A Stylish Adults only Hotel in Northern Crete, you may not have heard of!

A Stylish Adults only Hotel in Northern Crete, you may not have heard of!

Adults Only Crete, a Hidden Hideway

A 5* Luxury Hotel in Northern Crete, you may not have heard of.

Chilled Adults Only Retreat

Nema Design Hotel & Spa

When you say Adults Only in Crete, many people think Stella Island or Domes resorts, but there's a new kid in town, the Nema Design Hotel was renovated in 2019 and has it's latest offering for for Summer 2026. The upcoming debut of EÉSO in Summer 2026 will introduce 35 new suites, including four brand-new ultra-luxury categories. I was lucky enough to visit in May 2026 ahead of this opening to see what's in store and get a taste of the Nema Design.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the friendly and attentive staff, in a non intrusive and really relaxed way, they like to pre-empt your needs and I saw many people who were return for their 2 or even 5th visits, so the Nema formula is getting something right!

At reception a swift check in with a refreshing towel and drink was perfect whilst awaiting room details and giving dietary requirements. Even though I arrived quote late, the Hotel restaurant was buzzing with atmosphere and chatting tables and staff, flowing cocktails and back ground music whilst the Cretan sea air and breeze whipped it's way through the Seafront Rizes restaurant.
Although a whirlwind visit this certainly gave me a taste of what could be a relaxing and fulfilling trip whether a Solo traveller, Couple or Group of adults.

Top dining and tipples.....

The Nema has two restaurants, one for the Buffet Breakfast, (which is plentiful and varied) which enjoys a pool view and lot's of recesses to chill in. Rizes restaurant at the front of the Hotel, enjoys a view and a pleasant breeze and is great to enjoy a Cocktail or Meze plate after a walk along the largely flat promenade.

Giving your dietary requirements at check in will definitely help the chef during your stay and I found the staff to be really accommodating on that score, happy to tweak menus to keep things interesting and they were always happy to recommend a wine or a cocktail according to my likes and dislikes.

The pool is large enough to enjoy a few lengths and work up an appetite but is not heated. Don't worry though if you have a pool room, you'll get a heated plunge pool or a jacuzzi, as the staff monitor the weather adding the heating if required.

What to see and do?

Nema is just 25 mins from Heraklion, making your transfer smooth and easy, even in rush hour.
On arrival, you could miss it! As access to reception, is up the side of the hotel past the Rizes restaurant and pool. If you're thinking there may be the chance to get bored here, think again! Although there is little sign of a buzzing itinerary from the chilled guests around the pool you can (Like I did) enjoy the following :

Guided Tour or Heraklion, or explore on your own
Floating Breakfast
Yoga Sessions
Gym
Luxury Spa Treatments
Full Days Jeep Safari to explore the North of Crete
Watersports from the Adjacent Beach
Chilling on the Private Beach Sun Loungers
Wine Pairing Meal
Bike or car Hire
Knossos Palace


Those are just a few of the options, if just chilling by the pool or beach is not your only MO.

Rooms and Relaxation

The highlight (for me) at the Nema are the flexible room options. From swim up to Private Pool, Jacuzzi Suites, Garden Pools with Hammocks there's really something for everyone and many offer a ideal privacy. I was lucky enough to enjoy a morning or peace and Yoga before having to return to Blighty! Certainly worth noting some rooms offer more privacy and space than others, so be sure to choose wisely or you may have Room envy!

All rooms will give you luxury toiletries, spacious showers, many rainfall style, safe, coffee maker and kettle, wardrobes and an in room tablet for communications. The Large flat screen TVS' can be synced with your Netflix, Youtube and more so you can enjoy your own choice of tunes and vibes when getting ready for an evening out.

In summary, I'd say choose the Nema for it's cool design, attentive staff, plentiful and quality food options and you'll be happily cocooned in a zen like state for your stay!

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