Amy Adejokun
Section editor
This upscale, very comfortable hotel, is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. It is located in a quiet creek, facing Spinalonga peninsula, not far from the famous Aghios Nikolaos seaside village.
The Elounda Bay Palace is located 5.5 miles from the Aghios Nikolaos seaside resort, closed to the village of Elounda (1 mile). Count about one hour for transfers to Heraklion airport (40 miles).
There are several room categories. Superior rooms (237 feet²) are all located in the main building. They include a double bed and a convertible single bed. They overlook, either the mountain, or the sea. Deluxe rooms (484--538 feet²) have a view of the gardens or the sea. They include a king size bed and a sitting area. Superior bungalows are small 226 feet² units with one bedroom, a bathroom, and a balcony or terrace (sea view). Last, de uxe bungalows (377--430 feet²) are located in the hotel gardens, next to the swimming pool. They offer a bedroom area, sitting area, veranda, and patio. For all categories, comfort is sufficient. Remote control air conditioning, satellite television, safe, well-stocked minibar, telephone with direct line and voice mail. The marble bathrooms feature a tub, sink, toilets, hair dryer, robes, slippers, and welcome toiletries. Some rooms have a CD player and television in the bathroom.
Built in 1972, the hotel is located at the end of a creek and extends to a large portion of the seashore. Both main buildings are modern, 3-storey constructions. This is where you will find the lobby as well as all double rooms. A little further, on either side of the creek and surrounded by gardens, the bungalows feature the most luxurious rooms of the hotel. These are small, modern, one-level buildings scattered on several terraces. All have a private lawn and/or swimming pool. In the central area is a large seawater swimming pool (4,304 feet²) and a children's pool, surrounded by a wooden solarium. Large, well-groomed lawns offer wooden deckchairs and parasols (free towel service). Next to the outdoor swimming pool, the wellness centre includes a fresh water pool (1,614 feet²), fitness room, and the pool bar.
The main restaurant is a large, pleasant room, well-organised with room around the buffets. It is open for all three meals. It offers satisfactory international gastronomy with some local specialities. The Ariadne Kafenion tavern is an à la carte restaurant open for lunch (and dinner in season). Count approximately 24 pounds sterling for a meal without drinks (international gastronomy and Greek specialities). This is where, once a week, a Greek evening is organised. Last, the Thalassa fish restaurant, located at the end of the creek on the sea front, is open in the evening only. Once a week, the hotel organises a fishing evening there.
''Private'' beaches are two small white sand coves, tucked within the hotel limits. They have deckchairs, tables, parasols, and shower, with free towels and mattresses. The setting is pleasant, with a view of Spinalonga peninsula and, in the distance, the Cretan coast. This very quiet place is barely affected by the surrounding bungalows. The creek's rocks have been covered and arranged into a long boardwalk along the coast. On one end of this pier is the yacht club, offering a wide variety of (paying) water sports. On the other end, and on the other side, is the fish restaurant. Both beaches are separated by a large snack-bar, very comfortable and attractive, with a round patio sticks out onto the sea.
Hotel guests are welcome to use the sports equipment and services of the Elounda Beach, the luxury-class hotel, located nearby.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, thalassotherapy, stretching, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath, wellness
tennis, water skiing, gym, aqua gym, aerobics, football, volleyball, beach volley, basketball, golf, mountain bike, jet ski, sailing, paddle boats, canoe, step, water-polo, windsurfing, fitness, sports
The Elounda Beach appears as a small Cretan village by the water, in the Mirabello Bay, in front of the Spinalonga island.
The Elounda Palm is a convivial, human-size, hotel located near the small Elounda seaside resort. The rooms are very simple, although spacious and pleasant. Their large patio offers a beautiful view of the entire seashore.
This is the only Relais & Châteaux in Greece. The Elounda Mare has earned the label: luxurious rooms, sophisticated decor, magnificent gardens... A great address.
Porto Elounda Resort has been spoiled by nature. Its environment has been spared from concrete. Golf players will enjoy is nine-hole course.
This luxury hotel is nicely tucked away on a hillside overlooking the sea, but getting to the beach is certainly no picnic. However, total privacy is guaranteed, both in the rooms, around their private swimming pools and in any of the uniquely designed luxury villas. As the communal areas are kept to a minimum, this is a good place to visit for a completely independent holiday.
The Aquila Elounda Village is built on a rock overlooking Mirabello Bay. It does not have a beach.
This luxury palace will take you on a heavenly journey. Located in the Eastern part of Crete, near the small and picturesque fishing village of Elounda, it offers an exceptional view with Spinalonga Island as a centre piece. The services offered are backed up by solid infrastructures: numerous and varied restaurants, a plethora of private pools, a magnificent spa and a beach, which, despite the pebbles, does not lack character.
The very exclusive Elounda Peninsula stands above the bay and overlooks the sea and the surrounding hotels, offering a personalised service, privacy and peaceful surroundings, with 'luxury' and 'elegance' being the key words to describe the hotel and the service it provides. A clearly beautiful establishment, it is particularly ideal for couples and those who like fine dining, as the hotel also boasts the finest restaurant in Crete.
This luxury palace will take you on a heavenly journey. Located in the Eastern part of Crete, near the small and picturesque fishing village of Elounda, it offers an exceptional view with Spinalonga Island as a centre piece. The services offered are backed up by solid infrastructures: numerous and varied restaurants, a plethora of private pools, a magnificent spa and a beach, which, despite the pebbles, does not lack character.
The Elounda Beach appears as a small Cretan village by the water, in the Mirabello Bay, in front of the Spinalonga island.
The very exclusive Elounda Peninsula stands above the bay and overlooks the sea and the surrounding hotels, offering a personalised service, privacy and peaceful surroundings, with 'luxury' and 'elegance' being the key words to describe the hotel and the service it provides. A clearly beautiful establishment, it is particularly ideal for couples and those who like fine dining, as the hotel also boasts the finest restaurant in Crete.
This is the only Relais & Châteaux in Greece. The Elounda Mare has earned the label: luxurious rooms, sophisticated decor, magnificent gardens... A great address.
This luxury hotel is nicely tucked away on a hillside overlooking the sea, but getting to the beach is certainly no picnic. However, total privacy is guaranteed, both in the rooms, around their private swimming pools and in any of the uniquely designed luxury villas. As the communal areas are kept to a minimum, this is a good place to visit for a completely independent holiday.
Porto Elounda Resort has been spoiled by nature. Its environment has been spared from concrete. Golf players will enjoy is nine-hole course.
The Elounda Palm is a convivial, human-size, hotel located near the small Elounda seaside resort. The rooms are very simple, although spacious and pleasant. Their large patio offers a beautiful view of the entire seashore.
The Aquila Elounda Village is built on a rock overlooking Mirabello Bay. It does not have a beach.