SUITCASE SERIES: Danae & Konstantina Orfanake, Co-Founders of ACRO Suites & Seaside a Lifestyle Resort
This week we caught up with Danae and Konstantina Orfanake the co-founders of ACRO Suites & Seaside a Lifestyle Resort, a luxury wellness retreat in Crete, to find out what they never travel without, their packing tips, and what their most memorable trip has been so far…
Founded by Danae and Konstantina Orfanake are co-founders of ACRO Suites, a family-owned group of hotels nestled in the heart of Crete, Greece. Growing up within the hospitality industry, their journey has been shaped by their family’s values and the rich cultural tapestry of their beloved Crete. With each of the hotels boasting its own distinctive personality, the commitment to high service standards remains unwavering. From the tranquil 5* wellness haven of ACRO Suites to the luxurious adults-only retreat of Seaside a Lifestyle Resort, the commitment to high service standards remains unwavering, ingrained deeply within their core family values.
At ACRO Suites, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a culture of wellbeing and self-care amidst the staggering Cretan cliffside overlooking the Aegean Sea. The resort’s contemporary and luxury bohemian flair, complemented by natural elements, offers a tranquil escape for those seeking rejuvenation. Meanwhile, Seaside a Lifestyle Resort, situated in Agia Pelagia, Crete, stands as a testament to Danae and Konstantina’s commitment to excellence. With its magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and array of amenities including private pools, diverse restaurants, and a Cave Spa offering nourishing treatments, the resort embodies sophistication and refinement
Collaborating closely with local designers and craftspeople, they honour their roots and cherish their natural surroundings. This connection to their heritage allows them to seamlessly integrate elements of the local landscape into every aspect of their projects, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience for their guests.
Looking towards the future, Danae and Konstantina are spearheading a brand-new hotel concept set to launch in 2024. With sustainability at the forefront of their endeavours, they’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious hospitality.
In this week’s Suitcase Series, we take a sneak peek into Danae and Konstantina Orfanake’s travel psyche…
What’s been your most memorable trip, and why?
DANAE: Patagonia has been the most memorable trip I’ve ever taken. The stunning landscapes and unique experiences like hiking on glaciers and the Chilean mountains, visiting a whale museum and seeing real-life whale-sized bones, and observing penguins in their natural environment on a tiny island at the southernmost part of the world—also called the end of the world—were unforgettable. The food was insanely good, and Buenos Aires was one of the highlights of the trip. The whole city is a vibe.
KONSTANTINA: Lanai, Hawaii was truly a transformative experience for me. The serene and tranquil atmosphere of the resort, surrounded by the lush nature of Lanai, provided the perfect setting for me to reset and rejuvenate. I took full advantage of the wellness offerings at the resort i was staying at, including yoga classes overlooking the ocean, meditation sessions in the peaceful gardens, and spa treatments that left me feeling so calm. The connection to nature on the island was also a big part of my experience, whether it was hiking through the stunning landscapes, having dinner under the tall palm trees or simply taking in the beauty of the surroundings. The perfect place for me to recharge and realign my mind, body, and spirit.
What’s your favourite ever hotel?
DANAE: that’s a tough one! In Greece, I’d say The Rooster in Antiparos for its beautiful aesthetics and laidback vibe. I really appreciate how the design respects the island’s heritage. Internationally, I had a unique and unforgettable experience at Nomade Tulum in Mexico. Staying in a beautiful tent, walking barefoot on the sand, and dining at their beachfront restaurant under palm trees was truly special. Their yoga classes in a stunning bamboo shala and a bonding event with a healer focused on self-healing and love-making were remarkable experiences. I absolutely loved it!
KONSTANTINA: I always love talking about my stay at the Proper Hotels in Santa Monica and Austin Texas, by Kelly Weastler. These are 2 stunning art-deco hotels that exude sophistication and character. I truly appreciate the design-oriented approach of both hotels and the blend of modern bespoke and vintage furniture in the rooms. you can sense the Californian stylish retro inspiration all over and the rooftop pool and bar have such cool 70s vibes. The rooftop restaurant in Santa Monica served delicious Greek food which I appreciated dearly…
Where or what is your escape?
DANAE: traveling and practising yoga are my escapes. There’s something incredibly freeing about exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures. Yoga, on the other hand, provides a serene sanctuary wherever I go, helping me stay grounded and connected. Spending time with family and friends is equally important to me. Their love and support offer a sense of belonging and joy that is unmatched. Combining travel, yoga, and cherished moments with loved ones creates the perfect escape for me.
