NEMA Design Hotel & Spa – an adults-only retreat, blending luxury, sustainability and Cretan culture for an unforgettable beachfront escape.
Set along the sun-kissed shores of Crete, NEMA Design Hotel & Spa stands as a beacon of refined luxury and sustainable elegance.
NEMA, a recently rebranded adult-only sanctuary, has quickly positioned itself as the epitome of luxury accommodation on Greece’s biggest island. Combining modern design with a strong sense of Cretan heritage, it offers an unmatched getaway for discerning travellers where luxury and eco-awareness exist in perfect harmony.
Perfectly Located for Relaxation and Exploration
Situated a mere 24 kilometres from Heraklion Airport, NEMA Design Hotel & Spa strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion. This strategic location allows guests to easily immerse themselves in Crete’s vibrant culture and storied history whilst providing a tranquil sanctuary far removed from the clamour of everyday life.
The hotel’s close location to the airport guarantees a seamless shift from travel to relaxation, usually with transfer times less than 30 minutes.
This convenience is especially attractive to international visitors looking to make the most of their time in paradise. Even though NEMA is easily accessible, it still manages to maintain a feeling of exclusive seclusion, thus providing guests with the perfect blend of both worlds.
Architectural Brilliance: Where Modern Luxury Meets Cretan Tradition
The stunning design that lies at the heart of NEMA’s appeal is a testament to the creative vision of distinguished local architects. The main building, masterfully crafted by the renowned O25 architectural studio, serves as the perfect introduction to the hotel.
This fuses modern design elements and traditional Cretan style, creating a visual narrative that honors the island’s abundant heritage.
The outside facade beautifully demonstrates a play of light and shadow, using stone sourced locally that reflects Crete’s harsh beauty. Full-length windows provide sweeping views of the deep blue Aegean Sea, merging indoor luxury with the breathtaking natural scenery outside.
NEMA’s dedication to growth and evolution can be clearly seen in its ambitious expansion plans for 2025. They have entrusted the highly-respected Omniview architectural firm with this crucial next phase, which is set to push the hotel’s luxury offerings to new, never-before-seen levels.
Omniview’s design philosophy, which is renowned for innovative building techniques and a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices, perfectly complements NEMA’s dedication to offering an environmentally responsible guest experience.
The expansion will unveil a range of exclusive villas, each featuring private infinity pools and clear sea views. These new inclusions will be flawlessly incorporated into the current landscape, using green roofs and native plantings to reduce visual disruption and boost biodiversity.
Sustainability: The Cornerstone of NEMA’s Ethos
The NEMA Design Hotel & Spa redefines luxury, adopting a principle of mindful indulgence. The hotel’s dedication to sustainability is not simply a symbolic act but a core value integrated into every element of its design and functioning.
NEMA’s eco-initiatives prioritise energy efficiency. The hotel utilises advanced LED lighting across its property, which significantly cuts down on electricity use without sacrificing atmosphere. The building’s design includes low-emissivity glass, which helps to keep indoor temperatures ideal while reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.
Another key aspect of NEMA’s sustainability initiatives is water conservation. All guest rooms and public areas are equipped with advanced water-saving fixtures as standard, which significantly cuts down water usage without compromising guest comfort.
The hotel’s advanced greywater recycling system furthers this commitment by treating and reusing wastewater from sinks and showers for irrigation and other non-drinkable purposes.
Using locally sourced materials extensively not only bolsters the local economy but also drastically cuts down the carbon footprint linked to transportation.
The walls of the hotel beautifully display Cretan stone obtained from local quarries. Additionally, reclaimed wood is used extensively in the interior spaces, adding a sense of warmth and character. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also supports the principles of a circular economy.
NEMA’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its culinary services. The hotel’s restaurants emphasize the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients, which not only supports Cretan farmers but also reduces food miles.
A herb garden located on-site supplies fresh aromatics for both the kitchens and cocktail bar. In addition, it also functions as an educational resource for guests who have an interest in traditional Cretan horticulture.
Luxurious Accommodations: A Haven of Comfort and Style
Each room and suite at NEMA Design Hotel & Spa is meticulously designed to serve as a private sanctuary, providing guests with the pinnacle of comfort and sophistication.
The lodging choices accommodate a variety of preferences, guaranteeing that each visitor discovers their ideal hideaway.
Deluxe Rooms: Elegant Simplicity
The Deluxe Rooms define the epitome of luxurious comfort. Covering an area of 35 square meters, these carefully designed rooms boast king-size beds, dressed in top-quality Egyptian cotton sheets.
The colour scheme of the rooms, featuring calming earth tones and bursts of Mediterranean blue, is inspired by the landscape of Crete.
Every Deluxe Room features a private balcony, providing scenic views of the hotel’s verdant gardens or the glittering sea in the distance.
Junior Suites: Spacious Luxury
If you’re in search of extra space and amenities, the Junior Suites offer an enhanced experience. These 50-square-metre sanctuaries come with separate living areas, making them ideal for relaxation or dining in the room.
Each Junior Suite’s crowning glory is its spacious terrace, which boasts a private jacuzzi and clear views of the sea.
The interior of the suites display custom-made furniture created by local artisans, effortlessly merging modern design with traditional Cretan craftsmanship.
Signature Suites: The Pinnacle of Indulgence
The Signature Suites by NEMA symbolize the peak of luxury lodging on the island. These expansive 80-square-meter retreats provide an unmatched degree of privacy and lavishness. Each Signature Suite comes with a master bedroom featuring an attached marble bathroom, a roomy living area, and a dining space perfect for small, intimate gatherings.
The outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring a private infinity pool that seems to merge with the horizon. A fully furnished terrace provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining or simply soaking in the breathtaking Aegean sunsets.
Those staying in the Signature Suites are privy to a variety of exclusive services, such as a personal concierge, priority restaurant reservations within the hotel, and free luxury vehicle transfers to and from the airport.
Interior Design: A Fusion of Contemporary and Traditional
NEMA’s interior design philosophy is evident across all accommodation categories. The aim is to create spaces that are simultaneously contemporary and timeless, opulent yet welcoming. The use of natural materials is prominent, including oak flooring, stone accents, and handwoven textiles, which add a sense of texture and warmth.
The strategic placement of windows and sliding doors, which maximizes natural light and frames stunning views, makes the use of glass particularly notable. This focus on incorporating the outdoors into the indoor spaces forms a flawless link between the interior and the breathtaking Cretan landscape.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Although the design aesthetic may honor tradition, the technology within the room is clearly future-oriented.
Every accommodation comes equipped with intelligent room controls, enabling guests to modify the lighting, temperature, and even curtains at the push of a button.
Standard amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen smart TVs, and Bluetooth sound systems ensure that guests stay connected and entertained throughout their stay.
Culinary Excellence: A Journey for the Senses
At NEMA Design Hotel & Spa, the gastronomic experience is just as much a part of the deluxe service as the lodging itself.
The dining establishments at the hotel highlight Crete’s vibrant culinary traditions, while also integrating international tastes and methods to craft truly unforgettable dining experiences.
Euphoria Restaurant: A Feast for All Senses
Euphoria Restaurant, the primary dining facility of the hotel, provides a culinary adventure around the world. Serving breakfast and dinner in a buffet style, this restaurant takes the idea of all-day dining to a whole new level.
At Euphoria, mornings are dedicated to celebrating the freshness and locality of produce. The breakfast array includes a variety of specialties from Crete, such as locally made cheeses, honey sourced from local apiaries, and a selection of homemade preserves and jams. If you’re more inclined towards international fare, there are also a variety of continental options. Additionally, a live cooking station is available where chefs cook up eggs and pancakes to order.
Come evening, Euphoria transforms into a gastronomic theatre. The restaurant hosts themed cuisine nights, allowing guests to explore different culinary traditions throughout their stay.
Each night is a new adventure for the taste buds, from Mediterranean feasts overflowing with fresh seafood to Asian-inspired evenings filled with delicate sushi and aromatic curries.
The design of the restaurant is as remarkable as its food offerings. Its floor-to-ceiling windows give diners sweeping views of the Aegean, and the open kitchen design allows patrons to see the cooking magic up close. The roomy terrace offers opportunities for outdoor dining, making it an ideal spot for savoring warm Cretan nights beneath the stars.
Rizes Cretan Gastrobar: A Taste of Authentic Crete
If you’re looking for a cozier dining experience, Rizes Cretan Gastrobar provides an immersive insight into the island’s diverse culinary past. This relaxed yet elegant location embraces the farm-to-table approach, mainly sourcing its ingredients from local suppliers and the hotel’s organic garden.
Rizes’s menu offers a contemporary take on traditional Cretan cuisine. Patrons can enjoy timeless classics such as dakos, a Cretan salad with barley rusks garnished with ripe tomatoes and smooth mizithra cheese, or explore modern culinary creations that highlight the island’s extraordinary ingredients in unique ways.
The beverage offerings at the gastro bar are as impressive as its food, boasting a wide array of wines from Crete, many of which are made from native grape varieties. The bar also serves a variety of artisanal cocktails that feature local herbs and spirits, offering patrons a sip of Crete’s unique terroir.
Rizes’s design mirrors its culinary philosophy, incorporating rustic features such as uncovered stone walls and wooden beams to foster a welcoming, cozy ambiance. The area effortlessly evolves from a bright poolside lunch location to a snug dinner spot as the day transitions into night.
Divine Bar: Crafted Cocktails and Breathtaking Views
Situated on the highest floor of the hotel, the Divine Bar certainly justifies its name by providing a truly celestial experience to guests. This elegant lounge is an ideal location for pre-dinner drinks or late-night indulgences, boasting a comprehensive menu of traditional and inventive cocktails.
The mixologists at the bar are genuine craftsmen, creating custom-made drinks that highlight local ingredients and premium spirits from all over the world. Their signature drinks could include a gin and tonic infused with herbs from Crete or a smoky mezcal mixture adorned with locally sourced citrus.
Divine Bar is a haven for wine lovers, flaunting a remarkable wine cellar that houses both international brands and a meticulously chosen range of Greek wines. The bar’s expert sommeliers are constantly available to walk guests through the wine list, providing recommendations for pairings and enlightening them about the growing wine culture in Greece.
However, the true highlight of Divine Bar is its awe-inspiring panoramic view. The floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terrace provide an unhindered view of the Cretan coastline and the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea.
As the day transitions into night, guests have the opportunity to witness the sun descend beneath the horizon, adorning the sky with a vibrant array of colors – an ideal setting for an unforgettable evening.
To sum up, NEMA Design Hotel & Spa is a perfect embodiment of luxury, sustainability, and genuine Cretan hospitality. Its unique architecture and environmentally friendly design, coupled with top-tier accommodations and gourmet cuisine, are all meticulously designed to offer guests an unparalleled experience.
As NEMA continues to evolve, with exciting expansion plans on the horizon, it solidifies its position as the premier luxury destination on the island of Crete, inviting discerning travellers to discover a new standard of beachfront opulence.
