Elounda SA Hotels and Resorts in Crete - hotel review

About an hour’s drive from Heraklion airport, a cluster of three sister hotels share a very special stretch of the peninsular overlooking the Bay of Mirabello and the Aegean Sea.
Kristy Gray27 February 2017

You know to expect something special from a holiday spot that continues to attract a long list of Hollywood A-listers, premiership footballers and rock stars.

Lady Gaga loved this little corner of Crete so much, she reportedly spent a fortnight here, while Charlize Theron has been spotted and Arsenal’s advanced camp returns year after year.

Where is it?

Tucked away an hour from Crete's Heraklion airport on the north coast of Greece’s largest island is the fishing village of Elounda, a pretty harbour town dotted with bustling local restaurants and tavernas overlooked by rugged mountains.

You’ll find this trio of luxury resorts, the Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts collection, overlooking a turquoise bay a mile around the coastline from the village.

The resort has four private sandy beaches

Style:

While each of the resorts has its own character, thoughtful design flows through them all. Greek architect Spyros Kokotos is considered one of the country finest architects for hotels and has managed to deliver a sea view to every guest across all three of the properties, which is some feat with more than 250 rooms, suites and villas.

The entire complex is an ode to its surroundings, a well-considered combination of local Cretan wood and stone set against lush seaside gardens.

Spectacular sea views are framed by wall-to-ceiling windows and doors opening out to private terraces, while inside, smooth marble bathrooms and walk-in showers add more relaxed luxury.

Rooms and suites have a relaxed feel and many have private terraces and pools

Facilities:

Where to start? There are more than 10 restaurants and bars, a golf course, four private sandy beaches, yachts for private charter, water sports, tennis courts and scuba trips. Not to mention the resort’s very own Greek village square, which has several boutiques, a jeweller’s, souvenir shops - and its own Greek Orthodox chapel.

The Six Senses Spa at Elounda Peninsula offers breathtaking views from the indoor-outdoor infinity hydropool, which also happens to have in-pool sun loungers with spa jets.

There's also two sauna and steam rooms, private treatment suites and a small private spa, within the spa, for ultimate privacy.

The nine-hole golf course is one of the longest par-3 courses in Europe, with slopes and sand traps presenting a series of wicked challenges to even the most experienced of golfers.

The infinity hydropool at the Six Senses Spa offers breathtaking views

Extra-curricular:

Elounda, the main town, is a five-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk away. It’s definitely worth exploring the local restaurants and tavernas with menus changing daily according to the day’s catch.

From here, thousands of tourists a day make their way to the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony and the setting for Victoria Hislop’s debut novel The Island. Boats leave Elounda harbour every 30 minutes throughout the summer and take about 15-20 minutes to reach the island.

Closer to the airport, and 5km south of Heraklion, is the must-see ancient archaeological site of Knossos, the centre of Minoan civilisation in Crete.

Pan-Asian restaurant Koh is located just above sea level

Food and drink:

There are 10 restaurants and bars to choose from between the three hotels. Among daily-changing Greek and Mediterranean menus and the all-day BeachBar, there’s an Italian restaurant under a shady olive grove, a Pan-Asian eatery located just above sea level and an award-winning traditional Cretan restaurant.

Themed evenings take place at each the restaurants week and a highlight for us was the generous choice of fresh and cooked seafood served up on fish night at The Yacht Club, a relaxed open-air restaurant right on the water’s edge.

The resort offers a good choice of restaurants

Which room?

With a water park, kid’s club and games area, the Porto Elounda Golf & Spa resort is ideal for families with children. Choose from sea view room with shared or private pools.

At Elounda Mare, accommodation is either in the main building or in bungalows with private pools and gardens. In the front row near the sea, the grand Minoan Royalty Suites feature traditional Cretan decor, spacious living rooms, large terraces and pools.

Elounda Peninsula is an all-suite hotel with a private heated seawater swimming pool on the terrace of every room. Plus there’s a private beach for guests of this property only, reserved sunshades and loungers and an indoor pool and spa area.

The Diamond Residences are the ultimate in luxury, a collection of one- to six-bedroom palatial villas with direct access to a a private beach. The largest villa comes with a private indoor and outdoor pool, staff quarters and a private lift.

Many of the rooms and suites have private pools

Best for:

Families and couples.

When to go:

The resort is open from April until October, with high season from June.

Price:

Porto Elounda Golf & Spa: stay seven nights half board from £1,140 per person (based on two sharing), including BA flights from Gatwick and transfers. Valid 29 Apr-30 Oct 2017.

Elounda Mare Relais & Chateaux Hotel: stay seven nights half board from £1,520 per person (based on two sharing) or £5,640 per family, includes flights and transfers. Based on 6 May 2017 departure.

Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel: stay seven nights B&B from £1,480 per person (based on two sharing) or £6,220 per family (two adults, two children under 12 years) with flights and transfers. Based on 6 May 2017 departure.

To book: call Elegant Resorts on 01244 897515 or visit elegantresorts.co.uk.

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