KONSTANTINA: my escape is definitely travelling and spending time with the people I love. There’s something truly special about exploring new places and creating lasting memories with loved ones. Whether it’s embarking on an adventure to a far-off destination or simply enjoying quality time with family and friends in Greece, these experiences bring me a sense of joy and fulfilment. Travelling allows me to experience different cultures, try new things, and step out of my comfort zone while being surrounded by those who mean the most to me provides a sense of connection and reset.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be…
DANAE & KONSTANTINA: Japan is definitely a dream destination that is on the top of our bucket list. The rich culture, stunning landscapes, cuisine, and fascinating architecture and design, make it a place that we have always wanted to visit. From the streets of Tokyo to experiencing the serene beauty of Kyoto’s temples and gardens. Japan truly holds a special place in our hearts as a destination that we hope to explore and experience in the near future.
What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?
DANAE: a luxury wellness holiday for me includes practising yoga in a beautiful shala, indulging in a serene spa, staying in a peaceful suite, enjoying incredible nutritious food, and savouring peace and quiet with a good book. It’s about finding balance and rejuvenation in a tranquil setting.
KONSTANTINA: an ideal luxury wellness holiday for me would involve a retreat nestled in a serene location. I would indulge in a series of spa therapies, like deep tissue massages, sauna sessions, facials and all that jazz.
When it comes to food, I always look forward to enjoying a good meal and a glass of wine.
Overall, an ideal luxury wellness holiday for me is all about self-care.
My top bucket-list destination is…
DANAE: I have been to most of my bucket list destinations, but one place I haven’t had the chance to visit yet is Australia. I’d love to spend over a month there. Having visited Bali twice, which I love, I’ve seen the influence of Australians in their cute little shops, fitness studios, and charming small cafes. Their great aesthetics make me want to visit Australia even more. It’s a trip I’ve dreamed of taking since I was a student, drawn to their laid-back lifestyle, vibrant surf culture, and dedication to wellness, yoga, and fitness as a nation.
KONSTANTINA: a safari in Kruger national park, is a dream adventure for me. The opportunity to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, from elephants and lions to giraffes and zebras, exploring savannas and dense forests, and encountering these incredible animals up close is awe-inspiring.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
DANAE: at this moment in my life, probably Kelly Wearstler. Her designs are so captivating. I recently watched one of her masterclasses and was deeply impressed by the way she thinks and approaches each new project. Truly inspirational
KONSTANTINA: Kelly Wearstler too, I also admire Hollie Bowden, India Mahdavi and Patricia Urquiola. These women are so inspiring, all 3 of them have an eclectic portfolio, they draw inspiration from old and new, and they can create spaces so bold and warm at the same time. Their design style is so close to my personal style and aesthetics. I would probably ask them questions throughout the whole flight !!
What is your jet lag recovery tip?
DANAE: one of my go-to tricks for jet lag recovery is to stay hydrated and get natural sunlight exposure as soon as I arrive at my destination. This helps reset my internal clock and adjust to the new time zone faster. Additionally, I find melatonin sleep gummies to be really effective. A friend gave them to me during my last trip to New York, and I swear by their ability to help me get restful sleep. Lastly, I try to nap on the plane according to the time zone of my destination to help ease the transition.
KONSTANTINA: sweating it out at the gym, a run, a HIIT class or a pilates class always shakes off the jet lag. I also believe that eating healthy while travelling and staying hydrated is important. Getting a lymphatic drainage massage is helpful for me to decompress and recover, especially after long flights.
What is your suitcase stalwart?
DANAE: my toiletry bag, maintaining my skincare routine is crucial for me, a hairclip and always carrying flip-flops with me.
KONSTANTINA: a toiletry bag with my everyday skincare routine products, lip balm and perfume is a must and of course cosy and soft lounge set.
What is your number one packing tip?
DANAE: always start packing one week in advance. It helps me decompress and reduces the stress of packing. It also gives me time to carefully consider what I’ll need and make thoughtful choices to avoid overpacking.
KONSTANTINA: roll your clothes instead of folding them when packing in order to save space and prevent wrinkles. I always carry folded tote bags and dust bags with me.
I never travel without…
DANAE: a sleeping mask, earplugs or headphones to drown out noise, sunglasses, lip oil, and my water bottle to stay hydrated.
KONSTANTINA: me too, also Magnesium tablets and compression socks. Magnesium helps me with muscle tension and makes me sleep better. Compression socks really can improve my circulation, and reduce swelling, especially during longer flights.
In my beauty/toiletry bag, I always bring…
DANAE: a toothbrush, sunscreen and deodorant are a must, along with my perfume, blush, and mascara to make me feel fresh and ready to go.
KONSTANTINA: lip balm, natural deodorant, hydrating masks and eye cream, my gua sha, toothbrush and floss of course and a hair brush everywhere I go!
For more information visit https://acrosuites.com/
