my desktop than I have in the past. Purely for fun, of course, because spa vacations don’t often align with my budget. Although now that all my kids are independent, maybe deep down I think I deserve one. And with one child now living in France, I’m certainly likely to be doing a little more plane-hopping.
Perhaps that’s why I found myself paying especially close attention to an item about a new luxury wellness resort—a stunning sea-side sanctuary where tension and fatigue are supposed to melt like butter under the Mediterranean sun. I could go for that, I said to myself.
Resting on the quiet, pebbly Mononaftis Bay in Crete, ACRO Suites is a collection of 49 suites and villas, all with views of the Aegean Sea. Some fit neatly into the cliffside of this luxury travel get-away and are furnished with restful natural décor elements; others are contemporary villas with private infinity pools that seem to spill into the serene blue sea.
At the centre of the site is a Bath House inspired by ancient hammams—places of rejuvenation and purification for body and soul. For those looking for spa vacations, the space includes a dry sauna, outdoor/indoor pool, and treatment rooms for massage and therapy. There’s also an exercise area with extensive equipment and breathtaking views of the sea.
If I ever go, I’ll bring back a full report. In the meantime, take a look at this special spot below. I love the way they’ve paired the natural stone tones with the brilliant blues of sea and skies.
You can channel a high-end luxury travel vibe at home. If I could, I’d take ACRO’s textured stones as inspiration and indulge in 3D printed ceramic side tables from Patricia Urquiola’s exceptional Plumon outdoor line for Kettal.
In fact, I’m not sure the table would cost much less than a night or two at ACRO. The lowest rate I saw was $1,019 for a two-night stay (minimum) in late July. Plumon table prices are available on request from studio b. Either one would be a big treat-although one that you undoubtedly deserve:)
If I ever go to ACRO, I’ll report back. Ditto if I ever get the table LOL.
In any case, I’m not the only one with itchy feet and a new set of luggage. First in Service Travel (FIS) a New York-based network of independent travel agencies, says bookings to date for 2022 are eclipsing pre-pandemic numbers, with a 25 per cent increase in bookings so far this year over the same period in 2019.
In good news for ACRO, luxury travel and spa vacations have led the recovery and FIS is now seeing momentum in corporate and entertainment segments. Canadian agents were more likely than U.S. agents to have seen international bookings increase over each of the last three years.
Love to know if you have a favourite luxury travel destination, or whether spa vacations top your travel wish-list. Staycation tips? LMK. I’ll be here listening to Daily French Pod and planning my wardrobe.
