TUI SENSIMAR Insula Alba Resort & Spa (Adults Only)

Immaculate white decor and sleek lines are the defining characteristics at this upscale, adult-only beachfront hotel. Insula Alba (Latin for White Island) is a modern space decorated with abstract sculpture pieces and a white color scheme throughout. The reception area, with its towering, two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows and romantic cream shades, is a light and airy space that maintains a relaxed atmosphere, even during busy check-in hours. Other parts of the hotel such as the stylish pool area with its lively pool bar and energetic dance music are more upbeat, and appeal to younger couples, a majority of which we saw at the hotel during our visit.Built from scratch and opened in 2015, Insula Alba is one of a handful of upscale and luxury hotels on the same stretch of coastline running between Heraklion and Hersonissos. Its beachfront, while popular with guests who enjoy long coastal walks, is across the street from the hotel and lacks sunbeds and umbrellas. This is generally of little concern, however, as over half of the rooms have private individual or shared pools where guests spend the majority of their time. The hotel takes on a romantic vibe in evenings, with softly lit mood lighting all throughout the grounds -- although a lack of evening entertainment, paired with high drink prices, drives some guests off the premises. All in all, the hotel suits couples in search of a peaceful, low-key vacation with elegant surroundings and a quiet evening atmosphere. 

Insula Alba is situated on a local coastal road that runs through the village of Analipsi, a relatively undeveloped area with a few bars and restaurants, but little authentic local character. Swimmable beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas are found a two-minute walk down the street at the sister hotel Golden Star. Hersonissos is the closest developed town, with many traditional tavernas in its old town, a 10-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is a 20-minute drive, and Heraklion city center is a further six minutes by car. The exclusive area of Elounda, with its beautiful bay, is roughly a one-hour drive.

Continuing with the chic design scheme in the public areas, all of Insula Alba’s 182 rooms have a modern style in shades of white, beige and light gray. Classic Rooms are the most affordable category, while Junior Suites have a mezzanine bedroom level and lower lounge level connected by a winding staircase. Classic Swim Up Rooms have terraces with private sunbeds situated directly on a shared pool, while Classic Rooms With Private Pools have a furnished terrace that opens out to a private pool. All Suites face the sea and have a small lounge area, with either a private individual or shared pool. The highlight is the stock private pools, over half of the rooms have access to private individual or shared swim-up pools. All rooms come with furnished outdoor spaces, minibars, bathrobes and slippers, air conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a welcome gift consisting of a Cretan spirit and traditional Cretan sweets. All bathrooms are modern, with sleek gray tiling, and either a tub or walk-in shower. The majority also have two sinks. Sea views are unfortunately limited at this hotel, although all suites have direct views of the ocean.

Facilities at Insula Alba are somewhat limited for its size, with only one dinner option and one bar option open during high season. The stylish pool area, complete with sophisticated white porcelain statues and novelty oversized beanbag loungers, is the main attraction. The pool is accompanied by a chic pool bar. The lobby bar, with its beautiful outdoor terrace, is only open in low season, limiting drinking options. The main buffet restaurant has decent international and local food. The beachfront a la carte restaurant, a refreshing open-air affair with lovely sea views, is open in high season only, and serves a la carte Mediterranean and local Greek cuisine for lunch. Meal plans include bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates, but no all-inclusive plan.The spa is a beautiful, relaxed setting, but use of facilities including the whirlpool tub, heated indoor pool, and sauna costs a fee. Massage treatments are popular with guests, and the modern gym is free to use. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hotel also has free private parking. Guests are welcome to use the facilities at the sister resort, Golden Star, for free.