Onira Suite Dreams, Heraklion

Pros

• The location is peaceful and private but also provides easy access to nearby Hersonissos if folks want to enjoy a lively nightlife.
• Live in luxury in any of the suites, as they all have amenities like a private pool or jacuzzi, and each follows its own well-considered design theme.
• The small number of rooms allows guests to get both privacy and personalized hospitality, as the staff knows everyone and makes sure you don’t feel like another face in the crowd.
• Common facilities include a peaceful yoga and meditation area, pool for all guests, a pool bar, gym, and spa and hammam.
• Three rooms are equipped for folks with wheelchairs or accessibility needs, which speaks to the overall inclusive approach of the hotel. 

Cons

• While the hotel is now open to families, it's more appropriate for families with older kids or teenagers, who don't need as many activities or facilities as younger children. 
• The location may feel remote, as there's nothing in the immediate surroundings as far as restaurants or shops. However, the village of Anissaras is just 10 minutes away walking or two driving and guests can find a variety of places there.

Authenticity

Couple Jeanne and Yosef are both designers, who love to travel. One year, they came to Crete on holiday and stayed at a property next to where the Onira Suite Dreams now stands. They fell in love with the area and decided to create their own hotel, where travelers could “come together and also be alone” in the words of manager Véronique. 

So, while the hotel doesn’t have the history that some others do, it does have that authentic love of Crete and it’s oriented towards the landscape to allow guests to feel that as well. Each room has a view of the sea and the peaceful location lets people enjoy the sounds and sights of nature from their terraces or pools. It's this ability to appreciate the island that gives the hotel its authentic feel.

Location

The Onira Suite Dreams is on a hill of the village of Anissaras, which is just over half a mile (1 km) from the beach that you can reach by car in three minutes or by foot in 15. The immediate surrounding area of the hotel is quiet but walk into town, which is 10 minutes away, and find a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafés. The lively party resort town of Hersonissos is less than 10 minutes driving, while both Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos are half an hour away by car. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Design is at the heart of the hotel, as each unit has a carefully executed vision and concept. The Happiness villa goes for an Art Deco vibe, while Delight has Mexican-themed vibrant colors and images. Each unit has fully equipped kitchen and a private pool or a jacuzzi with Serenity offering a stand-out indoor Roman bath jacuzzi that has to be seen to be believed.

There are two suites and nine villas; the suites each sleep two and most of the villas can accommodate four or even five, which makes this an ideal choice for couples or groups. Couples in particular enjoy the romantic Divine villa with its sunset views and private pool, while the staff’s preference is the industrial-themed Harmony. All of the rooms have balconies or terraces and three of them have disability access.

Other Highlights

The hotel includes a variety of amenities, such as a yoga and meditation area, hammam and spa, gym, and a pool that all of the guests can use. Folks who want private spa treatments can arrange for them directly in their rooms or villas.