Copyright forbes
Elenoas was created as a way to honor Cretan traditions while expressing them through a refined lens. Acro Suites If you’ve ever taken a trip to Crete, you know the island is built on a foundation of retaining Greek culture through warmth and slow living. As Greece’s largest island, it is known for being the center of ancient Minoan civilization and for its diverse landscape with mountains and over 30 million olive trees. Suffice to say, it’s quite special for both tourists and locals. When it first opened in 2021, Acro Suites wanted to capture this feeling. “Everything, from the architecture to the food and the way we welcome our guests, reflects the island’s ‘meraki’ (a uniquely Greek word that means doing something with soul, love and devotion),” explains Konstantina Orfanaki, creative and development director at Acro Suites, in an email interview with Forbes. After establishing Acro Suites as a wellness-driven retreat, Orfanaki explains that the property wanted to extend this same philosophy to its gastronomy. In other words, they wanted to create something that was slow, conscious and rooted in place. “The timing felt right as we continue shaping Acro into a holistic destination that nourishes both body and soul.” Elenoas was created as a way to honor Cretan traditions while expressing them through a refined lens. “The concept was born from our desire to celebrate the island’s culinary identity in its purest form, using seasonal ingredients and slow-cooked methods,” says Orfanaki. “Our executive chef works almost exclusively with local producers, small farms, fishermen, and family-run cooperatives.” An intimate dining concept, Elenoas is set within the property’s olive groves. With a focus on Cretan gastronomy, the entire menu highlights the island’s rich culinary heritage. Traditional recipes are used for the dishes on the menu and wood-fire grilling plays a central role in the cooking process. MORE FOR YOU The menu includes dishes like seafood that’s caught daily along Crete’s northern coast, alongside meat, vegetables and microgreens that are sourced from local trusted farmers. Acro Suites The menu includes dishes like seafood that’s caught daily along Crete’s northern coast, alongside meat, vegetables and microgreens that are sourced from local trusted farmers. Herbs are harvested from the onsite garden and everything is complemented by extra virgin olive oil produced by Cretan operatives. In addition, the experiences have changing seasonal menus that are meant to reduce waste, use a local supply chain and favor natural cooking techniques. The restaurants take it a step further by using tableware that’s handmade by Cretan artisans using local marble and clay. Some menu highlights include lamb chops finished with Cretan herb chimichurri, ember-roasted potatoes with sea salt and a variety of other seasonal plates (including fresh garden vegetables roasted over the fire and locally caught seafood). “Two standout dishes that capture our culinary philosophy are the ted mullet with okra, hazelnuts, and fish demi-glace, which is a refined interpretation of a traditional Cretan recipe, and the ocean beef fillet stifado, a contemporary take on a beloved Greek classic,” explains Orfanaki. Helmed by Chef Giannis Rokanas, Orfanaki says that the chef’s deep Greek roots allow him to draw inspiration from the dishes he grew up with. Many of the recipes used are passed down through generations and recreated with a modern twist. “It’s not about reinventing tradition, but celebrating it through refined techniques, lighter compositions and elegant presentation,” says Orfanaki. “Each dish carries the warmth and soul of Greek home cooking, expressed in an elevated way.” Acro Suites also houses CREMNOS, a restaurant that’s above the cliffs, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Acro Suites On-site, the property also houses CREMNOS, a restaurant that’s above the cliffs, overlooking the Aegean Sea. It’s known for its live music and delicious Greek cuisine. Elsewhere, there is also Umi, a Peruvian Japanese fusion spot, and Calèa by Gerardo Metta, an elevated Mediterranean-Italian experience created by Michelin-starred chef Gerardo Metta. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
